Teeth Whitening in Los Angeles
The short answer
Brighter natural teeth, supervised by your dentist.
Teeth whitening in Los Angeles lightens the natural color of your teeth with a peroxide gel. The gel goes on in the office or at home in custom trays. At Veneers & Co. Dental Group, Dr. Faraz Farahnik first checks whether whitening will work on your type of staining. He also checks how it affects existing crowns, veneers or fillings.
- Dentist
- Faraz Farahnik, DDS
- Training
- DDS, USC Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry
- License
- California-licensed dentist
- Patients
- Patients travel from across the country and around the world.
Teeth Whitening
How does teeth whitening work?
Teeth whitening uses a hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide gel to break up the pigment molecules inside the tooth. The color becomes less concentrated, so the teeth look lighter. Unlike polishing, which only removes stains on the surface, bleaching changes the shade of the tooth itself.
Why teeth darken in the first place
- Food and drink. Coffee, tea and red wine carry strong pigments that cling to enamel.
- Tobacco. Tar and nicotine leave stubborn yellow-brown stains.
- Age. Enamel thins over the years, letting more of the yellower dentin beneath show through.
- Injury. A tooth that takes a hit can darken as it responds to the trauma.
- Medications. Some antihistamines, antipsychotics and blood-pressure drugs can darken teeth. Certain antibiotics taken while teeth are forming can also leave the adult teeth discolored later on.
Teeth Whitening
Will whitening work on my teeth?
Teeth whitening usually works well on yellowish teeth. Brownish teeth respond less predictably, and grayish teeth may barely change. At his Encino practice, Dr. Farahnik checks your type of staining before any teeth whitening starts.
Staining caused by medication or by an injury often responds poorly.
Existing crowns, veneers and fillings
Only natural teeth whiten. Porcelain, composite and other tooth-colored restorations keep their original shade. After whitening, they can look darker than the teeth around them. That's why Dr. Farahnik notes your existing dental work at the exam, before any gel goes on.
If visible restorations would no longer match, you have two choices. You can whiten only to a shade that still blends, or plan to replace those restorations afterward in the new color.
Teeth Whitening
In-office or at-home: which whitening is right for me?
In-office and at-home teeth whitening both use peroxide, and a dentist supervises both. The choice mostly comes down to speed, sensitivity and convenience.
| In-office whitening | At-home whitening with custom trays | |
|---|---|---|
| Where | In the dental chair | At home, on your own schedule |
| Gum protection | Gel or shield placed by the team | Trays shaped to keep gel on the teeth |
| Gel strength | Higher | Lower |
| Pace | Usually one visit | Gradual, over days to weeks |
| Sensitivity | Can be more intense | Usually milder |
| Touch-ups | Dr. Farahnik plans these with you | Dr. Farahnik may suggest reusing your trays |
A 2025 systematic review compared the two methods. Sensitivity was significantly less intense with at-home whitening. However, the review found no significant difference in how many people felt some sensitivity. The reviewers rated the quality of the evidence as low.
A separate meta-analysis found that lower concentrations of hydrogen peroxide caused less sensitivity. It also found no difference in shade measured by eye against a shade guide. Stronger isn't automatically better.
Teeth Whitening
What about over-the-counter whitening products?
Over-the-counter whitening strips, gels and toothpastes use lower concentrations than a dentist would, and results vary. If you use one, choose a product with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. Tell your dentist first, especially if you have crowns, veneers or sensitive teeth. The ADA's MouthHealthy guide to teeth whitening explains the main options in plain language.
A Cochrane review found evidence that home-based bleaching works compared with placebo. However, the certainty of that evidence was low to very low, and the studies covered short periods. Professional supervision helps you avoid overuse and pick the right strength.
Teeth Whitening
What side effects can whitening cause?
The most common side effects of teeth whitening are temporary tooth sensitivity and gum irritation. They are usually mild and pass once you stop or slow down whitening.
Why sensitivity happens
Peroxide passes through the enamel to the dentin underneath and can irritate the tooth's nerve for a while. Sensitivity tends to be stronger with higher-strength gels, longer contact time and teeth with bonded fillings.
Reducing discomfort
- Choose a lower-strength gel or shorter sessions.
- Pause treatment if your teeth feel sensitive, then try again.
- Ask Dr. Farahnik whether he recommends a product for sensitivity.
- Follow his advice on hot and cold drinks after each session.
- Follow the directions exactly; using more gel or wearing trays longer than advised raises the risk to gums and enamel.
Teeth Whitening
Who should wait or skip whitening?
Teeth whitening is a common elective treatment, and an exam at our Encino office shows whether it suits you. A few groups should wait or choose another approach.
- Children and young teens. Pediatric dental guidance discourages cosmetic bleaching of a full arch while baby teeth are still present.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding patients. Ask us first; Dr. Farahnik will advise on timing.
- People with untreated cavities or gum disease. Dr. Farahnik treats those first.
- Teeth that are already sensitive. Tell Dr. Farahnik before you start.
- Discoloration from medication or an injury. Whitening may not work. Veneers, bonding or internal whitening of a tooth that has had root canal treatment may work better.
Teeth Whitening
When should whitening happen in a cosmetic plan?
In a cosmetic plan at our Encino practice, teeth whitening comes before Dr. Farahnik matches any new tooth-colored work. Restorations don't change color, so whitening the natural teeth comes first.
Bleaching can affect how well materials bond to enamel. So Dr. Farahnik leaves a gap before matching bonding, veneers or crowns to the new shade. Porcelain veneers Composite veneers
If you're also straightening your teeth, whitening usually comes near the end, once the teeth are in their final positions. Invisalign and clear aligners
Teeth Whitening
What happens during professional whitening?
Professional teeth whitening at Dr. Farahnik's Encino practice starts with an exam, not with gel, plus X-rays as needed. He checks for decay, gum health, sensitivity and existing restorations. He also records your starting shade so you can see the change.
In the office
First, a protective gel or shield covers the gums. Next, the team applies the whitening gel to the teeth and leaves it on for a set time. They may repeat this within the visit. At the end, the team compares your new shade with the starting record in the same light. You leave with advice on avoiding stains while the color settles.
At home
The team takes impressions or a scan to make your custom trays. They show you how much gel to use and how long to wear the trays each day. They also explain what to do if you feel sensitivity.
Teeth Whitening
Can whitening fix one dark tooth?
Teeth whitening can sometimes fix one dark tooth, but it depends on why that tooth is dark. A tooth that darkened after an injury or root canal treatment often doesn't respond to ordinary whitening from the outside.
Options for a single discolored tooth
If the tooth's nerve is healthy, Dr. Farahnik may suggest a longer course of tray whitening. If the tooth has had root canal treatment, it is sometimes possible to whiten it from the inside. When bleaching can't do enough, a veneer, bonding or a crown can cover the discoloration. An exam with X-rays comes first, because a darkened tooth can be a sign that its nerve has died.
Teeth Whitening
What should I avoid right after whitening?
After teeth whitening, limit staining foods and drinks and skip tobacco. Dr. Farahnik will give you aftercare instructions; the common ones are below. Sensitivity after whitening is usually temporary.
- Go easy on coffee, tea, red wine, cola and dark fruits, which stain teeth.
- Skip tobacco, which stains quickly.
- Choose lukewarm rather than very hot or icy food and drinks if teeth feel sensitive.
- Call (818) 658-9285 if gum irritation or sensitivity is severe or doesn't ease.
Teeth Whitening
How long do whitening results last?
How long teeth whitening lasts varies from person to person. Coffee, tea, red wine, cola and tobacco can stain teeth again over time, so your habits and home care matter. Dr. Farahnik will suggest touch-ups if you need them.
Keeping teeth bright
Rinse with water after dark drinks and use a straw for iced coffee or tea. Brush twice daily, keep your cleanings and avoid tobacco. A whitening toothpaste with the ADA Seal can help remove new surface stain between touch-ups.
Cost & insurance
How much does teeth whitening cost?
The fee for teeth whitening in Encino depends on the method and whether your plan includes trays for future touch-ups. Dr. Farahnik works with all budgets and price ranges.
Insurance
We accept all PPO insurance plans.
Dr. Farahnik works with all budgets and price ranges.
What affects the cost?
Key factors are in-office versus take-home whitening, the number of sessions, and custom trays and refill gel. Any care you need first, such as a cleaning or treating a cavity, also counts. You'll receive a written treatment plan and fee after your exam.
Financing
Financing is subject to each lender's terms and approval.
Questions
Frequently asked questions about teeth whitening in Los Angeles
Is teeth whitening safe for my enamel?
Used as directed, peroxide whitening is a well-studied treatment, and its common side effects are mild and short-lived. Overusing whitening products can irritate the gums and damage enamel, which is why professional supervision and following the instructions matter.
Will whitening make my teeth sensitive?
It can. Temporary sensitivity is the most common side effect, and in most people it fades once treatment stops or slows down. Using a lower-strength gel, or pausing treatment and trying again later, can help.
Can I whiten my veneers or crowns?
No. Whitening works on natural enamel, not on porcelain, resin or other restorations, so their color stays the same. If visible crowns or veneers no longer match after whitening, you may need to replace them in the new shade.
How long does teeth whitening last?
It varies from person to person. Coffee, tea, red wine, cola and tobacco can stain teeth again over time, so your habits and home care matter. Dr. Farahnik will recommend a touch-up plan, which may use your custom trays.
Is in-office or at-home whitening better?
Both can work well. In-office whitening is faster, and a dentist supervises it in the chair. At-home whitening with custom trays is gradual and fits your schedule. A 2025 review found less intense sensitivity with at-home whitening. The chance of having some sensitivity was similar.
Can I whiten my teeth while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Please ask us first. Whitening is elective, so there's no need to rush it, and Dr. Farahnik will advise you on timing. You may also want to check with your physician.
Do whitening toothpastes work?
Whitening toothpastes remove surface stains with mild polishing agents, which can make teeth look brighter. However, they don't change the color of the tooth itself the way peroxide gels do. Look for one with the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
The dentist
Why whiten with your cosmetic dentist?
Dr. Faraz Farahnik's Encino practice focuses on veneers and cosmetic dentistry, so he plans teeth whitening around any current or future restorations. It isn't a stand-alone product. Meet Dr. Farahnik
- Education
- UCLA, with honors · DDS, USC, 2018
- Practicing
- Practicing dentist since 2018
- Languages
- English · Farsi
Your first step is a conversation.
Faraz Farahnik, DDS · USC Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry
Begin
Wondering how much lighter your teeth could be?
Book a teeth whitening exam at our office. You'll hear whether whitening suits your staining and which method fits your sensitivity and schedule. You'll also learn how it would work with any dental work you already have.