Stained or discolored teeth can hold you back from smiling as freely as you’d like, and that’s something Dr. Kevin Chidester, DMD takes seriously at Maplewood Family Dental. Teeth whitening is one of the most effective, non-invasive ways to improve your smile, and it doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Our team offers multiple professional whitening options tailored to your goals, your schedule, and your comfort level. You deserve a smile you feel good about, and we’re here to help you get there with treatments that are safe, proven, and personalized to you.
Teeth Whitening
What Causes Tooth Discoloration
Tooth discoloration happens in two ways: on the surface and beneath it. Surface stains, called extrinsic stains, build up from everyday habits like drinking coffee, tea, red wine, or soda, and from tobacco use. These stains settle into the outer layer of your teeth over time, making them look yellow or dull even when your oral hygiene is solid. The other type, intrinsic discoloration, develops inside the tooth itself and can result from aging, certain medications, or trauma.
Professional whitening targets both types more effectively than anything you’d find at a drugstore. Over-the-counter strips and rinses use lower-strength formulas that address only the most superficial staining. Dentist-supervised treatment uses higher-concentration peroxide agents that penetrate deeper, breaking down stubborn stains more thoroughly, and with a level of customization that protects your gum tissue and accounts for any existing sensitivity.
Which whitening system is right for you?
We offer multiple whitening solutions so you can choose what works best for your schedule, goals, and budget. Each option is professionally guided and designed to deliver real, lasting results.
How We Approach Your Whitening Treatment
Dental Evaluation
Before any whitening begins, Dr. Kevin Chidester, DMD performs a thorough dental evaluation to assess your tooth shade, enamel condition, and gum health. This step is essential because it helps us catch any concerns, like existing sensitivity or cavities, that could affect how your teeth respond to whitening agents. You leave this appointment with a clear picture of where your smile stands and what’s possible.
Your Whitening Recommendation
Not every whitening system works the same way, and not every patient needs the same approach. Based on your evaluation, Dr. Chidester will recommend the option that best matches your goals: Zoom! for fast, in-office results, Opalescence Go for a hassle-free take-home experience, or custom whitening trays for a longer, more gradual treatment. You’ll understand exactly why a particular system was chosen and what kind of results you can realistically expect.
Treatment Day
For Zoom! whitening, your session takes place in our office where we apply the professional-grade gel and use a specialized light to activate it, all in a single appointment. For Opalescence Go or custom trays, we set you up with everything you need and walk you through how to use your system correctly at home. Either way, we make sure you feel prepared and comfortable before you start.
Maintaining Your Results
Keeping your results looking sharp comes down to a few consistent habits. Cutting back on staining foods and drinks, particularly coffee, red wine, and dark sodas, especially in the first 48 hours after treatment makes a measurable difference. Regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings help preserve your shade well beyond that initial window.
Ongoing Support
Dr. Kevin Chidester, DMD believes good dental care doesn’t stop when your treatment does. We check in after your whitening to evaluate your results and make sure everything went smoothly. If you’d like to keep your teeth at their brightest over the long term, we can discuss maintenance options and schedule touch-ups at a pace that works for you.
What Sets Our Approach to Teeth Whitening Apart
A lot of dental offices offer whitening, but fewer stand behind it the way we do. At Maplewood Family Dental, your results don’t get handed off once treatment is done. We track how your teeth respond, schedule follow-up appointments to evaluate your outcome, and make adjustments when needed. That kind of accountability isn’t something you get with a box of strips from a pharmacy, and it’s not something every dental practice prioritizes either.
Dr. Kevin Chidester, DMD understands that whitening is an investment in your appearance, your confidence, and your time. That’s why our follow-up process is built into every treatment plan, not offered as an afterthought. If your results fall short of expectations or sensitivity becomes a concern, we address it directly. You’ll always have a clear next step and a team that takes your outcome personally.
FAQs
How much does teeth whitening cost?
Professional teeth whitening generally ranges from $300 to $1,000, depending on the type of treatment. In-office systems tend to cost more than take-home options but deliver faster results. Costs also vary by location, provider, and the complexity of your case. A consultation is the best way to get accurate pricing tailored to your specific needs and whitening goals.
How long does teeth whitening last?
Professional whitening results typically last six months to two years. How long yours lasts depends largely on your diet, oral hygiene routine, and whether you use tobacco products. Staining foods and drinks like coffee, tea, and red wine accelerate fading. Routine dental cleanings and occasional touch-up treatments are the most effective ways to maintain your results over time.
Is teeth whitening safe?
Yes, teeth whitening is safe when performed or supervised by a licensed dental professional. Dentist-prescribed products are clinically tested and used at concentrations appropriate for your dental health. A proper evaluation beforehand, checking for sensitivity, gum health, and existing restorations, ensures the treatment is suitable for you and significantly reduces the risk of adverse effects.
Does teeth whitening damage enamel?
Professional teeth whitening does not damage enamel when used as directed. The peroxide-based agents in professional-grade products are formulated to break down stains without affecting the structural integrity of your teeth. Overuse of whitening products, particularly unsupervised store-bought options, is where enamel concerns tend to arise, which is why professional guidance makes a meaningful difference.
Does teeth whitening hurt?
Teeth whitening does not typically cause pain, though some people experience temporary sensitivity during or shortly after treatment. This is more common in patients who already have sensitive teeth or thin enamel. Sensitivity usually subsides within 24 to 48 hours. A dentist can recommend desensitizing toothpaste or adjust the treatment concentration to keep the process as comfortable as possible.
Your Smile Should Be Something You’re Proud Of!
Patients who come in for whitening often say the same thing afterward: they didn’t realize how much their smile was holding them back until they saw the difference. That feeling of wanting to show your teeth when you laugh, talk, or take a photo is exactly what Dr. Kevin Chidester, DMD works toward with every whitening treatment. It’s not a small thing, and we don’t treat it like one.
Talk to the team at Maplewood Family Dental through 919.438.3933 to schedule your consultation and find out what your teeth are actually capable of. Our patients share their experiences and results on our Facebook and Instagram pages, and a quick look will show you what’s possible before you even walk through the door.
