Professional teeth whitening at Austin Longevity is a safe and effective way to brighten your smile by lifting deep stains and discoloration that everyday brushing cannot remove. Over time, teeth become discolored from coffee, tea, red wine, tobacco, certain medications, and the natural aging process. Professional whitening uses higher-concentration whitening agents than over-the-counter products, delivering noticeably better results in significantly less time. We offer two primary whitening options. In-office whitening is performed at our practice and uses professional-strength whitening gel activated under controlled conditions. Most patients see results that are several shades brighter in a single appointment of about an hour. Take-home whitening uses custom-made trays that fit precisely to your teeth, paired with professional whitening gel that you apply at home over the course of one to two weeks. Both methods are effective and your dentist will recommend the option that best fits your lifestyle, sensitivity level, and goals. Professional whitening only affects natural tooth enamel, so existing crowns, veneers, fillings, and other dental restorations will not change color. For this reason, patients considering crowns or veneers in the front of the mouth are often advised to whiten first so their new restorations can be matched to the lighter shade. While whitening results are long-lasting, they are not permanent, and most patients benefit from periodic touch-up treatments every 6 to 12 months depending on diet and lifestyle.