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Teeth Whitening

I have been using Okun Dentistry for about 10 years. I have found the office to be very professional, friendly and caring. They can assist with insurance and will go the extra mile. Last year I needed some specialty work that is not included in Dr. Okun’s practice. Her referrals were terrific. Dr Okun also doesn’t recommend work until it is necessary. Before seeing Dr Amy, I was her father’s patient. This is definitely a family practice with a family vibe. I have no hesitations recommending this practice.

- Jayne Lewis
5.0
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Woman examining teeth in mirror at dental office, smiling and touching her face.

Whitening procedures have effectively restored the smiles of people with stained, dull, or discolored teeth. Dentists in Tempe always strive to improve the appearance of your teeth with safe, effective whitening solutions.

The darker tissue of your teeth, the dentin, can become exposed as the outer layer of enamel is worn away by the effects of aging or things like caffeine and tobacco.

Food particles are naturally attracted to a tooth’s enamel by a certain protein. Products like coffee and tea, berries, and soy sauce are notorious for staining teeth. Over time, teeth become more absorbent and vulnerable to staining from food and other substances.

One type of stain—caused by traumatic injuries, medications, and fluorosis—begins inside the tooth; brushing and flossing don’t help. Another type of stain—one that can be more easily attacked by brushing, flossing, and rinsing—is caused by external factors such as foods.

More and more people today are choosing tooth-whitening procedures to reverse the effects of ageing and abuse from food and tobacco stains. Visit Okun Dentistry today if you are looking for reliable teeth-whitening services in Tempe, AZ.

Some commercially available “whitening toothpaste” can remove stains and make teeth a few shades brighter. However, many of these products have abrasive substances that can wear away your tooth’s enamel.

Our teeth-whitening agents change the color of your teeth, but they are effective on certain types of stains. For example, bleaching agents have a difficult time removing brownish or greyish stains. These products are also not as effective on pitted or badly discolored teeth, or on restorations such as crowns, bridges, bonding, and tooth-colored fillings (porcelain veneers or dental bonding may be more appropriate in this case).

Professional whitening performed by our Tempe office is considered to be the most effective and safest method; done properly, tooth whitening can last as long as five years. Over-the-counter whitening systems are somewhat effective as long as they are monitored and directions are followed closely. Book a teeth whitening session with our Tempe dentists, to witness the difference and the visible results. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Our whitening treatments are effective for removing surface stains caused by coffee, tea, tobacco, and certain foods. However, deeper stains from trauma, medications, or fluorosis may not respond fully, and restorations like veneers or crowns don’t whiten.

We use a controlled whitening agent (bleach) applied by our team, which lightens your enamel. The process penetrates stain molecules, changing their color. This method is much more effective and monitored than over‑the‑counter products. 

Yes — when done professionally at our Tempe office, whitening is safe. We use formulas that minimize enamel damage and sensitivity, and we assess your teeth first to ensure it’s a good option for your oral health. 

Results from our professional whitening can last up to five years, depending on your diet, habits (such as smoking), and the level of maintenance you provide for your teeth. 

Some patients may experience mild sensitivity afterward. This is temporary and usually manageable — we can recommend desensitizing toothpaste or techniques to minimize discomfort during and after treatment.

Avoid or limit stain-causing foods and drinks (such as coffee, red wine, and berries), practice good oral hygiene, and schedule regular cleanings. Touch‑up whitening treatments can help preserve your results.

No — whitening agents do not change the color of dental restorations like crowns, fillings, or veneers. If you need matching, we may recommend replacing or adjusting those restorations to blend with your whitened teeth. 

The procedure typically takes about an hour. We apply the whitening gel, allow it to work, and monitor the results before determining whether additional application is needed.

Yes — we provide professional-strength take-home trays and whitening gel. You wear the trays for a specified amount of time daily, and the results build gradually under your supervision.

Ideal candidates have healthy teeth and gums, realistic expectations, and primarily stain‑related discoloration. We’ll evaluate your dental history during a consultation in Tempe to recommend the best whitening option for you.