Teeth Whitening in South Lyon, MI
Professional-grade whitening you can do at home. East Lake Dental provides custom-fitted whitening trays and dentist-strength gel for results you can see in just 1-2 weeks. Safe, effective, and designed to fit your smile.
Our Whitening Approach
At East Lake Dental, we use custom take-home whitening trays rather than in-office whitening sessions. This approach gives you professional results with the comfort and convenience of whitening on your own schedule.
Here is how it works: we take impressions of your teeth and create trays that fit your mouth precisely. You receive professional-strength whitening gel and clear instructions. Wear the trays at home for 30-60 minutes each day, and you will see noticeably whiter teeth within 1-2 weeks.
Custom trays ensure the whitening gel contacts every surface of your teeth evenly, which means consistent results without the patchiness that comes with one-size-fits-all strips or trays from the drugstore.
Why Professional Whitening?
Not all whitening is the same. Professional whitening from your dentist offers advantages that store-bought products cannot match.
Custom-Fit Trays
Trays molded from impressions of your teeth provide even gel coverage across every surface. No gaps, no overflow, and no irritation to your gums.
Professional-Strength Gel
Dentist-dispensed whitening gel contains a higher concentration of active ingredients than anything available over the counter, delivering faster and more dramatic results.
Dentist Supervision
Your dentist examines your teeth before whitening to make sure you are a good candidate. This protects your enamel and catches any issues that should be addressed first.
Predictable Results
Because the trays fit precisely and the gel is professional grade, you get consistent, even whitening across all of your teeth. No guesswork involved.
Touch-Up Gel Available
Keep your custom trays and purchase additional whitening gel whenever you want to refresh your results. No need to start over from scratch.
Lasts Longer Than Strips
Professional whitening penetrates deeper into the enamel than over-the-counter strips, producing results that hold up for 1-3 years with proper maintenance.
What to Expect
The teeth whitening process at East Lake Dental is simple and straightforward. Here is what happens from start to finish.
Dental Exam
We examine your teeth and gums to confirm you are a good candidate for whitening. Any cavities, gum disease, or sensitivity issues are addressed before treatment begins.
Impressions for Custom Trays
We take impressions of your upper and lower teeth. These are used to create whitening trays that fit your mouth exactly, ensuring comfortable wear and even gel distribution.
Trays and Gel Delivered
Once your custom trays are ready, you pick them up along with your professional whitening gel. We walk you through the instructions and answer any questions.
Wear Daily for 1-2 Weeks
Apply a small amount of gel to each tray and wear them for 30-60 minutes daily. Most patients begin to notice a difference within the first few days.
Follow-Up Assessment
After your whitening cycle is complete, we check your results and discuss maintenance. If you want additional whitening, we can provide more gel for extended treatment.
Professional vs. Over-the-Counter Whitening
Wondering whether to go with a dentist or pick up whitening strips at the store? Here is how they compare.
| Feature | Professional (Custom Trays) | OTC Strips |
|---|---|---|
| Tray fit | Custom-molded to your teeth | Generic, one-size-fits-all |
| Whitening strength | Professional-grade gel | Lower concentration |
| Coverage | Even across all teeth | Uneven, misses edges and gaps |
| Dentist supervision | Yes, exam before and after | No professional oversight |
| Gum protection | Trays contain gel away from gums | Gel can contact and irritate gums |
| How long results last | 1-3 years with touch-ups | A few months |
| Touch-up option | Buy more gel, reuse trays | Buy new strips each time |
Cost and Payment Options
Professional take-home whitening typically costs between $300 and $600. The price includes your custom trays, professional whitening gel, and follow-up assessment.
Insurance: Dental insurance rarely covers teeth whitening because it is considered a cosmetic procedure. Check with your plan for specifics, but plan on paying out of pocket for this treatment.
HSA and FSA: Teeth whitening is generally eligible for Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account funds, which can reduce your effective cost through tax savings.
Touch-up gel: After your initial treatment, you can purchase additional whitening gel to use with your custom trays. This is a cost-effective way to maintain your results over time without paying for a full treatment again.
Contact our office at (248) 437-4119 for current pricing and to discuss your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How white will my teeth get?
Results vary depending on the starting shade of your teeth and the type of staining. Most patients see their teeth lighten by several shades within 1-2 weeks. Yellowed teeth from aging or food and drink tend to respond best. Your dentist will discuss realistic expectations based on your specific situation during your initial exam.
Does whitening damage enamel?
Professional teeth whitening supervised by a dentist is safe for your enamel. The whitening gel used in custom trays is formulated to break down stains without harming tooth structure. Some patients experience temporary sensitivity during treatment, which resolves shortly after the whitening cycle is complete.
How long do whitening results last?
Professional whitening results typically last 1-3 years depending on your diet and oral habits. Coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco can cause staining to return more quickly. Using touch-up gel with your custom trays every few months helps maintain your results over time.
Am I a good candidate for teeth whitening?
Most adults with healthy teeth and gums are good candidates for professional whitening. A dental exam is required first to check for cavities, gum disease, or other issues that should be treated before whitening. Whitening works best on natural teeth with yellow or brown staining from food, drink, or aging.
Can I whiten my teeth if I have crowns or veneers?
Whitening gel only works on natural tooth enamel. Crowns, veneers, and fillings will not change color with whitening treatment. If you have restorations on visible teeth, your dentist can help you plan a whitening approach that creates the most even, natural-looking result.
Ready for a Brighter Smile?
Schedule a whitening consultation to find out if professional teeth whitening is right for you. We will evaluate your teeth, answer your questions, and get you started.
Serving South Lyon, Brighton, Novi, Northville, Milford, Wixom, Pinckney, Howell, Green Oak Township, Hamburg, Whitmore Lake, and Salem.