Teeth Whitening in Washington, PA
Enhanced Wellness offers professional teeth whitening in Washington, PA — both in-office and take-home. Dr. Elizabeth Wakim will help you choose the right option for your goals, your timeline, and your teeth. Professional whitening delivers real results that drugstore strips simply can't match.
Professional Whitening vs. Store-Bought — What's the Difference?
The active ingredient in whitening products is the same whether you buy them at a drugstore or get them from us — hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. The difference is concentration, fit, and supervision.
Over-the-counter strips and trays use low-concentration peroxide (3–10%) in a one-size-fits-all tray that doesn't seal well against your teeth. Professional whitening uses 15–40% concentration in custom-fitted trays or with in-office light activation — delivering significantly more whitening with better coverage, fewer missed spots, and less gum irritation from product leakage.
Dr. Wakim also examines your teeth before whitening to check for cavities, gum disease, or existing restorations that could affect your results or cause sensitivity. That screening step alone makes professional whitening safer than doing it on your own.
Your Two Options at Enhanced Wellness
In-Office Whitening
Our in-office whitening treatment delivers dramatic results in a single appointment. We apply a professional-strength whitening gel to your teeth and use a special light to accelerate the process. Most patients see 6–10 shades of improvement in about an hour.
Perfect if you have an event coming up, a wedding, a reunion, or you just want results as fast as possible without weeks of at-home treatment.
Take-Home Whitening Kit
Our custom take-home kits use professional-strength whitening gel in trays made from impressions of your teeth — so they fit perfectly and seal against the gumline, minimizing sensitivity and maximizing coverage.
You whiten at home on your own schedule — typically 30–60 minutes per day for 1–2 weeks. Results build gradually and are very natural-looking. The trays are yours to keep for future touch-ups.
| In-Office Whitening | Take-Home Kit | Store-Bought Strips | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peroxide concentration | 25–40% | 15–22% | 3–10% |
| Custom-fitted trays | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
| Time to results | 1 hour | 1–2 weeks | 2–4+ weeks |
| Dentist examination first | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
| Sensitivity management | Professional monitoring | Custom fit reduces leakage | No oversight |
| Keeps restorations in mind | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
What's Causing Your Teeth to Look Yellow?
Understanding what's staining your teeth helps set realistic expectations — and determines whether whitening is the right solution or whether something like veneers or bonding would serve you better.
Coffee, Tea & Wine
The most common culprits. These pigment-rich drinks stain enamel over time — and whitening works well on them.
Tobacco Use
Nicotine and tar create deep, stubborn yellow-brown stains. Whitening can help but results may be less dramatic.
Aging
Enamel thins with age, revealing the naturally yellowish dentin beneath. Whitening addresses this well.
Medications
Tetracycline antibiotics and certain medications cause intrinsic (internal) staining — whitening is often less effective here.
Old Fillings or Restorations
Whitening doesn't affect crowns, veneers, or composite fillings. Dr. Wakim will factor these in before recommending a plan.
Fluorosis or Trauma
White spots or grey discoloration from fluorosis or past injury may not respond to bleaching — alternatives may work better.
⚠️ When whitening may not be the right answer
Whitening works on natural tooth enamel — it does not change the color of crowns, veneers, bridges, or composite fillings. If you have significant visible restorations in your smile zone, whitening your natural teeth may create a mismatch. Dr. Wakim will assess this at your consultation and give you honest guidance on whether whitening, veneers, bonding, or a combination makes the most sense for your specific situation.
What Does Teeth Whitening Cost?
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by dental insurance. Financing options are available — ask our team. Many patients find that combining in-office and take-home treatment gives the best overall results.
Trusted by Washington, PA for 15+ Years
Dr. Elizabeth Wakim has been transforming smiles across Washington County for over 15 years. She takes a personalized approach to whitening — starting with an honest assessment of what's possible given your unique tooth color, any existing restorations, and your sensitivity history. Her goal is results you're genuinely happy with, not just a treatment sold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get a Brighter Smile in Washington, PA
In-office results in one hour. Custom take-home kits that actually fit. Call Enhanced Wellness to find out which option is right for you.
