Shade evaluation
Dr. Lee evaluates the current tooth color, pattern of discoloration, and any fillings, crowns, or veneers that will not lighten with bleaching.
Teeth whitening in Seattle
Dr. Jaime Lee uses professional whitening to lighten natural tooth enamel when surface and internal staining are responsive to bleaching treatment.
She first evaluates the source of discoloration, existing restorations, sensitivity, and your desired shade so the whitening plan matches what the teeth can realistically change.
Cosmetic color correction
What can professional teeth whitening change?
Whitening changes the color of natural tooth structure without reshaping the teeth.
Dr. Lee uses it when the cosmetic goal is primarily shade improvement and the tooth color is likely to respond to bleaching, rather than using a more invasive restoration for a color-only concern.
- Lighten natural tooth enamel
- Address generalized staining
- Coordinate shade before cosmetic restorations
- Preserve natural tooth shape
What does whitening treatment involve?
Treatment selection
She chooses a whitening approach based on the type of staining, sensitivity history, and the amount of color change being pursued.
Alternative cosmetic planning
If the discoloration is not likely to respond well to whitening, Dr. Lee can explain restorative or veneer-based alternatives that change the visible tooth surface.
What happens at a whitening appointment?
- Evaluate the discoloration. Dr. Lee determines whether the color change is primarily on or within natural tooth structure and whether existing restorations affect the cosmetic plan.
- Establish the goal. She discusses the degree of shade change you want and whether that goal is compatible with the current condition of the teeth.
- Select the whitening method. The treatment approach is chosen according to stain pattern, sensitivity, and the desired level of whitening.
- Reassess the shade. The result is evaluated against the starting shade and any future cosmetic treatment that may need to match the whitened teeth.
Am I a candidate for teeth whitening?
Whitening may lighten natural teeth when the discoloration responds to bleaching. Dr. Lee checks the cause of the color change and any existing restorations before recommending it.
Existing crowns, veneers, and fillings do not bleach like natural enamel, so Dr. Lee evaluates whether those restorations will affect the final color balance.
Should I whiten my teeth before other dental work?
Dr. Lee sequences clinical whitening before finalizing new cosmetic restorations, ensuring the final crowns or veneers are perfectly shade-matched to your optimized natural enamel.
If active decay, gum inflammation, or another dental condition is present, Dr. Lee addresses the oral health issue before finalizing the cosmetic sequence.
What affects the cost of professional whitening?
Cost depends on the whitening method selected and the treatment needed to reach the cosmetic goal. Whitening is usually considered elective cosmetic care, so dental insurance may not cover it.
PPO insurance
Smile Art accepts all PPO insurance.
Contact the office with your plan details to ask about coverage and network participation.
Professional whitening is generally elective cosmetic care, and insurance coverage varies by plan.
Third-party financing
Available through:
- CareCredit
- Cherry
- LendingClub
Financing is subject to the provider’s approval and terms.
Who provides your care at Smile Art?
Dr. Jaime Lee earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery from Loma Linda University in 2002 and studied fine art before dental school. She uses shade, proportion, and the condition of the natural teeth to determine when whitening alone can achieve the cosmetic change a patient wants.
Frequently asked questions
Will whitening change the color of crowns or fillings?
No. Whitening changes natural tooth structure, while existing restorative materials generally keep their original shade.
Can every type of tooth discoloration be whitened?
No. Response depends on the cause and location of the discoloration. Dr. Lee evaluates the stain pattern before recommending whitening.
Should I whiten before getting a crown or veneer?
If whitening is part of the cosmetic plan, completing it first can help establish the shade used to plan a new visible restoration.
What if my teeth are sensitive?
Dr. Lee considers your history of tooth sensitivity before recommending a whitening approach, and she can adjust the treatment if sensitivity becomes a problem.
How long will the color last?
Whitening results can change over time depending on your diet, habits, and natural tooth color. Dr. Lee can discuss ways to help you maintain the color of your teeth after treatment.
Does insurance cover teeth whitening?
Whitening is generally elective cosmetic care and often is not covered by dental insurance.
Where is our Seattle dental office?
Smile Art is at 901 Boren Ave, Suite 1030, Seattle, WA 98104. We welcome new patients from Seattle and the surrounding neighborhoods.
Smile Art by Dr. Jaime Lee901 Boren Ave, Suite 1030
Seattle, WA 98104
Seattle, WA 98104
HoursMonday–Thursday, 8:00am–4:00pm
Phone(206) 325-7200
The Cabrini Medical Tower garage entrance is at 1010 Marion St. The building entrance is on Boren Ave; Dr. Lee is in Suite 1030. Parking for a Smile Art visit does not require validation. Directions to the garage. Check posted rates when you park.