Do you feel like your smile is less bright than it used to be? Has your love for coffee, tea, or red wine dulled your teeth’s natural shine? Teeth whitening can remove years of stains and help you look younger and feel more confident every time you smile.
Dr. Thomas Trinkner is an Accredited Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). He offers professional teeth whitening that is safe, effective, and tailored to your specific needs. With nearly 40 years of experience, he has helped thousands of Columbia patients achieve brighter, more radiant smiles.
Our cosmetic dentistry proudly serves patients from Columbia, West Columbia, St. Andrews, Seven Oaks, Oak Grove, and all across the Midlands.
Why Professional Teeth Whitening?
Over-the-counter whitening strips, toothpaste, and gels promise fast results. But these products work slowly and often deliver uneven results. Some may even contain harsh chemicals that can irritate your teeth and gums.
Professional teeth whitening from an AACD-accredited dentist offers:
- Faster results: Whiten your smile in as little as one hour
- Even coverage: No blotchy or uneven spots
- Less sensitivity: Professional-grade products with desensitizing agents
- Custom fit: Trays made specifically for your mouth
- Supervised safety: Performed by an experienced dental professional
In-Office Whitening: Results in About One Hour
For the fastest, most dramatic results, our in-office whitening treatment is the best choice. Dr. Trinkner uses professional-grade whitening products that are safe for your teeth and clinically proven to minimize sensitivity.
What to expect:
- We protect your gums and lips with a special barrier
- A whitening gel is applied to your teeth
- A special light activates the gel to break down stains
- The process takes about one hour
- You leave with a smile that is several shades whiter
In-office whitening is ideal for patients who want immediate results before a wedding, job interview, vacation, or special event.
At-Home Whitening: Custom Trays for Gradual Brightening
Prefer to whiten on your own schedule? Dr. Trinkner offers custom take-home whitening trays that are far more effective than anything you can buy at the store.
What to expect:
- We take impressions of your teeth to create custom-fitted trays
- You receive professional-grade whitening gel
- Wear the trays for several hours a day or overnight
- Results appear gradually over two to four weeks
- You can keep the trays for touch-ups whenever needed
At-home whitening is ideal for patients who prefer a more gradual approach or want to maintain their results between in-office treatments.
In-Office vs. At-Home Whitening: Which Is Right for You?
In-Office Whitening:
- Time required: About 1 hour
- Results visible: Immediately
- Best for: Patients wanting fast, dramatic results before a special event
- Cost: Higher upfront (one-time treatment)
At-Home Whitening:
- Time required: 2-4 weeks of daily wear
- Results visible: Gradually over several weeks
- Best for: Patients who prefer to whiten on their own schedule
- Cost: Lower upfront; trays can be reused for touch-ups
Some patients choose both: an in-office treatment for immediate results, followed by take-home trays for maintenance. Dr. Trinkner will help you decide which option fits your goals and budget.
How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost in Columbia, SC?
Professional teeth whitening is an affordable way to dramatically improve your smile. Here are estimated price ranges for our whitening services.
Estimated pricing (before insurance):
- In-Office Whitening: 300−800 per treatment
- Custom Take-Home Whitening Trays: 200−500
- Combination (In-Office + Take-Home Trays): 400−1,000
Note: Teeth whitening is considered a cosmetic procedure and is typically not covered by dental insurance. We offer flexible payment options and CareCredit financing to make whitening affordable for everyone. Ask about our current new patient specials when you schedule your consultation.
Causes of Tooth Discoloration
Your teeth might not be as white as they used to be for several reasons.
- Foods and drinks. Coffee, tea, red wine, berries, tomato sauce, and soy sauce can leave stains on your teeth over time. Dark sodas and sports drinks are also common culprits.
- Tobacco use. Smoking or chewing tobacco leaves stubborn yellow and brown stains that are difficult to remove with brushing alone. Professional whitening can help lighten these stains.
- Poor oral hygiene. Plaque and tartar buildup can make your teeth look yellow or brown. Regular cleanings help prevent this.
- Aging. As we age, the outer layer of enamel wears down, exposing the naturally yellow dentin underneath. This is why older adults often have darker-looking teeth.
- Medications. Certain antibiotics (like tetracycline) can cause intrinsic staining that is more difficult to remove. Tooth trauma can also cause it to darken.
Before and After Teeth Whitening Case
This gentleman visited our Columbia, SC, dental office for teeth whitening. His front teeth were misshapen and stained. Dr. Trinkner used porcelain veneers to restore the front teeth and teeth bleaching to lighten the other teeth.
We know that over-the-counter teeth whitening products are available in many stores. While these can work for some people, they’re not as reliable as professional treatments. Results can be uneven due to improper application, and they may also cause sensitivity.
Although professional teeth whitening might cost more, it’s done safely by a dentist to give you better results. We customize the treatment to fit your mouth, unlike store-bought products that take a one-size-fits-all approach. We use dental impressions to create trays that fit your teeth perfectly, making sure we cover all areas.
View Our Smile Gallery For More Before And After Photos
Teeth Whitening FAQs
How Long Do Teeth Whitening Results Last?
A professional whitening treatment can last anywhere from six months to two years. The exact duration depends on your lifestyle and habits.
Factors that shorten whitening results:
- Smoking or using tobacco products
- Drinking coffee, tea, red wine, or dark sodas regularly
- Eating stain-causing foods (berries, tomato sauce, soy sauce)
- Poor oral hygiene
Factors that extend whitening results:
- Good brushing and flossing habits
- Using a straw for dark beverages
- Rinsing with water after eating or drinking
- Regular dental cleanings
- Occasional touch-ups with take-home trays
To keep your smile bright, Dr. Trinkner recommends avoiding stain-causing foods and drinks for 48 hours after your whitening treatment. This is when your teeth are most susceptible to new stains.
Will teeth whitening make my teeth sensitive?
Some patients experience mild, temporary sensitivity after whitening. This usually goes away within a few days. Professional whitening products contain desensitizing agents to minimize discomfort. If you already have sensitive teeth, Dr. Trinkner may recommend a desensitizing treatment before whitening or a slower at-home approach.
Can children get professional teeth whitening?
Children under 13 shouldn’t receive teeth whitening because their teeth are still developing. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also avoid whitening. For everyone else, professional whitening is a safe and effective way to remove stains.
Will whitening work on crowns, veneers, or fillings?
No. Teeth whitening only works on natural tooth enamel. Porcelain veneers, dental crowns, dentures, bridges, and fillings don’t respond to whitening agents. If you have restorations that are noticeably darker than your natural teeth, whitening can worsen the contrast. In that case, Dr. Trinkner may recommend replacing the restorations to match your newly whitened teeth.
How often can I whiten my teeth?
Most patients can safely whiten their teeth every six to twelve months. Whitening too frequently can increase sensitivity and potentially damage enamel. Dr. Trinkner will recommend a schedule based on your specific needs.
Will teeth whitening work for all types of discoloration?
Professional whitening works well for most extrinsic stains (surface stains from food, drinks, and tobacco). It can also lighten some intrinsic stains (those inside the tooth). However, deep stains caused by certain medications (like tetracycline) or tooth trauma may not respond well to whitening. In those cases, Dr. Trinkner may recommend alternatives like porcelain veneers or bonding.
How can I make my whitening results last longer?
After your whitening treatment, avoid stain-causing foods and drinks for at least 48 hours. When you do consume them, use a straw and rinse your mouth with water afterward. Brush twice daily, floss daily, and visit us for regular cleanings. Keep your take-home trays for occasional touch-ups when you notice dullness returning.
Schedule Your Teeth Whitening Consultation Today
Ready for a brighter, more confident smile? Dr. Thomas Trinkner offers professional teeth whitening in Columbia, SC. Whether you want dramatic results in about an hour or prefer to whiten gradually at home, we have an option for you. Call 803-400-8729 or request an appointment online.