Professional Teeth Whitening in Tucson AZ – Same Day & Deep Stain Removal
Dental Patient Reviews
A smile can lose its brightness over time without visible damage. Staining builds from everyday habits like coffee, tea, red wine, and smoking, and from medication, fluorosis, or changes inside the tooth structure.
At Foothills Family Dentistry, we have been serving Tucson and nearby communities since 1984. Our dentist performs professional teeth whitening to lift these stains and restore a cleaner, brighter appearance if you are dealing with visible discoloration. The type of staining is evaluated first, then the treatment is determined by how deep the discoloration sits and how your enamel and dentin are affected. Sensitivity, materials used, and cost are covered before treatment begins.
Teeth Whitening Services and Options in Tucson
Most patients come in after trying store products that do not produce results. We provide professional whitening using higher-grade peroxide formulations that break down stain buildup more effectively and produce a more consistent shade change.
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Schedule an appointment easily by filling out the online form.
Our front desk staff will contact you soon to confirm your appointment.
Meet Your Dentist
Kyle Scott
Dr. Scott was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. He graduated from Brigham Young with a Bachelor of Exercise Science degree. In the middle of his college career, Dr. Scott spent 2 years in Mexico City on a church mission serving the local community. When he returned, he started school at Loma Linda School of Dentistry and received his Doctorate of Dental Surgery.
Office Information
(520) 386-0301
7229 N Thornydale Road,
Suite 149,
Tucson, AZ 85741
OFFICE HOURS
Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday-Thursday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Saturday – Sunday: Closed
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Schedule your next dental appointment with a dentist in Tucson.
Dental Bridges Services & Options
Professional Teeth Whitening
Professional teeth whitening is performed in-office under the supervision of our dentist using medical-grade whitening agents that penetrate enamel and reach deeper stain layers. Concentrations range from 25% to 40% hydrogen peroxide, far stronger than the 3% to 10% found in store-bought products.
It is the most direct option if you are dealing with yellowing, uneven shade, or staining from coffee, smoking, or aging. If you have restorations like crowns, veneers, or composite bonding on front teeth, whitening does not change the color of those materials.
Same-Day Teeth Whitening
Same-day whitening is completed in a single visit. The peroxide gel is activated using LED light to accelerate the bleaching reaction, shortening the session to about 60 to 90 minutes.
The gel is applied in 15 to 20 minute cycles, with a gum barrier placed before each round to protect your soft tissue. Most patients see 5 to 8 shades of improvement in one session.
Laser Teeth Whitening
Laser whitening uses a concentrated light beam directed at the peroxide gel. The laser energy heats the hydrogen peroxide molecules, accelerating oxidation and breaking apart stains that sit further into the enamel and dentin layers.
A full session runs about 60 minutes and can lighten your teeth up to 10 shades. It is the stronger option if you have deep staining from years of coffee, tobacco, or ageing that standard in-office whitening may not fully resolve.
Internal Tooth Bleaching
Internal bleaching treats discoloration within the tooth structure, often following trauma or root canal treatment. Our dentist places a bleaching agent inside the tooth through a small opening, and it is sealed for several days.
The whitening material targets intrinsic staining that external whitening cannot reach. The agent is replaced across follow-up visits until the tooth matches the surrounding shade. Internal bleaching averages around $270 per tooth.
Teeth Whitening for Sensitive Teeth
Sensitivity is often linked to enamel thickness or exposed dentin. At Foothills Family Dentistry, we perform whitening using adjusted peroxide concentrations and desensitizing agents like potassium nitrate so the process stays controlled and comfortable.
Shade improvement is done gradually to reduce discomfort while still achieving visible results. Custom take-home trays with a lower-concentration gel are another option if you experience discomfort with in-office strength.
Take-Home Whitening Trays
Custom trays allow whitening to be done gradually using dentist-provided gel. These trays are shaped from impressions of your teeth, improving contact and reducing uneven results compared to one-size strips.
This option works well for maintenance after in-office sessions or if you prefer a slower, controlled change in shade. Wear time is 30 minutes to an hour per day over one to two weeks.
Whitening for Fluorosis and Tetracycline Staining
Fluorosis leaves white spots or streaks on the enamel from excess fluoride exposure during childhood. Tetracycline staining produces grey or brown banding that sits deep within the tooth structure. Standard surface whitening alone does not resolve either condition evenly.
We use a combination approach for these cases. Microabrasion removes the outermost affected enamel layer, and professional whitening evens out the remaining shade. Resin infiltration or dental bonding is applied afterwards if discoloration persists.
Teeth Whitening With Braces
If you are wearing fixed metal or ceramic brackets, whitening is not effective because the brackets block gel contact with the enamel. Whitening during orthodontic treatment leads to uneven color once the braces come off.
Clear aligner patients can remove the trays for whitening sessions, or a low-concentration gel can be placed inside the aligners. If you are in fixed braces, whitening is best completed after bracket removal so the full tooth surface receives even coverage.
Why Choose Us?
PPO Insurance
For your convenience, we accept most insurance plans and are happy to fill out and submit your insurance claims.
Quality Care
We are dedicated to providing immediate and thorough care so that you can get out of pain as soon as possible.
Friendly Staff
We love helping our patients feel confident when showing their smiles. Our office helps patients achieve oral health in a stress free way.
BOOK ONLINE TODAY
Schedule an appointment easily by filling out the online form.
Our front desk staff will contact you soon to confirm your appointment.
Dental Insurance and Flexible Payment Options
There are many reasons as to why your teeth might not be as white as you’d like them to be. The most common causes are age, food and drink, tobacco use, and medication. The good news is that you don’t have to live with a smile that you’re not happy with. Teeth whitening can help restore your teeth to their natural brightness.
Tooth Whitener Service Benefits
One of the most obvious benefits of teeth whitening is the appearance of your smile. A healthy, bright white smile! With a smile like this, you will also receive a confidence boost. Not only will your teeth look great and give you confidence, but you will also fight off gum disease and tooth decay. To maintain your white teeth, you’ll have to practice daily dental hygiene. This becomes a benefit for your overall dental health.
Is Teeth Whitening Expensive?
Everyone would love to have a bright, white, clean smile, but is it affordable? For the most part, teeth whitening isn’t too expensive. On average, without insurance, however, it can cost up to $650. To get a price of how much it would cost without insurance, you’ll need to talk to a dentist, like the ones we have here at Foothills Family Dental in Tucson. You will also need to speak with your insurance to find out what your policy covers. If you’re on a tight budget, an at-home product may be an option. Just keep in mind that no at-home product will provide the results that a dentist can in his dental office.
Different methods used for teeth whitening
There are a few different methods people have used for teeth whitening. All of these methods can produce results. Some do produce better results than the others, but the price tags also differ. Contact Foothills Family Dental in Tucson today to find out which method is best for you. Below is a list of the most popular treatments used.
- Laser teeth whitening: This option produces the best results but comes with the biggest price tag. On average, this method can cost you up to $1500.
- In-Office: This option is probably the safest. On average, this can run you between $200-$1000. The price will also depend on your insurance and the dentist.
- At-home: While this may be the cheapest option, it is also not the most effective. But it is a decent, very short-term option. An at-home teeth whitening kit can cost you, on average, $100.
- Whitening trays: This is similar to an at-home kit, but sometimes they are done in a dental office. You may get a kit like this directly from your dentist in some cases. These will cost you between $100-$500 on average.
- DIY Method: For some, using your typical method can cause issues for their teeth or gums. This is usually due to sensitive teeth. For someone like this, the best option is to avoid drinks and food that stain teeth. These include coffee, soda, and wine. Keeping a regular dental hygiene schedule at home will also help you here. This, of course, is the cheapest option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does teeth whitening cause pain?
Most patients feel mild sensitivity during or after the bleaching process. The sensation is temporary and fades within 1 to 3 days. Desensitizing gel with potassium nitrate is applied before and after treatment to reduce discomfort.
Is tooth bleaching considered safe?
If you are wondering if this is a safe dental service, the answer is yes. There have been many studies that have proven that teeth whitening is safe. To protect your tooth’s enamel, people use calcium sulfate and fluoride.
Is professional whitening better than whitening strips?
Professional whitening uses higher concentrations of peroxide and delivers faster, more even results across the full arch. Over-the-counter strips work for mild surface stains but cannot treat deep discoloration, fluorosis, or internal tooth darkening.
How much does teeth whitening cost in Tucson?
In-office professional whitening in Tucson ranges from $300 to $800 per session based on the method used. Laser and LED-accelerated treatments fall at the higher end. Foothills Family Dentistry provides exact pricing at your consultation before treatment begins.
How long will the results last?
After you have the teeth whitening process done, you can expect it to last you between six months to two years. In order to keep your teeth white longer you will have to avoid things like red wine, coffee, and smoking.
Will it cause permanent tooth sensitivity?
You can expect to deal with some teeth sensitivity after the process is done. This issue however will only be temporary. It should only last one to two days. Your teeth will go right back to normal very quickly.
Does insurance cover teeth whitening?
Most dental insurance plans do not cover whitening because it is classified as cosmetic. Some plans offer a partial allowance toward the procedure. If you are unsure about your coverage, bring your plan details to your appointment and we will check what applies from our accepted providers list.
Where can I get my teeth whitened in Tucson?
Foothills Family Dentistry in Tucson offers in-office whitening, laser and LED-accelerated whitening, custom take-home trays, internal tooth bleaching, and whitening for sensitive teeth. All procedures are completed in one office with no referrals needed.