All professional teeth whitening products use either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to “bleach” away stains and restore the natural brightness of your enamel.
First, Dr. Leila will meet with you for a cosmetic consultation. She’ll discuss all of your options for enhancing your smile, including treatments like veneers. She will work with you to find the treatment that’s right for your needs and your budget.
If you choose in-office whitening, Dr. Leila will clean your teeth, then protect your gums and other oral tissue. Then, she will apply a powerful chemical whitener to your teeth and activate it with a UV light or a laser. After a few minutes, she will rinse the whitener away. Then, she’ll repeat this process until your smile reaches your desired level of brightness.
With take-home whitening, Dr. Leila will fit you for a set of custom whitening trays. You’ll come back to our office in a few weeks. Then, Dr. Leila will give you your trays, a set of whitening products, and instructions on how to use them. This lets you whiten your teeth in the comfort of your own home, and still get professional-grade results.
Take-home whitening uses powerful, professional-grade chemical whiteners, as well as a set of custom-fitted whitening trays. You’ll whiten your smile in your own home for about an hour per day. Depending on your level of staining, it may take 2-3 results to see maximum results.
Take-home whitening is just as effective as in-office treatment, and it’s easier to fit into your routine if you have a busy schedule. It also has more gradual results, which means it’s less obvious that you’ve had your teeth whitened. Some patients prefer this.
In-office whitening is done by our team at Smiles By Dr. Leila. We’ll apply a powerful whitener to your teeth, then activate it with a UV (ultraviolet) or laser light. This light helps activate the chemicals in the whitener, making them more effective.
In-office whitening is a better choice if you are looking to whiten your teeth quickly for a special event. It’s usually possible to whiten your smile by 5-10 shades in one consultation at our office, so you can get results faster compared to take-home whitening.

An increase in teeth sensitivity after whitening is normal, but should subside within a few days a few days.
Brighten your smile with professional teeth-whitening services at Smiles by Dr. Leila in Poway, CA. Patients near the areas of Rancho Bernardo, 4S Ranch, Scripps Ranch, Carmel Mountain Ranch, Escondido, San Marcos, Mira Mesa, Rancho Peñasquitos, and Del Sur trust us to safely and effectively rejuvenate their smiles with stunning results.
Visit us for a consultation at 12307 Poway Rd, Suite B, Poway, CA 92064, or call 858.668.3390.
Before whitening your teeth, it’s important to make sure your mouth is healthy. Teeth whitening works best on healthy teeth, so a dental exam is recommended first. It’s also important to know that whitening does not change the color of crowns, veneers, or other dental work. If you’re working with a trusted dentist in Poway, your treatment can be customized to match existing restorations for a more even-looking smile.
Professional teeth whitening is affordable, non-invasive, and delivers fast results. It’s a popular way to get started with cosmetic dentistry and can dramatically boost confidence by removing stains that make teeth look dull or aged.
Teeth whitening results typically last 2–3 years with good oral hygiene and regular dental visits. Patients who brush, floss, avoid staining habits, and keep up with cleanings through preventive dentistry tend to maintain brighter smiles longer.
Common causes of staining include coffee, tea, red wine, dark sauces, berries, and tobacco use. Plaque buildup can also dull your smile over time. Routine cleanings help remove surface stains and keep teeth looking brighter between whitening treatments.
Teeth whitening is temporary, and touch-ups may be needed over time. Most patients should not whiten more than once every three months. Some only need annual touch-ups, while others can maintain results with cleanings alone. Dr. Leila will assess your teeth and recommend a schedule that protects your enamel.
Some sensitivity during or after whitening is normal, especially with in-office treatments. This sensitivity is usually mild and temporary, lasting a few days. Using a desensitizing toothpaste and avoiding very hot or cold foods can help reduce discomfort.
In-office whitening provides faster and more noticeable results because it uses professional-strength whitening agents. Take-home options use lower concentrations and may reduce sensitivity but take longer to achieve results. Your dentist can help determine which option best fits your goals.
Yes. Teeth whitening is often combined with treatments like veneers or dental bonding to create a more complete smile makeover. Whitening is typically done first to set the base shade for other cosmetic work.
Yes. We provide professional teeth whitening for patients in Poway and nearby communities, including Rancho Bernardo, Rancho Peñasquitos, 4S Ranch, Carmel Valley, Mira Mesa, Escondido, and surrounding North County San Diego areas.
If you’re interested in teeth whitening, you can contact Smiles by Dr. Leila to schedule a consultation or take advantage of our new patient special.
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