Drugstore strips fade fast and can leave uneven results — professional Teeth Whitening is calibrated to your enamel, not a generic formula. Smile Center Dentistry checks your enamel and gums before recommending a strength.
Whitening done without a dental exam first can mask decay or worsen sensitivity — we check both before treatment. We'd rather delay a whitening session than treat over a cavity we haven't addressed.
We calibrate gel concentration to your enamel condition, not a one-strength-fits-all approach. Stronger isn't always better — the right concentration for your enamel matters more than speed.
A quick exam catches issues that whitening over them would only make worse. We'd rather catch a problem now than have you call back in discomfort later.
Choose a single in-office session for fast results or custom take-home trays for a gradual approach — we explain the trade-offs. Some patients even combine both — an in-office boost followed by take-home maintenance.
We proactively manage sensitivity instead of waiting for you to call back in pain. We check in after your session if sensitivity was a concern going in.
Results and timelines vary by starting shade and enamel condition, and we're upfront about that.
One appointment, professional-grade gel, and a shade guide comparison before and after. We monitor sensitivity throughout the session rather than applying gel and walking away.
A slower approach for patients who prefer control over the pace and prefer less chair time. We check your progress at a follow-up to confirm even results.
Realistic outcome expectations are set at this visit — whitening lightens natural enamel, not crowns or veneers. This appointment also flags any restorations that won't whiten along with natural teeth.
Desensitizing gel is applied before and after treatment for patients prone to sensitive teeth. Post-visit care instructions are given verbally and in writing.
Take-home touch-up trays let you maintain your shade without a full in-office visit each time. We recommend a schedule based on your diet and habits, not a generic interval.
Deeper staining from certain medications or fluorosis responds differently than surface staining and may need a longer protocol. Realistic expectations are set at your shade consult, not after treatment disappoints you.
We ask about sensitivity history when you book, so we're prepared for your specific case.
We check for cavities and gum health, then compare your current shade against a guide.
Sensitivity is monitored throughout, with gel timing adjusted if needed.
You'll see your new shade compared to your starting point, plus a plan to maintain it.
"Did the in-office session before my wedding. Noticeably brighter after one hour and no sensitivity afterward."
"Take-home trays fit perfectly since they were molded to my actual bite, not a generic tray."
"Shade comparison before and after was a nice touch — I could actually see the difference, not just take their word for it."
"Honest about what whitening could and couldn't fix on my teeth — no overselling."
"Had some intrinsic staining from an old medication and they explained upfront it would take longer to lighten. Appreciated not being oversold on a quick fix."
Results vary by starting shade, but most patients see several shades of improvement after in-office treatment. Take-home trays typically show gradual improvement over one to two weeks.
Overuse of drugstore products without supervision is more likely to cause sensitivity than a professionally managed treatment. Supervised whitening is safer precisely because someone is watching for problems.
Coffee, wine, and tobacco fade results faster — we discuss realistic maintenance based on your habits. We'll recommend a realistic maintenance plan rather than a generic one-size interval.
We flag any crowns or veneers upfront so you're not surprised by an uneven result later. Some patients choose to replace an older restoration afterward to match their new shade.
Sensitivity is common and manageable — we tailor the approach rather than skipping whitening altogether. Most sensitive patients tolerate a properly calibrated protocol well.
Both use professional-grade gel; the choice usually comes down to your timeline and sensitivity level. Some patients do both — an initial boost followed by trays for upkeep.
Smile Center Dentistry provides Teeth Whitening to patients throughout Chico and neighboring Chico, TX communities. New and existing patients throughout Chico are welcome to book a shade consult first.
Licensed, gentle, and local to Chico — call and ask about your options.
Call +1-866-227-2801