Teeth Whitening in Fort Lauderdale

Why supervised whitening is different

Over-the-counter strips use a low concentration of peroxide and a tray that fits nobody in particular. That combination is why results are uneven, why gel ends up on the gums, and why sensitivity is such a common complaint.

Professional whitening uses a higher concentration under controlled conditions, with the gums isolated and a custom tray made from a scan of your own teeth. It also starts with an exam — because whitening an untreated cavity or a cracked tooth is a genuinely bad idea.

Two ways to whiten

• In-office whitening — a single supervised appointment. The fastest route, and the usual choice before an event.
• Custom take-home trays — trays made from a scan of your teeth, with professional-strength gel used over roughly one to two weeks at home. More gradual, easier on sensitive teeth, and reusable later for touch-ups.
• A combination — an in-office session to set the shade, then trays to maintain it.

What whitening will and will not change

Whitening works on natural tooth structure. It does not change the color of crowns, veneers, bonding or fillings — so if you have restorations in the smile line, the sequence matters: whiten first, then match the new restorations to the lighter shade.

Some discoloration is internal rather than surface — from trauma, or from certain medications taken in childhood. Those cases usually respond better to bonding or veneers, and the doctors will say so at the consultation rather than after three rounds of gel.