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Brighter, the easy way

Teeth Whitening at Kitto Family Dental

Custom take-home trays brighten your smile at your own pace. Professional strength, dentist-guided, and none of the guesswork of store-bought kits.

Call (805) 922-4109Request a cosmetic consult
Smiling family of four hugging outdoors
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Ashley Kitto Channer, DDS·Last updated
4.9 out of 5 from 473 Google reviews (as of October 2026). Read them on GoogleCaring for Santa Maria families for more than 40 yearsThree dentists accepting new patients

Teeth whitening that actually works.

Take-home whitening with custom trays is the most reliable, most comfortable, and most predictable way to brighten your teeth. We make trays shaped to your bite, give you professional-strength whitening gel, and walk you through the schedule. Most patients see a visible change within two weeks.

What are the benefits of teeth whitening?

Lift those coffee stains

Professional whitening lifts stains from coffee, tea, and age.

Dentist-guided, enamel-friendly

Done under a dentist’s guidance.

Even results

Custom approaches help whiten evenly.

Say cheese (and mean it)

Many people notice the difference right away.

Plans around fillings

We check crowns and fillings, which don’t whiten.

Plays nice with bonding

Whiten first, then fix chips with dental bonding.

How take-home whitening works.

Impressions

We take a quick digital or physical impression of your teeth to make trays shaped to your bite.

Pick up your kit

Trays plus professional-strength whitening gel. We walk you through the schedule and how to minimize sensitivity.

Wear at home

Usually 30 to 60 minutes a day for one to two weeks. You control the pace. If sensitivity shows up, we can adjust.

Touch up as needed

The trays are reusable. Keep them, and use the remaining gel to touch up every few months as your schedule allows.

Is whitening right for you?

Whitening works best on natural tooth enamel that has yellowed from coffee, tea, wine, or age. It doesn’t change the color of crowns, veneers, or old fillings, so if you have significant restorations in your smile, we discuss whether cosmetic replacement makes more sense than whitening alone.

Whitening isn’t recommended during pregnancy, for children under 16, or if you have untreated decay or active gum disease. Those issues are addressed first.

Managing sensitivity.

Some tooth sensitivity during whitening is common and almost always temporary. If you experience it:

  • Use the trays for a shorter period each day
  • Skip a day or two
  • Switch to a sensitivity toothpaste (e.g., Sensodyne) for a week before and during whitening
  • Ask us about a lower-concentration gel if sensitivity persists

Sensitivity typically resolves within a few days of finishing treatment.

Whitening options compared

MethodWhereTimelineTypical costBest for
Professional take-home traysAt home with custom traysVisible in 1-2 weeks; full effect 4-6 weeksFew hundred dollars (initial)Most patients; most reliable
In-office whiteningOur officeSingle visit, ~1-2 hoursHigher upfrontPatients who want immediate change
Over-the-counter stripsAt home4-8 weeksLowMild staining; variable results
Whitening toothpasteAt homeWeeks to monthsLowestMaintenance only; surface stain removal

How much whiter will my teeth get?

Most patients see a visible change within one to two weeks of consistent nightly tray use, and reach the full result within four to six weeks. The amount of change depends on your starting shade, the cause of the staining, and how consistently you wear the trays.

Staining from coffee, tea, red wine, and age generally lifts well with professional whitening. Deeper intrinsic staining (from certain medications in childhood or past trauma) responds less dramatically and may need alternative treatment like bonding or veneers. We discuss the realistic expectation at your consultation so you can decide if whitening alone will give you the result you want, or whether a different approach fits better.

Who you’ll see.

Portrait of Dr. Ashley Kitto Channer, DDS

Dr. Ashley Kitto Channer, DDS

Loma Linda University School of Dentistry. Practicing since 2011, in the practice her father, Dr. Robert Kitto, founded. Full-scope family and restorative care.

Every doctor here sees kids and adults, and you can ask for the same doctor each visit. Meet all three dentists.

Insurance, minus the headache.

  • Most PPO plans welcome. We check your benefits before your visit, including deductible and remaining yearly maximum.
  • A written estimate first. For anything beyond a routine preventive visit, you see what insurance is expected to pay and what you owe before we begin.
  • We file the claim. You don’t need to send anything to your carrier yourself.
  • No insurance? No problem. We explain costs up front. Our membership plan covers routine care for one yearly fee, and CareCredit or Cherry financing can help with larger treatment.

Not sure what your plan covers?

Call with your carrier name and member ID. We’ll tell you what to expect before you book. Heads up: we don’t participate in most DHMO or Medi-Cal dental plans.

Check my coverage

Insurance and payment details

Why whiten with a dentist?

Store kits can whiten unevenly or irritate gums. A dentist checks for cavities and gum issues first and plans around crowns or fillings, so your results look natural.

Got questions? We’ve got answers

Have questions about teeth whitening?

How much does professional whitening cost?
Take-home whitening with custom trays typically runs in the few-hundred-dollar range for the initial setup. Refill gel for ongoing touch-ups is less. Ask us for a specific estimate at your visit.
How much whiter will my teeth get?
Most patients see a visible change within one to two weeks and reach their desired brightness within four to six weeks of regular use. Results vary based on starting shade, cause of staining, and consistency with the schedule.
How long do results last?
Most patients maintain results for a year or more with occasional touch-ups (one or two days of tray wear every few months). Smokers, heavy coffee or wine drinkers, and patients who miss touch-ups may see faster rebound.
Is whitening safe for enamel?
Used as directed, professional take-home whitening doesn’t damage enamel. The temporary sensitivity some patients experience is related to the whitening gel’s action, not enamel loss.
Does insurance cover whitening?
No. Teeth whitening is considered cosmetic and isn’t covered by dental insurance. We give you a straightforward cash price before you decide.
Can I whiten if I have crowns or fillings on my front teeth?
Whitening lightens natural enamel only. Crowns, veneers, and tooth-colored fillings keep their current shade. If you have restorations on front teeth, we whiten first and then talk about whether any of them should be updated to match.
Will whitening make my teeth sensitive?
Some people notice short-term sensitivity during or just after whitening. It usually fades within a few days. We can adjust the strength or schedule and suggest a sensitivity toothpaste. See sensitive teeth.
Will I know the cost before treatment, and when do I pay?
Yes. Before any treatment beyond your exam and cleaning, you get a written plan with a cost estimate. If you have insurance, we check your benefits first and file the claim for you. Your portion is due at the time of service. We accept cash, check, major credit cards, and financing through CareCredit or Cherry for larger treatment. See insurance and payment.

Why people love Kitto.

4.9

473 Google reviews as of October 2026.

Hear it from the neighbors

While you’re here.

Swipe for more. It all happens right here on East Main.

Light reading (for your teeth).

Patient guideHow Often Should You Get a Dental Cleaning?Twice a year fits most people. Here’s who needs more, or less.Patient guideIt Has Been Years. Where Do I Start?The first step back is smaller than you think. No lectures.Patient guideAn Old Filling Needs Attention. What Should You Ask?Questions that help you understand a filling or crown recommendation.

We accept most PPO plans, CareCredit, Cherry, and offer a membership plan for patients without insurance.

Ready to brighten up?

Call us for a cosmetic consult. We’ll walk you through your options and give you a straightforward estimate.

Call (805) 922-4109Request an Appointment
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