Professional Teeth Whitening: Safe & Effective
Teeth whitening is the most sought-after cosmetic dentistry treatment, and it’s easy to see why. Scientific research proves that a beautiful smile will help you look more attractive, friendly, and approachable. People want a white smile as quickly and affordably as possible, which is why they often turn to retail whitening products. While these over-the-counter whitening products are readily available, they often deliver subpar results.
Additionally, the lack of professional oversight with these retail whitening products makes it easy to damage your teeth and cause excess sensitivity and irritation by misusing them. If you’re looking for a safe, effective way to whiten your smile, cosmetic dentist Dr. Darlene Hart of Sweet Hart Dental offers professional teeth whitening with the KöR whitening system at our Pembroke Pines dental office. Call (954) 437-9288 today!
How Will Your Teeth Look After Whitening Treatment? Ask Our Patients
This patient came in with chipped teeth that were also darker than he’d like. We recommended cosmetic bonding and whitening for a brighter, smoother smile. The patient is much happier with his brand new smile.
What Is Professional Teeth Whitening?

According to Oral Health Group, 82.5 percent of patients notice a significant difference in their smile after professional teeth whitening. Compare this to the percentage of people who claim to notice changes in their smile with non-prescription whiteners, less than 64 percent, and it’s easy to see why professional whitening is the preferred method.
The Risks of Non-Professional Teeth Whitening
It’s important to take into account that those 63.8 percent of people who have whitened their smiles using retail products were probably not doing so safely. Retail whitening products make use of a one-size-fits-all approach, which doesn’t take into account your unique dental needs and sensitivities. Using these products also comes with a lack of professional oversight. This can easily result in enamel damage, excessive post-whitening sensitivity, and gum irritation due to misuse.
For these reasons and many more, professional teeth whitening is the better method. Keep reading to learn more about why you should choose professional teeth whitening.
Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening
Choosing professional whitening over drugstore products delivers advantages you’ll notice immediately and appreciate for years.
- Dramatic Results in One Visit – Walk out with teeth six to 10 shades whiter after just 60-90 minutes; no waiting weeks for gradual improvement that may never come
- Targets Stubborn Deep Stains – Penetrates enamel to address intrinsic discoloration from aging, medications, and genetics that surface treatments can’t touch
- Supervised Safety – Dr. Hart monitors your gums, enamel health, and sensitivity throughout treatment, preventing the chemical burns and damage possible with unsupervised home products
- Custom-Fitted Application – Your trays fit your exact tooth structure, ensuring even coverage and preventing gel from irritating gums or wasting product through leakage
- Longer-Lasting Brightness – Professional-grade formulas create changes that endure 1-3 years with proper maintenance, compared to weeks for over-the-counter strips
- Boosts Confidence Immediately – Stop hiding your smile in photos and conversations; feel proud to show your teeth at work, social events, and special occasions
- Affordable Smile Transformation – Achieve dramatic aesthetic improvement for a fraction of what veneers or crowns cost
- Makes You Look Younger – White teeth are associated with youth and vitality, instantly taking years off your appearance without invasive procedures
Want to experience these benefits of teeth whitening yourself? Call (954) 437-9288 to schedule your whitening evaluation. Dr. Hart will assess your candidacy and recommend the best treatment for your goals.
In-Office & At-Home Whitening Treatments
At Sweet Hart Dental, we offer both in-office and at-home teeth whitening methods so you can achieve optimal results. Our chairside treatment is administered by our knowledgeable and experienced team with a whitening gel. After the in-office treatment, we’ll provide you with an at-home whitening kit that includes a series of trays so you can continue to whiten your teeth in your free time.
KöR Teeth Whitening
At our Pembroke Pines dental office, we use the KöR Whitening System to help you maintain a beaming smile. The KöR in-office professional whitening system offers drastic results after just one appointment because your whitening dentist can make use of higher levels of bleach. KöR whitening gels are continuously refrigerated to maintain their potency. You’ll see brighter results that can’t be obtained with store-bought products after just one visit.
What Sets the KöR Treatment Apart?
The most successful outcome when using the KöR whitening system occurs when these conditions are met:
- The whitening gel is fully potent.
- It’s designed to produce a wide range of free radicals.
- We allow extended time for the gel to absorb into your teeth.
KöR takes advantage of all three of these factors, making it one of the most effective whitening solutions on the market.
KöR Professional Teeth Whitening Process
When you visit our dental office for KöR professional whitening, you can expect the following steps during your teeth whitening procedure:
- Initial Consultation: You’ll meet with Dr. Hart for a consultation where she’ll examine your teeth, discuss your concerns, and determine whether professional teeth whitening is right for you.
- Preparation and Protection: Before whitening begins, we’ll place protective measures such as plastic dams to keep your tongue, cheeks, and other soft tissues safe. A protective gel is also applied to your gums to prevent irritation.
- Teeth Cleaning: Your teeth will be gently cleaned so the whitening gel can adhere properly and deliver the best possible results.
- Whitening Gel Application: Dr. Hart will carefully apply the professional whitening gel to your teeth and allow it to sit for the appropriate amount of time.
- Gel Removal and Rinse: Once the treatment time is complete, the gel is removed, and your teeth are thoroughly rinsed.
- Custom Take-Home Trays: For the at-home phase of your treatment, we’ll take molds of your teeth to create custom whitening trays designed to fit comfortably and help keep the gel off your gums.
- At-Home Whitening Treatment: You’ll receive the proper strength whitening gel along with clear instructions on how to use it. At home, you’ll wear the trays for the prescribed amount of time, avoiding eating or drinking while they’re in place.
- Ongoing Whitening and Results: You’ll repeat the at-home whitening process for up to two weeks. Once complete, you’ll be able to enjoy a noticeably brighter, whiter smile.
Caring for Your Teeth Whitening Results
Proper aftercare extends your investment and keeps your smile bright for years.
Follow the white diet strictly for 48 hours post-treatment—only consume colorless foods like chicken, white fish, rice, pasta, bananas, and plain yogurt while the enamel is porous
- Avoid all coffee, tea, red wine, cola, and dark-colored beverages for two full days; use straws when you reintroduce them to minimize enamel contact
- Quit or significantly reduce tobacco use, which rapidly stains teeth and completely undermines professional whitening investment
- Rinse your mouth with water immediately after consuming staining substances once you resume a normal diet
- Use your custom take-home trays every six to 12 months with fresh gel for touch-ups that maintain consistent brightness
- Maintain excellent daily oral hygiene with twice-daily brushing and nightly flossing to prevent new stain formation
- Schedule professional dental cleanings at Sweet Hart Dental every six months to remove surface stains before they set deeply into enamel
Cost & Financing Options
Professional teeth whitening is surprisingly affordable compared to other cosmetic treatments, and we offer flexible payment solutions.
In-office whitening typically costs $300-$800, depending on the system and number of sessions needed. Custom at-home trays with gel cost $200-$500. Combination treatments that maximize results range from $500-$1,200 total.
- Your final cost depends on stain severity, number of sessions required, and whether you choose in-office only, at-home only, or combination treatment
- Most dental insurance plans classify whitening as cosmetic and don’t provide coverage, but we can verify your specific benefits
- We accept CareCredit and other healthcare financing options that let you pay in monthly installments
- Our Sweet Hart Dental Plan offers affordable payment structures for patients without traditional insurance
- Touch-up gel refills for your existing trays cost significantly less than initial treatment, making long-term maintenance budget-friendly
Important Considerations & Alternatives
Professional whitening delivers excellent results for most patients, but it’s not the only solution for discolored teeth.
Whitening works best on yellow and brown stains from external factors like coffee and tobacco. Gray discoloration from medications like tetracycline or internal tooth damage responds less predictably. If you have extensive crowns, veneers, or fillings on visible front teeth, those restorations won’t change color and may need replacement after whitening to match your new shade.
Common Alternatives to Teeth Whitening
Porcelain Veneers – Custom shells that cover front tooth surfaces; ideal for severe intrinsic stains that don’t respond to whitening or when you also want to change tooth shape and size
- Dental Bonding – Tooth-colored resin applied directly to discolored teeth; works well for isolated dark teeth from trauma or mild intrinsic staining
- Dental Crowns – Full-coverage restorations that completely replace visible tooth structure; best when discoloration accompanies significant decay or structural damage
Possible Side Effects
- Temporary tooth sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures that typically peaks 12-24 hours after treatment and resolves within 48 hours
- Mild gum irritation or blanching if gel contacts soft tissue, which resolves quickly on its own
- Uneven whitening or white spots during treatment that usually normalize as enamel rehydrates over the following week
Choose Sweet Hart Dental for Professional Teeth Whitening
Whatever the reason you want to whiten your smile, there’s no doubt that it will make a noticeable change in the look of your smile for the better. Safe, quick, and effective, KöR is a leading brand in professional teeth whitening, and you can try it yourself with Dr. Hart in Pembroke Pines, FL.
Contact Sweet Hart Dental today to schedule a consultation and find out if KöR is right for you by dialing (954) 437-9288. You can also fill out our contact form, and one of our friendly team members will get back to you shortly. Dr. Hart offers professional teeth whitening services to patients from Pembroke Pines and surrounding areas such as Hollywood, Davie, and Miramar, FL.



In-Office & At-Home Whitening Treatments
Follow the white diet strictly for 48 hours post-treatment—only consume colorless foods like chicken, white fish, rice, pasta, bananas, and plain yogurt while the enamel is porous
Porcelain Veneers