Teeth Whitening

Erik Ligans, DDS

Cosmetic Dentist in Los Angeles, CA

Teeth whitening provides a safe and effective way to achieve a brighter, whiter, and more attractive smile. At Playa District Dental, in the Westchester neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, Dr. E (Erik Ligans, DDS) and the team offer in-office whitening with Philips Zoom! and take-home whitening kits. Call the office today to schedule an appointment.

If you are searching for teeth whitening in Los Angeles, Playa District Dental offers professional-grade whitening solutions that deliver results far beyond anything available over the counter. Dr. Ligans is a certified Philips Zoom! provider — meaning your in-office whitening is performed with the same clinical-grade technology trusted by cosmetic dentists across the country, under the direct supervision of an experienced, USC-trained dentist. Patients from Playa Vista, Culver City, Marina del Rey, and across West LA choose our Westchester practice for teeth whitening Los Angeles.

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Teeth Whitening Los Angeles — Playa District Dental

Playa District Dental proudly provides professional teeth whitening in Los Angeles, welcoming patients from Westchester, Playa Vista, Marina del Rey, Culver City, Playa del Rey, Fox Hills, Ladera Heights, El Segundo, and surrounding West LA communities.

Patients from Playa Vista consistently choose us for teeth whitening near Playa Vista because Dr. Ligans and his team deliver measurable, lasting results in a comfortable, clinically supervised environment — with none of the sensitivity risks or inconsistent outcomes that come with unsupervised at-home whitening products.

Teeth Whitening Los Angeles

Teeth Whitening Q&A

What causes teeth to become yellow and discolored?

Several factors can cause your teeth to become yellow and discolored, most notably the natural aging process. As you get older, the outer layer of tooth enamel wears away, revealing the dentin beneath. Dentin is yellow, causing your teeth to appear dingy. Other things that can stain your teeth include taking medication with tetracycline, drinking beverages with tannins like coffee and tea, eating foods like tomatoes or berries, and using tobacco products. Poor oral hygiene can also play a role. You can significantly reduce the appearance of stains by undergoing an oral exam and professional cleaning every six months.

What are the benefits of professional teeth whitening?

Professional teeth whitening at Playa District Dental delivers results that over-the-counter products simply cannot match:

What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dentistry technique that uses FDA-approved bleaching solutions to remove stains from your teeth. The majority of teeth whitening treatments, including Philips Zoom!, use carbamide peroxide — a harmless solution closely related to hydrogen peroxide. Carbamide peroxide is incredibly safe, presents no significant side effects, and provides long-lasting results that are noticeably superior to store-bought whitening strips or trays.

Who is a good candidate for teeth whitening?

Most adults with healthy teeth and gums are excellent candidates for professional teeth whitening Los Angeles. The best candidates have surface staining from food, beverages, tobacco, or aging — rather than intrinsic discoloration from medications like tetracycline, which responds better to porcelain veneers. During your consultation, Dr. Ligans evaluates your smile and recommends the whitening option — or combination of cosmetic treatments — that will deliver the brightest, most natural-looking result for your specific case.

Teeth Whitening Options at Playa District Dental

At Playa District Dental, Dr. E and the team offer two professional teeth whitening options to suit different goals, schedules, and budgets:

01

Philips Zoom! In-Office Whitening

Philips Zoom! can make your teeth between 6–8 shades lighter during a single, one-hour appointment.* At the beginning of treatment, the team covers your tongue and gums with a protective rubber sheet. They then apply the Zoom! bleaching solution to your teeth and allow it to rest for 15–20 minutes. Once the solution has time to set in, the team points a blue light at your teeth that triggers a bleaching reaction. The team repeats these same steps multiple times until your teeth reach the desired shade of white. Philips Zoom! is the ideal choice for patients who want dramatic, immediate results — for a special event, a first impression, or simply because they are ready for a brighter smile today.

02

Take-Home Whitening Kits

Take-home teeth whitening kits allow you to whiten your teeth at your own speed. Each kit contains two plastic mouthpieces, a syringe, and a professional-strength liquid bleaching solution. You transfer the bleaching solution to your mouthpieces with the syringe and then wear the mouthpieces for three to four hours. Over a period of weeks, the custom trays help whiten and brighten your teeth gradually and comfortably. Take-home kits are an excellent option for patients who prefer flexibility, those with mild sensitivity who want a gentler pace, or anyone looking to maintain and extend results between in-office Zoom! sessions.

*Individual results may vary.

Cost of Teeth Whitening in Los Angeles

Professional teeth whitening in Los Angeles typically ranges from $300 to $700 for in-office Philips Zoom! treatment and $150 to $400 for custom take-home whitening kits. Periodic whitening touch-ups, whether in-office or at home, are available at reduced rates for returning patients. Teeth whitening is a cosmetic service and is generally not covered by dental insurance, though Playa District Dental offers flexible payment options to make professional whitening accessible. Dr. Ligans provides a transparent cost estimate and a personalized recommendation at your consultation so you can choose the option that best fits your goals and budget.

Playa District Dental for Teeth Whitening in Los Angeles

Why Choose Playa District Dental for Teeth Whitening in Los Angeles?

Choosing a certified Philips Zoom! provider in Los Angeles — rather than relying on over-the-counter strips or mall kiosk treatments — ensures your whitening is safe, effective, and tailored to your smile. Patients at Playa District Dental benefit from:

About Dr. Erik Ligans, DDS — Your Teeth Whitening Provider

Education-icon

Education

USC Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry

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Advanced Training

Spear Education — Advanced Cosmetic Courses

Technology-icon

Technology

Philips Zoom! In-Office Whitening System  •  Custom Take-Home Trays

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Certifications

Philips Zoom Whitening Certified  •  Botox TMJ Certified

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Patient Rating

4.95 Stars  •  700+ Verified Google Reviews

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CA License

California Dental Board — Licensed DDS

What Our Patients Are Saying

Playa Vista Patient
Playa Vista Patient
I was nervous about starting Invisalign as an adult, but Dr. E made the whole process so easy. He walked me through every step, the iTero scan was painless, and I could actually see what my smile would look like before we even started. I tell everyone in Playa Vista to come here.
Playa Vista Patient
Playa Vista Patient
I was nervous about starting Invisalign as an adult, but Dr. E made the whole process so easy. He walked me through every step, the iTero scan was painless, and I could actually see what my smile would look like before we even started. I tell everyone in Playa Vista to come here.
Playa Vista Patient
Playa Vista Patient
I was nervous about starting Invisalign as an adult, but Dr. E made the whole process so easy. He walked me through every step, the iTero scan was painless, and I could actually see what my smile would look like before we even started. I tell everyone in Playa Vista to come here.

Are the Results of Teeth Whitening Permanent?

The results of teeth whitening aren’t permanent, but they typically last four to six months and sometimes even longer. To maintain your results, Dr. E and the team recommend brushing twice a day, flossing regularly, and visiting Playa District Dental twice a year for an oral exam and professional cleaning. At your recommended biannual cleanings, your Playa District Dental provider removes plaque and tartar buildup, flosses between your teeth, and polishes their surfaces with a special toothpaste. They also perform an oral health exam and look inside your mouth for signs of decay or disease, and offer suggestions for how to improve your oral hygiene at home. Additionally, you might consider investing in regular whitening touch-ups. The more frequently you whiten your teeth, the brighter and shinier they appear. If you want a brilliant smile, request a teeth whitening consultation at Playa District Dental. Call the office today to book an appointment.

Professional Teeth Whitening vs. Over-the-Counter Strips

Walk into any pharmacy in Los Angeles and you will find dozens of whitening strip brands making bold claims on their packaging. The reality is that over-the-counter products use significantly lower concentrations of bleaching agent than professional whitening solutions — which limits both how white your teeth can get and how long those results last. They also come in one-size-fits-all trays that do not conform to your individual bite, leading to uneven whitening, missed spots, and gum irritation from solution leaking onto soft tissue. Professional Philips Zoom! whitening at Playa District Dental uses clinical-grade carbamide peroxide applied precisely to your teeth under Dr. Ligans’ direct supervision — delivering results up to 6–8 shades brighter in a single appointment, with consistent coverage across every tooth. For patients weighing whitening against veneers, Dr. Ligans can explain how both options compare and recommend the best path to your ideal smile. *

*Individual results may vary.

Additional Teeth Whitening FAQs — Los Angeles

Professional Philips Zoom! teeth whitening in Los Angeles typically ranges from $300 to $700. At Playa District Dental in Westchester, Dr. Ligans provides a personalized cost estimate at your consultation, including information on take-home kit options and available payment plans. Call (310) 777-1373 to schedule your whitening consultation.

Dr. Erik Ligans at Playa District Dental in Westchester, Los Angeles, is a certified Philips Zoom! whitening provider serving patients from Playa Vista, Culver City, Marina del Rey, and across West LA. With a USC Dental School background and Spear Education advanced training, Dr. Ligans combines clinical expertise with a genuine passion for cosmetic dentistry. Located at 6801 Park Terrace Drive, #330, Los Angeles, CA 90045. Call (310) 777-1373.

Some patients experience mild, temporary tooth sensitivity during or after whitening treatment — particularly with in-office Zoom! sessions. This is a normal, short-lived response and typically resolves within 24 to 48 hours. Dr. Ligans evaluates your enamel and existing sensitivity levels at your consultation and may recommend a pre-treatment fluoride application or a gentler take-home whitening schedule if needed.
A full Philips Zoom! in-office whitening treatment takes approximately one hour from start to finish. The session involves multiple 15–20 minute bleaching cycles with the Zoom! light, allowing Dr. Ligans to monitor your progress and reach the optimal shade safely. Most patients leave the office with noticeably brighter teeth the same day.*

To maintain your whitening results, brush twice daily, floss regularly, and attend your biannual professional cleaning appointments at Playa District Dental. Limiting staining beverages like coffee, tea, and red wine — or rinsing with water immediately after consuming them — helps extend results. Periodic whitening touch-ups, either with a take-home kit or a follow-up Zoom! session, keep your smile looking its brightest between visits.

Areas We Serve in Los Angeles

Playa District Dental offers Invisalign treatment to patients in:

We offer Invisalign services in Westchester, Los Angeles CA with clear aligners for comfortable teeth straightening.

We offer Invisalign services in Playa Vista, Los Angeles CA with clear aligners for comfortable teeth straightening.

We offer Invisalign services in Marina del Rey, Los Angeles CA with clear aligners for comfortable teeth straightening.

We offer Invisalign services in Culver City, Los Angeles CA with clear aligners for comfortable teeth straightening.

We offer Invisalign services in Playa del Rey, Los Angeles CA with clear aligners for comfortable teeth straightening.

We offer Invisalign services in Greater Los Angeles CA with clear aligners for comfortable teeth straightening.

Our Westchester office is located just 1 mile from LAX and minutes from the 405 and 90 freeways, making us easily accessible for patients across West LA.

Schedule Your Teeth Whitening Consultation in Los Angeles

A brighter, more confident smile is just one appointment away. Dr. Ligans and our team at Playa District Dental are ready to help you find the right whitening solution — and deliver results you will actually notice.