Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely. Professional teeth whitening is one of the most well-studied cosmetic dental procedures. When performed by a licensed dentist like Dr. Haber, it poses no risk to your enamel or oral health. We use professional-grade formulations with built-in sensitivity protection.

Results vary based on your natural tooth color, the type and degree of staining, and the treatment you choose. Most patients see improvement of 6 to 14 shades with in-office whitening. During your initial consultation, Dr. Haber will assess your teeth and give you a realistic expectation.

A typical in-office whitening treatment at our Santa Monica practice takes approximately 60 minutes. This includes preparation, the whitening cycles, and a brief post-treatment evaluation. You can easily schedule it during a lunch break or between errands on the Third Street Promenade.

Some patients experience mild, temporary sensitivity during or after treatment. This is completely normal and typically subsides within 24 to 48 hours. Dr. Haber uses desensitizing agents and a carefully calibrated whitening protocol to minimize discomfort.

With proper care, professional whitening results typically last 6 to 12 months. Factors that affect longevity include your diet, oral hygiene habits, and whether you use touch-up products. Avoiding heavily pigmented foods and beverages in the first 48 hours is especially important.

No. When performed by a qualified dentist using approved products and protocols, teeth whitening does not damage healthy enamel. The hydrogen peroxide penetrates enamel pores to break down stains without altering the tooth structure itself.

The $99 New Patient Dental Package includes comprehensive digital X-ray imaging and a full dental assessment by Dr. Haber. During this visit, we'll evaluate your oral health, identify any issues, and discuss your whitening goals. It's the perfect starting point before any cosmetic treatment.

Unfortunately, whitening gel only works on natural tooth enamel. Artificial dental restorations such as veneers, crowns, and fillings will not change color with whitening treatment. If you have visible restorations, Dr. Haber will discuss this during your consultation.

In our experience, yes. Store-bought whitening strips and gels use much lower concentrations of active ingredients and require weeks of daily use for modest results. Professional in-office whitening delivers dramatically faster, more even, and longer-lasting results.

We recommend brushing your teeth before your appointment, but avoid using whitening toothpaste on the day of treatment. Have a light meal beforehand, as you'll need to keep your mouth open during the procedure. If you have sensitive teeth, consider using a sensitivity toothpaste for a few days leading up to your appointment.

Yes, we work with most major dental insurance plans. However, cosmetic whitening treatments are typically not covered by insurance. Our team will help you understand your coverage and maximize your benefits for any applicable services. We also offer flexible payment options.

Our Santa Monica office is open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. We're located at 1260 15th Street, Suite 701, just minutes from the Santa Monica Pier and Third Street Promenade. Call us at (310) 393-7766 or use our online booking form to schedule your appointment.