Teeth whitening at our Huntington Park office can lighten natural teeth that have turned yellow or darker over the years, often from coffee, tea, red wine, or tobacco. It starts with an exam here at 3058 E Gage Ave to see whether whitening suits your teeth. You’ll know the price before we begin.
Why does whitening start with an exam?
Whitening is a cosmetic treatment, and it’s meant for healthy teeth and gums. At the exam we’ll check both and ask what you’re hoping for. Any cavities or gum problems we find come first. The cosmetic part can wait.
If you’d like whiter teeth for a wedding or another big day, call us well before the date. That leaves time for the exam and for any care your teeth need beforehand.
Dr. Mora, who grew up in Huntington Park, earned her DDS at UCLA. She’s known for a gentle touch and for talking patients through every option before anything is done. You’ll get a straight answer about what whitening can do in your case, with no pressure either way.
Sometimes whitening alone won’t give you the change you’re after. We also offer porcelain veneers, dental bonding, smile makeovers, and gummy smile correction, all designed around your face and your goals.
Crowns and fillings don’t whiten
Only natural teeth respond to whitening. A crown, veneer, or filling that shows when you smile will keep the shade it has now, so it may look darker next to your whitened teeth.
The order matters if you’re also planning new work, such as a dental crown on a front tooth. That work is usually matched to the color of the teeth beside it, so it often makes sense to whiten first. We can help you sort out the timing at your exam.
Will your teeth feel sensitive?
They might. Some people notice temporary sensitivity after whitening. If your teeth already react to cold, mention it at your exam so the dentist has the whole picture.
Nervous about the visit itself? Tell us that too. We keep things calm, with no judgment and no rush.
Keeping the color longer
Whitening doesn’t last forever. The color fades gradually, and how quickly depends on your habits. A few things help:
- Brushing twice a day
- Keeping up with your regular cleanings
- Going easy on coffee, tea, and red wine
- Staying away from tobacco
Cleanings help because they remove plaque and tartar, and the polishing can lift some surface stains.
You don’t have to quit coffee. But the less often you reach for dark drinks, the longer the color tends to hold.
Common questions before whitening
How much does teeth whitening cost?
We’ll go over the price after your exam, before any treatment begins. Your first visit as a new patient is a full exam and digital X-rays for $75 (regular price $149). The $75 doesn’t include whitening.
Does dental insurance cover teeth whitening?
That depends on your plan, so give us its name when you call. Most PPO dental plans are welcome here, and insurance isn’t required to book a visit. CareCredit and Cherry offer payment plans for larger treatment if you’re approved.
How long does teeth whitening last?
It varies from person to person. The results fade over time, and dark drinks and tobacco speed that up. Brushing well and keeping up with your cleanings help them last longer.
How white will my teeth get?
It’s hard to say before an exam, because teeth and stains don’t all respond the same way. Once the dentist has seen yours, we’ll tell you what to expect.
Is whitening the same as a cleaning?
No. A cleaning gets rid of plaque and tartar and leaves your teeth polished, but their natural shade stays the same. Whitening is what makes them lighter. After your exam, we’ll let you know whether you need a cleaning first. It isn’t part of the $75 new-patient visit, so you’ll get its price beforehand.
Can I go through my visit in Spanish?
Yes. Dr. Mora and the rest of our team are bilingual, so you can have the entire visit in Spanish, from your first call to your last question.
Thinking about whitening? Call us at (323) 581-2603 or request a visit with the form below. We’re open weekdays from 9 AM to 6 PM and Saturdays from 9 AM to 2 PM, and we often have openings the same week. An online request only becomes an appointment once we call or write back to confirm a time. We usually do that within one business day.