Teeth Whitening in San Francisco 
Anchor Dental (West Portal)

At Anchor Dental in West Portal, San Francisco, we offer professional teeth whitening treatments that brighten your smile safely and effectively. Our dentist-supervised whitening options remove years of stains from coffee, tea, wine, and everyday life  restoring a clean, natural brightness without causing sensitivity or damaging enamel.

Safe, effective whitening designed around your smile

We provide two convenient approaches:

• In-office whitening for instant, dramatic results
• Custom take-home kits for gradual whitening at your own pace

Both options are clinically tested, comfortable, and customized to your goals — because every smile is unique.

Why professional whitening matters

Over-the-counter products often promise fast results but use weaker formulas or uneven trays that can irritate gums.
Professional whitening, on the other hand, uses controlled concentrations and precision application — producing whiter results safely.

Benefits include:

• Noticeable results after just one treatment
• Even whitening across all visible teeth
• Minimal to no tooth sensitivity
• Enamel-safe formulas with protective ingredients
• Long-lasting brightness with proper care

Your smile looks cleaner and healthier, not artificially white.

Option 1: In-office whitening

Our in-office whitening is the fastest way to lift deep stains and brighten your teeth several shades in a single visit.

What to expect

1. Shade evaluation – We measure your current shade and discuss your target brightness.
2. Preparation – Lips and gums are protected with gentle barriers.
3. Application – A professional-strength whitening gel is applied to your teeth in short cycles.
4. Activation – The gel is activated with a soft LED light that enhances whitening efficiency.
5. Rinse & final polish – The gel is removed, and we compare your before-and-after shades.

Most patients see results 4–8 shades lighter within 45–60 minutes. This method is ideal before events like weddings, reunions, or professional photos  when you want fast, noticeable change.

Option 2: Take-home whitening kits

Our custom take-home whitening kits give you professional results from the comfort of home.

The process

1. Impressions or digital scans are taken to create perfectly fitted trays.
2. Professional whitening gel is dispensed for safe daily use.
3. You wear the trays for 30–60 minutes per day for about 10–14 days.

Because the trays fit your teeth exactly, they prevent gel leakage and irritation unlike generic drugstore trays.
Results appear gradually, letting you control your final shade.

Many patients start with an in-office session, then maintain brightness with take-home trays every few months.

What causes tooth discoloration

Even with great brushing habits, daily life adds stains over time. Common causes include:

• Coffee, tea, and red wine
• Tobacco use
• Certain medications
• Aging enamel
• Foods with natural dyes (like berries or curry)

Professional whitening gently breaks down those surface stains while keeping enamel intact.

Is whitening right for you?

Whitening is safe for most adults and older teens, but not all discoloration types respond the same.
During your consultation, we evaluate your enamel and discusses realistic outcomes.

You may benefit most if you have:

• Yellow or light brown staining
• Healthy teeth and gums
• No untreated cavities or exposed roots

Patients with gray or internal discoloration (from trauma or medication) may need veneers or bonding instead and we’ll guide you toward the best option.

After-whitening care

To keep your teeth bright longer:

• Avoid coffee, tea, red wine, or dark sauces for 48 hours after treatment
• Rinse or brush after drinking colored beverages
• Use a whitening toothpaste or touch-up gel monthly
• Schedule regular cleanings every 6 months

Whitening results typically last 1–3 years, depending on diet and habits.

Common questions

How white will my teeth get?
Most people achieve results 4–8 shades lighter, depending on the original color and enamel condition.

Does whitening damage teeth?
No. Professional whitening agents are enamel-safe and pH-balanced.

Will my restorations whiten too?
Whitening affects natural enamel only  not crowns or fillings. If needed, we can match them afterward.

Can I whiten if I have sensitive teeth?
Yes. We use low-sensitivity formulas and can apply desensitizing agents beforehand.

How often should I whiten?
Most patients refresh once a year or every 18 months with take-home trays.

San Francisco smiles

San Francisco is known for its coffee culture and red wine nights  both of which can dull enamel color over time.
That’s why many of our West Portal patients choose whitening as part of their regular dental care routine, combining brightness with long-term oral health.

Professional whitening restores natural vibrancy without the “overdone” look, keeping your smile authentic not artificial.