Teeth Whitening

Last Updated: September 10, 2026

Teeth Whitening

Your smile can say a lot about you, and it is often the first thing that people notice. By treating your smile with teeth whitening in Santa Monica, California, from Dr. Sanaz Khoubnazar, you can have a brighter, more confident smile in as little as one visit. If you are interested in achieving a whiter smile, we invite you to contact us at 310-829-0808 and schedule your appointment with our dentist today!

Teeth whitening is a simple, effective cosmetic dental treatment that we offer to noticeably enhance your smile in as little as one treatment. Our professional teeth whitening treatments utilize a powerful yet safe whitening gel that is applied to the surface of your teeth. This gel works to lighten the appearance of stains, discoloration, and yellowing on the tooth enamel. Teeth whitening is often available in both in-office and take-home systems. Professional teeth whitening can give you a noticeably whiter smile that will boost your self-esteem and help you smile with pride. It is one of several treatments available through our cosmetic dentistry in Santa Monica, which brings together whitening, veneers, and smile makeovers in one place. Serving patients across Santa Monica and West Los Angeles, our office offers both in-office and take-home whitening supervised by Dr. Sanaz Khoubnazar, so you get results tailored to your smile.

If you have ever wished that your smile were whiter and brighter, teeth whitening might be right for you. Through professional teeth whitening, we can lighten staining and discoloration caused by various factors, such as:

The natural aging process
Poor dental hygiene habits
Consumption of certain drinks and foods, including tea, wine, coffee, and soda
Smoking and other forms of tobacco use
Illness
Certain medications
Fluorosis

Our dentist will work with you to determine the right type of treatment and treatment length to achieve the smile aesthetic you desire. To learn more about professional teeth whitening and to set up your consultation at our office, please call us today. If you would also like to correct gaps or crowding, ask us how you can straighten your smile with Invisalign as part of your overall plan.

What to Expect From Professional Teeth Whitening

1. Consultation and shade check

We assess your teeth, discuss your goals, and confirm whitening is right for you.

2. Treatment

For in-office whitening, a professional-strength gel is applied and activated in a single visit. For take-home, we provide custom trays and gel to use on your own schedule.

3. Results and aftercare

Many patients see visibly whiter teeth after one in-office session. We share simple aftercare tips to help your results last.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is periodontics?

Periodontics is a dental specialty focused on the inflammatory conditions that affect your gums. Dr. Khoubnazar provides periodontal care at her Santa Monica dental practice, Smiles Santa Monica.

What causes gum disease?

Also called periodontal disease, gum disease occurs when bacteria collect along your gumline, releasing toxins that cause the gum tissue to pull away from the tooth. In many cases, bacteria are accompanied by a protective layer of hard tartar that can’t be removed with brushing and flossing.

As the gum tissue moves away from the tooth surface, more of the tooth is exposed to bacteria. Eventually, the bacteria reach the tooth roots, forming pockets around the roots that weaken the tooth structure and cause tooth loss. In the U.S., periodontal disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss.

What symptoms does gum disease cause?

In the earliest stages of gum disease, called gingivitis, there may be few symptoms. As the disease progresses, your gums may become red and tender and bleed when brushed. A growing population of bacteria can result in chronic bad breath.

Eventually, teeth may feel weak or even fall out. Having regular dental checkups is the best way to catch gum disease in the early stages when it’s easiest to treat successfully.

How is gum disease treated?

Aside from regular dental visits to look for signs of disease, Dr. Khoubnazar performs dental cleanings to help prevent a buildup of plaque and tartar that can shelter harmful bacteria. If you have a more advanced form of periodontal disease, Dr. Khoubnazar uses advanced deep-cleaning techniques called scaling and root planing to reach beneath the gumline where bacteria hides. Scaling and root planing use special instruments to carefully clean around roots so teeth and gums stay strong and healthy.

Additionally, Dr. Khoubnazar offers advice on the important things you can do at home to prevent gum disease, like using proper brushing and flossing techniques to prevent plaque from forming at your gumline and between your teeth. She also talks to you about your diet and how it may affect the environment in your mouth and provides a recommendation on the changes you can make to improve your diet for better oral and physical health.

You can prevent complications related to gum disease with regular visits to Smiles Santa Monica. To schedule an appointment today for an evaluation and cleaning, call the office or use the online booking feature.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is professional teeth whitening different from over-the-counter whitening?

Professional whitening uses stronger, dentist-supervised gel and custom-fitted trays, so results are typically faster and more even than store-bought strips or kits. A dentist also checks that your teeth and gums are healthy before treatment, which helps reduce the risk of irritation or uneven results. At Smiles Santa Monica, your whitening is tailored to your teeth rather than a one-size-fits-all product.

Where can I find the best teeth whitening near me?

If you are searching for teeth whitening near you in Santa Monica or West Los Angeles, Smiles Santa Monica offers professional, dentist-supervised whitening with both in-office and take-home options. Call (310) 829-0808 to schedule a consultation.

How long does professional teeth whitening take?

In-office teeth whitening can often be completed in a single visit. Take-home whitening uses custom trays over a period your dentist recommends, usually one to two weeks.

Is professional teeth whitening safe?

Yes. Professional whitening is performed with dentist-supervised, professional-strength gel and is considered safe for most patients. Your dentist will confirm whitening is appropriate for you at your consultation.

How long do teeth whitening results last?

Results vary by person and habits. With good oral hygiene and by limiting staining foods and drinks like coffee, tea, and red wine, many patients enjoy results for several months to a year. Touch-ups can help maintain your brightness.

Does teeth whitening cause sensitivity?

Some patients experience temporary tooth sensitivity after whitening, which usually fades within a day or two. Let your dentist know if you have sensitive teeth so treatment can be adjusted.

In-office vs. take-home whitening: which is right for me?

In-office whitening offers faster, dentist-supervised results in a single visit, while take-home trays let you whiten gradually on your own schedule. At your consultation, Dr. Khoubnazar helps you choose the option that best fits your goals, timeline, and budget.

Will teeth whitening work on crowns, veneers, or fillings?

Whitening gel lightens natural tooth enamel but does not change the color of crowns, veneers, or fillings. If you have dental work in visible areas, your dentist can discuss options so your smile looks even and natural.

Am I a good candidate for professional teeth whitening?

Most adults with healthy teeth and gums are good candidates for whitening. Whitening is not recommended during pregnancy or for untreated cavities or gum disease. A consultation lets your dentist confirm whitening is safe and right for you.

How white will my teeth get?

Results vary based on the type and cause of staining and your starting shade. Many patients see teeth several shades brighter after professional whitening. Your dentist will set realistic expectations and recommend the right treatment length for your goals.

All your dental needs in one place

Skilled in all areas of dental care, the Center’s staff focuses on proactive, preventive care aimed at identifying problems in their earliest stages when treatment is much simpler and far less costly. Regular checkups include thorough evaluations of the teeth, gums and other soft tissues of the mouth, as well as an evaluation of bite mechanics and alignment to uncover issues no matter where they occur.