Achieve a brighter smile from the comfort of your own home
William H. Smythe DMD in Louisville provides professional take-home teeth whitening kits — custom-fitted trays plus professional-strength whitening gel for gradual, safe whitening from the comfort of your home. Dr. William H. Smythe IV takes precise impressions so your trays fit snugly, minimizing gum irritation and ensuring even whitening of every tooth. Patients from Louisville, across Louisville and Jefferson County, KY choose take-home kits for convenience and excellent long-term control of their smile. Schedule your whitening consultation or call (502) 448-2876.
Teeth whitening home kits have become increasingly popular in recent years as more and more people seek to brighten their smiles without the cost and inconvenience of professional dental treatments. These kits typically include a whitening gel or paste and a tray or strip to hold it against your teeth.
They can be used at home, at your own convenience, and at a fraction of the cost of professional treatments. However, with so many options on the market, it can be difficult to know which teeth whitening home kit is right for you.
Custom take-home whitening is a preferred option for most patients. The trays are molded to your exact teeth, which means the gel stays on the teeth and off the gums — the opposite of 'boil-and-bite' options from the drugstore. Results are gradual but excellent, and shade touch-ups are easy over time.
Many patients benefit from combining in-office whitening with take-home trays — a fast jump-start in the office followed by home maintenance to hold the shade long-term. Patients appreciate having that control at home.
Medically reviewed by Dr. William H. Smythe IV, DMD · University of Louisville School of Dentistry, 1996 · Kentucky dental license #3628 · William H. Smythe DMD, 5141 Dixie Highway, Louisville, KY 40216 · same location since 1973.
Dental Exam: The first step is a thorough dental exam to assess the health of your teeth and gums. Your dentist will check for any underlying issues that may affect treatment effectiveness.
Custom Trays: Your dentist will take impressions of your teeth to create custom trays that fit snugly, holding the whitening solution in place for even and consistent coverage.
Whitening Solution: A customized whitening solution is created based on the shade of your teeth and the results you desire — typically a higher concentration than over-the-counter products.
Instructions and Support: Your dentist will provide detailed instructions on how to use the kit and offer support throughout the treatment process.
While drug store whitening kits may seem convenient, they simply can't compare to a professional kit from your dentist:
Our take-home gel contains a higher concentration of whitening agent than any OTC product — delivering real, visible results over 1–2 weeks.
Made from precise impressions of your teeth, custom trays ensure even gel coverage and prevent it from contacting your gums, maximizing comfort and results.
Your custom trays are yours to keep. Order additional whitening gel from our office whenever you want to maintain or refresh your results — no new impressions needed.
The gradual whitening process is well-tolerated by most patients, including those with mild sensitivity, and produces beautifully natural-looking results.
Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer or dental professional. Typically, most products can be reapplied every 3 to 6 months to maintain results.
It's best to reapply after a dental cleaning to ensure the whitening solution has the best possible surface area to work with.
Side effects of over whitening:
Pregnant or nursing women: The safety of teeth whitening during pregnancy or breastfeeding is not yet known, so it is generally recommended to avoid treatment.
Individuals under 18: Children and teenagers are still developing their teeth, so whitening is not recommended.
Those undergoing chemotherapy or radiation: These treatments can weaken enamel and make teeth more sensitive.
Individuals with damaged teeth: Avoid whitening if you have periodontal disease, cracked enamel, cavities, or cervical abrasion.
Teeth Whitening Home Kits is a good fit if you are:
This may not be the right option if:
Here is exactly what happens at your appointment at William H. Smythe DMD. Knowing each step makes the experience far less intimidating — and lets you relax knowing what comes next.
These are the questions patients at William H. Smythe DMD ask most often before committing to treatment. Dr. William H. Smythe IV addresses each one honestly at your consultation.
"Why not just use drugstore strips?"
Store-bought strips don't conform well to tooth shape, can irritate gums, and use weaker gel. Custom trays ensure the professional-strength gel stays on your teeth (not your gums), delivering better, more even results.
"Isn't in-office whitening faster?"
Yes — in-office produces same-day results. Take-home is gradual (1–2 weeks). Many patients combine both: in-office for the jump-start, then take-home to extend and maintain.
"Will take-home whitening make my teeth sensitive?"
Some sensitivity is common, but custom tray fit and the right gel strength keep it manageable. Dr. William H. Smythe IV adjusts the protocol for sensitive patients.
Every procedure has tradeoffs, and transparent conversation about them is part of informed consent. Dr. William H. Smythe IV reviews these at your consultation and answers every question before treatment begins.
Custom professional at-home teeth whitening kits are created specifically for you by a dental professional, ensuring a customized fit and higher concentration of whitening solution than what is available in over-the-counter products.
Whitening products do not change the color of fillings, crowns, or other dental restorations. Your dentist can advise on the best approach if you have existing restorations in visible areas.
It's recommended to wait until braces are removed before using a teeth whitening kit to ensure even whitening.
Yes, custom professional kits are typically more expensive, but they offer a higher concentration of whitening solution and a customized fit for better, longer-lasting results.
Yes. At our Louisville dental office we offer professional teeth whitening home kits to patients from Louisville and the surrounding area. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.
Most patients see visible results within 1–2 weeks of nightly use, with full results at 2–4 weeks. The gradual approach lets your teeth adjust to the whitening process, minimizing sensitivity.
Results typically last 1–3 years with good oral hygiene. Patients who consume staining foods/drinks (coffee, tea, red wine) may need occasional touch-up treatments. Because you keep the custom trays, touch-ups are easy and inexpensive.
Yes — when used as directed under professional supervision. The custom tray fit keeps the gel on teeth, and Dr. William H. Smythe IV adjusts the peroxide strength to match your sensitivity level. Stop use and call us if you experience persistent sensitivity or gum irritation.
Cost depends on the size of the case, the materials chosen, and your individual diagnosis. Most cases fall into the low-to-mid four figures per tooth or area treated. We give a written estimate before any work begins.
Insurance: we accept most insurance plans and file claims on your behalf, so you do not have to chase reimbursement. We verify benefits before treatment and explain what is covered.
Payment options: Mastercard, Visa, American Express, Discover, cash, and CareCredit financing — which lets patients spread treatment cost across monthly payments.
Most patients tell us the anticipation was worse than the procedure itself. Treatment is performed under local anesthesia — you will feel the brief pinch of the numbing injection, then nothing more than light pressure during the work itself. If anxiety is keeping you from treatment, talk to us at the consultation; we will pace the visit and explain every step in advance.
William H. Smythe DMD has cared for Louisville families from the same Dixie Highway location since 1973. The office is on Dixie Highway in South End Louisville, with easy access from the Watterson Expressway (I-264) and I-64 — making the drive in from Shively, Pleasure Ridge Park, Valley Station, Iroquois Park, Auburndale, Beechmont, Fairdale, the South End, and across Jefferson County straightforward.
Our practice is family-friendly and accessible — free on-site parking, a wheelchair ramp, and an elevator to our second-floor office at Suite 202. Office hours are Monday through Wednesday 9 AM to 4 PM, Thursday 9 AM to 2 PM, and Friday 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM. To schedule, request an appointment online or call (502) 448-2876.
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute dental or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Whitening can cause temporary tooth sensitivity and mild gum irritation. Overuse or poor-fitting trays can worsen sensitivity. Existing crowns, veneers, and fillings do not whiten with the gel. Consult Dr. William H. Smythe IV or a qualified dental professional regarding any questions about your oral health. Individual results may vary.
Get a professional-grade teeth whitening kit customized by your dentist for safe, effective, and long-lasting results.