A whiter smile is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to refresh your appearance. At Drew Dental, Dr. Jason Drew and Dr. Allyson Drew offer three professional whitening options for patients throughout Aptos, Capitola, Soquel, and Santa Cruz County, so you can choose the approach that fits your schedule, budget, and goals.
Every whitening plan starts with a personal consultation. We check that your teeth and gums are healthy, talk about the shade you want, and recommend the method most likely to get you there comfortably.
Call (831) 688-6060 to schedule a whitening consultation.
Most discoloration builds up gradually, and it comes from two sources.
Surface stains come from coffee, tea, red wine, dark sodas, berries, and tobacco. These stains respond very well to professional whitening.
Deeper discoloration comes from aging, as the outer enamel thins and the darker layer underneath shows through. It can also come from certain medications taken during childhood, excess fluoride while teeth were forming, or an injury to a tooth. These stains can often be improved, but results are less predictable and may take longer.
Zoom is the fastest way to a noticeably whiter smile, with results in a single visit of about an hour or two. We protect your gums and lips, apply a professional-strength whitening gel, and activate it with a specialized light. Our doctors tailor the gel strength and treatment time to your teeth and sensitivity level for the brightest, most comfortable result.
Zoom is ideal before a wedding, reunion, photos, or any event where you want results right away.
For gradual, highly customizable whitening, we make trays shaped precisely to your teeth from impressions or a digital scan. You fill them at home with Opalescence professional whitening gel and wear them for a set time each day or overnight. Most patients see their best results within one to two weeks.
Because the trays fit so closely, the gel stays on your teeth and away from your gums. The gel also contains potassium nitrate and fluoride, which help reduce sensitivity. Your trays can be used again for touch-ups for years, which makes this one of the most cost-effective ways to keep your smile bright.
Custom trays are also the preferred way to whiten before new veneers, crowns, or bonding, so your new restorations can be matched to your brighter shade.
Opalescence Go uses ready-to-wear trays that come prefilled with professional whitening gel. No impressions or custom trays are needed, so you can start the same day. You wear the trays for a short time each day over several days.
Opalescence Go is a convenient way to try professional whitening for the first time, and an easy option for touch-ups after Zoom or custom tray whitening. It is only available through dental offices and is stronger and better fitting than typical store-bought whitening products.
Zoom in-office | Custom take-home trays | Opalescence Go | |
|---|---|---|---|
Where | In our office | At home | At home |
Time to results | One visit | About one to two weeks | Several days |
Customization | Gel strength and time set by the doctor | Custom-fit trays; gel strength and wear time tailored to you | Prefilled; one size fits most |
Impressions needed | No | Yes | No |
Reusable for touch-ups | No | Yes, trays last for years | Buy more as needed |
Best for | Fast, dramatic results before an event | Gradual, controlled whitening and before cosmetic work | Trying whitening or quick touch-ups |
Many patients combine options, such as Zoom for an immediate lift followed by custom trays or Opalescence Go to maintain the result.
Most adults with healthy teeth and gums are good candidates. We check a few things first:
Some people notice temporary tooth sensitivity during or shortly after whitening. It usually fades within a day or two after treatment ends. Professional whitening helps limit it in several ways: we adjust gel strength and wear time, custom trays keep gel off the gums, and the Opalescence gels we use contain potassium nitrate and fluoride. If you already have sensitive teeth, let us know so we can plan a gentler approach.
Professional results can last from several months to a few years. How long depends mostly on your habits. Coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco bring stains back faster. To keep your smile bright:
The cost depends on which option you choose. Opalescence Go is the most affordable way to start, custom trays offer the best long-term value because you can reuse them for touch-ups, and Zoom in-office whitening costs more but delivers results in a single visit. Whitening is a cosmetic treatment and is generally not covered by dental insurance. We will give you pricing for each option at your consultation.
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Professional whitening uses stronger, dentist-supervised gels and trays that fit better, so results are faster, more even, and easier on your gums. We also check for cavities, gum problems, and existing restorations first, which store-bought kits cannot do.
When used as directed under a dentist’s supervision, professional whitening is considered safe for enamel. Temporary sensitivity is the most common side effect.
No. Whitening only lightens natural teeth. If you plan to get new crowns, veneers, or bonding, whiten first so your restorations can be matched to your new shade.
Results vary based on your natural tooth color and the type of staining. Surface stains usually respond very well. We will show you a realistic shade goal at your consultation.
If you want results for an event soon, Zoom is the fastest. If you prefer gradual whitening with easy touch-ups, custom trays are the best long-term value. If you want to try professional whitening without impressions, Opalescence Go is a simple start.
A brighter smile can be closer than you think. Drs. Jason and Allyson Drew will help you choose the whitening option that fits your goals and your schedule.
Drew Dental is located at 783 Rio Del Mar Blvd, Aptos, CA 95003, a short drive from Capitola, Soquel, Seascape, and Santa Cruz. Call (831) 688-6060 to schedule your consultation.
Looking for more ways to enhance your smile? Explore our cosmetic dentistry services
