Professional Teeth Whitening in San Francisco

Achieve a dazzling, confident smile with our safe and effective professional whitening treatments.

Professional teeth whitening treatment

A Brighter Smile, A More Confident You

A bright, white smile is often one of the first things people notice, conveying health, youth, and confidence. Over time, however, factors like coffee, tea, red wine, and even aging can lead to tooth discoloration, leaving your smile looking dull and lackluster. At Madderra Dental Spa, we believe everyone deserves to feel proud of their smile. Our professional teeth whitening services are designed to safely and effectively erase years of staining, revealing the brilliant, beautiful smile underneath.

Unlike over-the-counter whitening products that offer limited results and can cause sensitivity, our professional-grade treatments deliver noticeable, long-lasting brightness. We utilize advanced whitening technology and materials that are both powerful and gentle on your enamel. Whether you're preparing for a special event or simply want to refresh your appearance, our team in San Francisco's Castro District is here to help you achieve your whitening goals in a comfortable, spa-like environment.

We offer both in-office and take-home whitening options to fit your lifestyle and preferences. During your consultation, Dr. Madderra or Dr. Holmann will assess your unique needs and recommend the best course of action to achieve a radiant smile that not only looks fantastic but also feels healthy and strong. Let us help you restore your smile's natural brilliance and boost your confidence.

Is Professional Teeth Whitening Right for You?

Professional teeth whitening is an excellent option for individuals looking to correct cosmetic discoloration and achieve a brighter smile. You may be an ideal candidate if you experience:

  • Extrinsic Stains: Discoloration on the surface of your teeth caused by coffee, tea, red wine, tobacco, or dark-colored foods.
  • Age-Related Yellowing: The natural yellowing or darkening of teeth that occurs as enamel thins with age, revealing the yellowish dentin underneath.
  • A Desire for a Brighter Smile: You are preparing for a major life event like a wedding or graduation, or simply want to boost your self-confidence with a more radiant appearance.
  • Good Oral Health: You have healthy teeth and gums, free from cavities or periodontal disease, which is a prerequisite for safe whitening.

The Madderra Approach to Teeth Whitening

With over 34 years of experience, Dr. Madderra has refined a whitening approach that prioritizes safety, effectiveness, and patient comfort. We understand that teeth whitening is not a one-size-fits-all procedure. Our philosophy combines a conservative methodology with state-of-the-art technology to deliver brilliant results without compromising the health of your teeth.

Our process begins with a comprehensive evaluation to determine the cause of your discoloration and ensure you are a good candidate for whitening. We meticulously protect your gums and soft tissues with a special barrier before applying the professional-strength whitening gel. This attention to detail minimizes sensitivity and ensures the whitening agent only contacts your tooth enamel. We use advanced LED light technology to activate the gel, accelerating the whitening process and achieving dramatic results in just one visit. This combination of experience and technology is the cornerstone of the E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) you can expect at Madderra Dental Spa.

The Whitening Procedure: Step-by-Step

1.

Consultation and Shade Assessment

Your journey begins with a consultation where we discuss your goals. We'll take a 'before' shade of your teeth to establish a baseline and track your progress.

2.

Teeth Preparation & Gum Protection

We'll start by cleaning your teeth to remove any plaque. A protective barrier is then carefully applied to your gums and lips to isolate the teeth and ensure your comfort and safety.

3.

Application of Whitening Gel

A professional-strength hydrogen peroxide whitening gel is expertly applied to the surface of each tooth. This gel is specially formulated to break down stains without harming your enamel.

4.

Light Activation

We use a special LED light to activate the whitening gel. The light accelerates the chemical reaction, allowing for deep stain removal and dramatic results in a shorter amount of time. This process is typically repeated in 15-minute intervals.

5.

The Final Reveal

After the final interval, the gel and protective barriers are removed. We'll rinse your mouth and show you your stunning new smile! We take an 'after' shade to show you just how much brighter your teeth have become.

Recovery & Aftercare

Following your professional whitening treatment, it's important to follow a few simple guidelines to protect your investment and prolong your results. For the first 48 hours, your teeth are more susceptible to staining. We recommend avoiding dark-colored foods and beverages such as coffee, tea, red wine, berries, and soy sauce. This is often called the 'white diet'.

You may experience some temporary tooth sensitivity, which should resolve within a day or two. Using a desensitizing toothpaste can help alleviate any discomfort. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene, including regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings, is crucial for keeping your smile bright and healthy long-term.

Experience the Madderra Difference

Ready for a smile that lights up the room? Our team combines 34+ years of expertise with a gentle, spa-like approach to deliver stunning whitening results. Schedule your consultation today and discover your most confident smile.

Patient Experiences

"Professional whitening that actually works! My teeth are several shades brighter without sensitivity. The results lasted much longer than I expected."

Amanda T.

Teeth Whitening

September 2025

"The in-office whitening was quick and effective. My teeth are noticeably brighter, and I experienced zero sensitivity. Perfect for a special event!"

Karen B.

Teeth Whitening

August 2024

"Professional whitening that delivers real results. The staff explained all my options and helped me choose the best treatment for my goals. Very pleased."

William H.

Teeth Whitening

July 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

The longevity of your results depends on your diet and lifestyle. With proper care, including avoiding staining foods and drinks like coffee, tea, and red wine, the effects of our professional whitening can last for a year or more. We recommend touch-up treatments every 6-12 months to maintain your bright smile.
Yes, when performed by a qualified dental professional, teeth whitening is completely safe for your enamel. At Madderra Dental Spa, we use high-quality, pH-balanced whitening agents and follow strict protocols to protect your teeth and gums, ensuring a safe and effective treatment.
Tooth sensitivity is a possible short-term side effect, but it's usually mild and temporary. We take precautions to minimize sensitivity, such as applying a desensitizing agent before the procedure. Any sensitivity you experience should subside within 24-48 hours after treatment.
Teeth whitening treatments only work on natural tooth enamel. Restorations like crowns, veneers, or bonding will not change color. If you're considering whitening, it's best to do it before getting any restorative work so we can match the new restorations to your brighter, whiter smile.
Our in-office whitening provides the most dramatic and immediate results, often lightening your teeth by several shades in a single visit. Our custom take-home kits offer professional-grade results with the convenience of whitening on your own schedule. Dr. Madderra or Dr. Holmann can help you decide which option is best for your goals and lifestyle.
The final result varies from person to person, depending on the original shade of your teeth and the cause of the discoloration. Our goal is to achieve your brightest, most natural-looking smile. We will discuss realistic expectations with you during your consultation.
Because teeth whitening is considered a cosmetic procedure, it is typically not covered by dental insurance. We offer various financing options to help make this transformative treatment accessible and affordable for our patients.
For the best results, we recommend a professional cleaning before your whitening session to remove any plaque or tartar buildup. It's also a good idea to use a desensitizing toothpaste for a week or two leading up to your appointment if you have a history of tooth sensitivity.

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Ready to Unveil Your Brightest Smile?

Don't wait another day to get the radiant smile you've always wanted. Contact Madderra Dental Spa, San Francisco's premier dental practice, to schedule your teeth whitening consultation with Dr. Madderra or Dr. Holmann.