Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening treatments can enhance your smile, remove stains, and lift the shade of your teeth. With professional teeth whitening, you can feel great about your teeth!

Ready for a bright new smile? At DeStefano Dentistry, we offer GLO teeth whitening in Pittsford, New York. These cosmetic treatments help remove stains and discoloration from your teeth for a brilliant smile.

Schedule an appointment with our dentist, Dr. Thomas J. DeStefano, by calling our dental office to learn more.

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Our Teeth Whitening Services

As one of the most common cosmetic dental treatments available, teeth whitening is a cost-effective way to brighten and renew your smile.

At DeStefano Dentistry, we offer both in-house and take-home teeth whitening treatments. Both of these options are safe and effective, so we will discuss each with you to help you determine the best treatment.

Professional teeth whitening typically uses a robust whitening gel placed over the outside surfaces of the teeth to remove stains and discolorations from the tooth enamel. This process can take upwards of 30 minutes to complete, but it differs per patient depending on their needs.

We use the GLO whitening system for in-office professional teeth whitening. For this option, Dr. DeStefano will apply a whitening agent to your teeth and use a curing light to speed up the process.

In-office whitening is the most effective and safest option. You’ll see results after just one visit. So, in-office is the best choice if you want noticeable results. While in-office teeth whitening may not remove all stains or discoloration, it is a good treatment for many patients looking to enhance their smiles.

If you prefer the flexibility of whitening your teeth on your own time, our take-home GLO whitening kits are an excellent option. These professional-grade systems are custom-fit trays or predesigned applicators that hold the whitening gel evenly against your teeth for consistent results.

At your visit, we’ll go over how to apply the gel correctly and how long to wear the trays each day. You can expect to see noticeable results in as little as one to two weeks.

Take-home whitening gives you full control over your schedule while still benefiting from the effectiveness of a professional treatment.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening is ideal for most adults with healthy teeth and gums who want to brighten their smiles. However, it’s not the best option for everyone.

You may be a great candidate if you:

Have stains from coffee, tea, wine, or aging
Have good oral hygiene habits
Don’t have untreated cavities or gum disease
Have realistic expectations about results

Teeth whitening may not be recommended for patients with severe intrinsic discoloration, exposed roots, restorations like crowns or veneers, or tooth sensitivity. In those cases, our team can discuss alternative cosmetic options such as veneers or bonding.

Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening

There are many reasons why patients choose professional teeth whitening over store-bought products. Here are some of the top benefits:

Immediate Results: See a dramatic difference in just one appointment.
Customized Care: Treatments are tailored to your teeth’s needs and sensitivity level.
Safe and Comfortable: Protects your enamel and gums throughout the process.
Confidence Boost: A brighter smile can improve your self-esteem and make a lasting impression.
Long-Lasting Effects: With proper care, results can last for many months.
Even Whitening: Professional applications ensure consistent, streak-free results.

What to Expect During Your Whitening Treatment

If you’ve never had your teeth professionally whitened before, the process is quick and comfortable. Here’s what a typical appointment looks like:

Consultation and Shade Assessment

Dr. DeStefano will discuss your goals and determine your current tooth shade.

Preparation

You’ll relax comfortably while the gel works to lift stains.

Whitening Application

The GLO whitening gel is applied to your teeth, then activated by a special light.

Processing Time

You’ll relax comfortably while the gel works to lift stains.

Rinse and Reveal

After your treatment, you’ll immediately notice a brighter smile!

Is Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening Effective?

You’ve probably seen many products at the store for teeth whitening. Toothpastes, strips, and gels are commonly used, and many patients wonder if they are effective or not.

Generally, these whitening products aren’t that effective, although they can provide some results. But to see those results, you’ll need to use the products consistently over long periods of time. These products may strip your tooth enamel, too, leaving you with extremely sensitive teeth. With professional teeth whitening, you can see whiter teeth in as little as just one treatment, and your teeth are more protected during the procedure.

If you have deeper stains or intense discoloration, over-the-counter teeth whitening likely won’t work very well at all. So, if you want fast, safe, effective results, professional teeth whitening is the best bet.

How Professional Whitening Compares to Store-Bought Options

It’s easy to be tempted by over-the-counter whitening strips and LED kits you see online, but professional whitening is in a completely different category. Here’s why:

Precision and Safety: Whitening agents used by dentists are stronger but are safely monitored to protect your gums and enamel.
Consistency: Custom application ensures every tooth is evenly whitened—no streaks or uneven results.
Time Efficiency: Professional whitening achieves dramatic results in a single visit instead of weeks or months of over-the-counter use.
Customization: The strength and duration of your treatment are based on your specific tooth shade, sensitivity level, and goals.

When you invest in professional whitening, you’re choosing safety, reliability, and results you can see immediately.

What Causes Tooth Discoloration & Stains?

How do you feel about your smile? If you have stains or discoloration on your teeth, you may not like to show off your mouth in pictures or to others around you. However, don’t worry, most people don’t have perfectly white teeth, especially with age.

Many factors can cause discoloration, stains, or yellowing. Some of these are within your control, while others are not.

Some of the most common contributors to discolored teeth are:

Smoking and Chewing Tobacco
Natural Aging
Drinking Hot Beverages, Such as Coffee or Tea
Medical Conditions
Certain Medications
Fluorosis
Lack of Proper Dental Hygiene
Genetic Predisposition

Some patients were more likely to have discoloration or yellowing, while others may have stains or issues because of diet and other factors. Teeth whitening is effective for most kinds of tooth discoloration, although it may not treat them all.

Preventing Tooth Stains

Here are a few steps you can take to prevent some stains and discoloration:

Brush twice per day
Floss daily
Visit the dentist for cleanings at least twice per year
Avoid food and drink that can stain your teeth
Drink sips of water between beverages that can stain

Dr. DeStefano and the team will partner with you to ensure you love your smile. If tooth whitening isn’t the right choice, we also offer other cosmetic dentistry procedures such as veneers.

Why Patients in Pittsford Love our GLO Whitening System

At DeStefano Dentistry, we use the GLO (Guided Light Optics) system because it provides superior results with minimal sensitivity. The unique warming mouthpiece accelerates the whitening gel’s performance while sealing out oxygen to prevent dehydration and discomfort.

Patients love that GLO is quick, comfortable, and effective. Whether you choose in-office or take-home whitening, you’ll enjoy a noticeably brighter smile and smoother, glossier enamel. The system also includes a gentle desensitizing agent to ensure your teeth stay strong and comfortable after treatment.

How Long Do Results Last?

Your whitening results can last anywhere from six months to two years, depending on your habits and oral hygiene routine. Regular dental cleanings and good daily care go a long way toward maintaining your bright smile.

We’ll also help you develop a personalized whitening maintenance plan during your consultation so you can enjoy your brighter smile for as long as possible.

Caring for Your Smile After Whitening

To keep your results looking their best, it’s important to practice good oral hygiene and make a few simple lifestyle adjustments.

Aftercare Tips:

Avoid staining foods and beverages for 48 hours (coffee, wine, berries, etc.)
Use a straw when drinking dark-colored liquids
Brush and floss daily
Schedule routine cleanings every six months
Use touch-up whitening treatments as recommended

Our team can provide touch-up kits or schedule quick maintenance sessions to keep your smile looking bright year-round.

Why Choose DeStefano Dentistry for Teeth Whitening?

At DeStefano Dentistry, our mission is to provide personalized, high-quality dental care in a comfortable and friendly environment. When it comes to cosmetic treatments like teeth whitening, you can trust that your smile is in experienced hands.

Here’s why Pittsford patients choose us:

Expertise from a trusted dentist, Dr. Thomas J. DeStefano
Advanced GLO whitening technology
Customized care for every patient
Comfortable, modern office environment
Comprehensive cosmetic dentistry options to enhance your smile

We combine advanced technology with a warm, personalized approach so you always feel confident in your care.

Common Questions About Teeth Whitening

With proper care, professional whitening results can last six months to two years. Factors like diet, tobacco use, and oral hygiene can affect longevity.

Yes! Professional whitening treatments are closely monitored by our dental team to ensure safety and effectiveness. We use materials that protect your enamel and minimize sensitivity.

Whitening treatments only work on natural tooth enamel, not restorations. If you have crowns, veneers, or fillings, we’ll help you explore cosmetic options for a uniform smile.

Some patients experience mild sensitivity, but it’s temporary. The GLO system is specifically designed to minimize sensitivity and maximize comfort.

The results depend on your starting shade and the type of staining you have, but most patients see their teeth lighten by several shades. Our goal is to give you a natural, healthy brightness rather than an artificial “too white” look.

In most cases, whitening is best for older teens and adults, once all permanent teeth have fully erupted. We recommend an evaluation before whitening for younger patients.

Out of caution, we typically recommend waiting until after pregnancy and breastfeeding to begin any cosmetic whitening treatments.

It depends on the cause. Yellow and light brown stains usually respond well, while gray or deep brown discoloration may require other cosmetic treatments. During your consultation, we’ll help determine the best option for you.

Schedule a Consultation at Our Office!

Many patients who receive teeth whitening want to improve the aesthetic appearance of their smiles for special occasions or as a way to improve their physical appearance and gain confidence. Whatever the reason, teeth whitening is an easy and simple way to enhance your beautiful smile.

Schedule a consultation with our dentist to learn more about the fantastic teeth whitening treatments we offer!