Teeth Whitening

Stop Hiding a Smile Worth Showing

Your First VisitCall 612-662-1200
Dr. Herbert and a team member using a digital scanner during a patient visit.
Dr. Herbert talking with a patient while a team member holds a digital scanner.

Whiter Teeth In One Appointment, Or Gradually At Home

What's Holding Your Smile Back?

Coffee on the commute. Wine after a long week. Over time, the things you enjoy leave their mark on your teeth, and at some point you catch yourself smiling with your mouth closed in photos or hesitating before a big laugh.

It's a small thing, but it lingers. And professional teeth whitening is capable of changing that.
Dr. Herbert
offers custom take-home trays with professional whitening gel for gradual brightening on your own schedule. It's a simple, low-hassle way to get noticeably whiter teeth without a chairside visit.
Dental team member showing a tooth model to a patient during a consultation.

Flexible Whitening Options to Suit Your Schedule

Take-Home Whitening Trays

If you prefer to whiten at your own pace, Dr. Herbert provides custom-fitted trays made from impressions of your teeth. The fit matters: a tray that sits flush against your teeth means the whitening gel works evenly, without pooling or missing spots.

You wear the trays for a set period each day, and over the course of a few weeks, your smile lightens gradually.

Wondering how this is different from strips you can buy at the store? Those store-bought strips use a one-size strip and a weaker formula. The custom tray and professional-strength gel that Dr. Herbert prescribes give you more predictable, longer-lasting results.

From Closed-Mouth Smiles to Open Ones

01

Dr. Herbert Takes a Look First

Before whitening begins, Dr. Herbert takes a few minutes to assess your teeth. She'll check the type of staining you have, and any sensitivity concerns, to confirm that whitening is the best step. Some discoloration, particularly staining from certain medications or internal tooth changes, doesn't respond to bleaching. When that's the case, she'll walk you through what will work, whether that's
tooth bonding
or
porcelain veneers
.

02

Getting Your Trays Right

We take an impression of your teeth so your custom trays fit precisely. You'll receive your trays along with the whitening gel and clear instructions. You should expect to reach your desired shade within one to two weeks of consistent use, with any sensitivity typically settling within 24 to 48 hours of starting treatment.

Team member explaining a digital scan and tooth model to a patient in the dental chair.

Whitening Works Best When Your Teeth Are Healthy

Whitening is a cosmetic treatment, so it works best on a clean, healthy foundation. If it's been a while since your last checkup, Dr. Herbert's team will often recommend pairing whitening with a
professional cleaning
first.

Removing surface buildup gives the whitening gel better contact with your enamel and helps the results last longer.

Dr. Herbert's team
Familiar Faces, Unhurried Care
Dr. Jennifer Herbert has been at the helm of J&D Dental since 1998, and the practice itself has served downtown Minneapolis since 1928. The team is small by design: seven people, many of whom have been here for 14 to 20 years. When you come in for whitening, you're not moving through a production line. You have time to ask questions, and Dr. Herbert has time to answer them.

That same unhurried approach applies to cosmetic consultations. If whitening is part of a bigger picture for your smile, she'll talk through your options honestly, including when whitening alone won't get you where you want to be.

Call 612-662-1200

Smiling teeth whitening patient at the dental practice

Frequently Asked Questions About Teeth Whitening

How many shades whiter will my teeth get?

That depends on the type and depth of staining, and your starting shade. Patients with surface staining from things like coffee or wine tend to see the most dramatic improvement. Dr. Herbert will give you a realistic expectation at your consultation rather than a number that may not apply to your teeth specifically.

Will whitening make my teeth sensitive?

Some patients experience temporary sensitivity during or after whitening. It typically fades within a day or two. Dr. Herbert reviews your sensitivity history before recommending a whitening protocol, and adjustments can be made to the strength of the gel or the duration of treatment if needed.

How long do whitening results last?

Most patients maintain their results for six months to a year with normal care. Take-home trays give you a convenient way to touch up over time. Avoiding heavy staining foods and drinks in the first 48 hours after treatment helps the results hold.

I've tried whitening strips before and they didn't do much. Is this any different?

Yes. Over-the-counter strips use lower concentrations of whitening agent and a strip that doesn't seal tightly against your teeth. Professional whitening uses a significantly stronger formula in a custom tray designed for consistent contact. The difference in results is meaningful, especially for deeper or older staining.

What if my stains don't respond to whitening?

Some staining, such as that caused by tetracycline antibiotics or internal tooth changes, is resistant to bleaching. If that's the case for you, Dr. Herbert will discuss options like dental veneers or tooth bonding, both of which cover discoloration rather than trying to bleach over it.