Premium
Professional Teeth Whitening in Clarks Summit, PA
Professional teeth whitening uses dentist-strength gel – far stronger and safer than store-bought kits – to lift stains and brighten your smile by several shades. At Abington Center for Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, we brighten smiles for patients across Clarks Summit, the Abingtons, and Scranton using the Philips Zoom!® system, which can whiten your teeth up to eight shades in about an hour, plus custom take-home trays for a more gradual result. Every treatment is supervised by Dr. Charles W. Dennis to protect your enamel and gums.
4.9 · 700+ Google reviews
whitening options
Our professional whitening options
These are the situations we most often see in the first consultation. If two or more sound familiar, it’s worth a conversation.
In-office Zoom!® whitening
Our fastest option. An advanced LED light activates a professional whitening gel to brighten your smile up to eight shades in about a single one-hour visit. Ideal if you have an event coming up or simply want dramatic results right away.
Custom take-home trays
Prefer a gradual approach? We create trays fitted precisely to your teeth and provide professional-strength gel to use at home. You’ll see results in just a few days, with the convenience of whitening on your own schedule.
difference
Professional whitening vs. store-bought kits
If you’ve tried whitening strips or toothpaste and been disappointed, you’re not alone. Here’s how professional whitening compares:
Details
In-office Zoom!®
Custom take-home trays
Store-bought strips/gel
Gel strength
Highest, professional
Professional-strength
Low (over-the-counter)
Results
Up to 8 shades
Several shades, gradual
Modest and variable
Time to results
About 1 hour
A few days
Weeks, if at all
Fit & evenness
Whole smile, even
Custom trays, even
One-size, often uneven
Sensitivity managed
Yes, by your dentist
Yes, dentist-designed
No
Supervision
Dentist-supervised
Dentist-designed
None
professional whitening
Why professional whitening is worth it
Faster, more dramatic results than any over-the-counter product.
Applied under expert supervision to protect your enamel and gums.
Customized to your sensitivity level and whitening goals.
Even, natural-looking results – no patchy or ‘too white’ zones.
Guidance on maintaining your results so they last as long as possible.
causes
What causes tooth stains - and what whitening can (and can’t) fix
Most everyday discolouration is caused by surface (extrinsic) stains from coffee, tea, red wine, tobacco, and certain foods – and these respond beautifully to professional whitening. Deeper (intrinsic) discolouration, such as staining from certain medications or trauma, responds less predictably. It’s also worth knowing that whitening only works on natural tooth enamel – it won’t change the colour of existing crowns, veneers, or fillings. If you have visible restorations or deep intrinsic stains, we’ll talk honestly about whether whitening,
or an option like porcelain veneers, will get you the result you want. Setting the right expectations is part of doing this well.
results
How long do whitening results last?
Professional whitening results typically last from several months to a couple of years, depending on your habits. Coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco will gradually dull your smile, while good oral hygiene and regular cleanings help it stay bright. Many patients keep their results fresh with occasional take-home touch-ups – because you already have custom trays, maintaining your smile is simple and affordable.
Safe
Is teeth whitening safe?
Yes – when it’s done professionally. Dentist-supervised whitening is one of the safest cosmetic treatments available. Because we assess your teeth and gums first, protect the soft tissue during treatment, and adjust the gel to your sensitivity, professional whitening avoids the uneven results and irritation that DIY kits can cause. Some patients notice temporary sensitivity for a day or two afterward, which we help you manage.
Candidate
Am I a good candidate for teeth whitening?
Most healthy adults with natural teeth and surface staining are great candidates. Whitening works best on a clean, healthy mouth, so we often recommend a routine cleaning first. We’ll also check for any cavities or gum issues and confirm whitening is right for you before treatment. If you have extensive restorations or intrinsic staining, we’ll recommend the approach that will actually deliver the smile you’re after.
cost
What does professional whitening cost?
Because whitening is a cosmetic treatment, it’s typically not covered by insurance – but it’s one of the most affordable ways to transform your smile. The exact cost depends on whether you choose in-office Zoom!, take-home trays, or both. We’ll provide a clear, personalized estimate at your consultation so you understand your options before treatment begins. Request a quote or consultation to get started.
Insurance
We accept most major plans.
We file your claims on your behalf and verify your insurance coverage after your visit.
Financing
Flexible ways to pay.
CareCredit
APR promotional plans from 6 to 24 months.
Affirm
Instant approval, 3-to-72 month plans, no impact to credit.
HSA / FSA
We accept all major HSA and FSA cards for eligible services.
Meet the doctor
Why choose Dr. Dennis for teeth whitening
As a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Dennis brings a trained aesthetic eye to something that sounds simple but is easy to get wrong. Professional, supervised whitening protects your teeth, delivers even results, and pairs seamlessly with other treatments – for example, whitening before placing a crown or veneer so your restorations match your brightest smile. It’s the kind of coordinated care you only get from an experienced cosmetic dentist.
- DMD, University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine (1993)
- Trained Invisalign® Provider
- Advanced training in dental implants and endodontics
- Founded Abington Center in 2004 - 4.9★ across 700+ Google reviews
Real results
Before & after.
Porcelain Veneers · 8 Units
Treatment period: 3 weeks
Orthodontics · 11 months
case-01
Invisalign & whitening
Mild crowding corrected with clear aligners, finished with in-office whitening.
Porcelain Veneers · 8 Units
Treatment period: 3 weeks
Orthodontics · 11 months
case-01
Invisalign & whitening
Mild crowding corrected with clear aligners, finished with in-office whitening.
Patient stories
In their own words.
“I just finished with my Sonic teeth whitening. The entire experience was top-notch. I received superior care from the receptionist to the hygienist. The upmost care was given to the process. And the results….I sparkle. Thank- you for giving me my smile back.”
Carolyn McGinnis
Abington Center
“I met with Allison and Dr. Dennis. It is a Large, Open Professional Office. While I want Veneers in Prayerfully the near future, I am Really Considering Professional Whitening first to Uplift the Color of my Beautiful Teeth.”
Julie Martin
Abington Center
“Dr. Dennis is absolutely the BEST!!!!! He is caring, compassionate and the only dentist I recommend to my family and friends! I have trusted him with many serious dental needs with superb results!!!!!! He is 100% on top of things!”
Linda Cerra
Abington Center
Frequently asked
Questions we hear often.
Does professional teeth whitening really work?
Yes – professional whitening delivers faster, more dramatic, and longer-lasting results than store-bought kits. Our in-office Zoom! treatment can brighten your smile up to eight shades in about an hour.
How long do whitening results last?
Results typically last from several months to a couple of years, depending on your diet and habits. Coffee, tea, wine, and tobacco fade results faster, while regular cleanings and occasional take-home touch-ups keep your smile bright.
Is teeth whitening safe for my enamel?
Yes, when done professionally. Dentist-supervised whitening protects your enamel and gums, and the gel is adjusted to your sensitivity – which is why it’s far safer and more even than DIY kits.
Does teeth whitening hurt?
Whitening itself isn’t painful. Some patients notice mild, temporary sensitivity for a day or two afterward, which we help you manage with simple steps and sensitivity-friendly products.
Professional whitening vs. whitening strips - what’s the difference?
Professional gel is much stronger, applied under supervision, and custom-fitted to your teeth, so results are faster, more even, and longer-lasting. Strips are weaker, one-size-fits-all, and often produce patchy, modest results.
Will whitening change the colour of my crowns or veneers?
No – whitening only works on natural tooth enamel. Crowns, veneers, and fillings keep their original shade. If you have visible restorations, we’ll plan your treatment so everything matches your desired result.
How white will my teeth get?
In-office Zoom! can brighten most smiles up to eight shades. Your exact result depends on the type and depth of your staining, which we’ll assess at your consultation and set realistic expectations.
How often can I whiten my teeth?
With custom take-home trays, occasional touch-ups are easy and safe. We’ll recommend a maintenance schedule that keeps your smile bright without overdoing it.
Should I whiten before or after other dental work?
Usually before. If you’re getting a crown or veneer, we whiten first so your new restoration can be colour-matched to your brighter smile – otherwise it may look out of place later.
Ready for a brighter smile?
A whiter smile can be just one visit away. Call (570) 587-4031 or request a whitening consultation, and we’ll recommend the option that’s right for you.
Related services
Explore adjacent care.
Dental Cleanings & Exams
Children’s Dentistry
Family Dentistry
Root Canal Therapy
Educational resources
From the Journal.
How to Choose a Dentist: What to Look For Before You Book
5 Signs You Should Consider Cosmetic Dentistry (Beyond ‘I Want Whiter Teeth’)
Why Abington Center for Cosmetic and Family Dentistry is the Best Dentist in Clarks Summit, PA
4.9 · 700+ Google reviews
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