Teeth Whitening

Teeth can become discolored for many reasons, including color-rich foods, certain lifestyle habits, and even the natural aging process. Fortunately, brightening your smile can be quick and easy with cost-effective and non-invasive professional teeth whitening. Drs. Chadwick Harris and Brent Culpepper offer in-office and take-home whitening options. Visit us in Laurel, MS, near Hattiesburg, to begin. We're pleased to offer the Philips Zoom!® whitening system for in-house whitening treatments. Zoom! Can produce significant results in just one appointment at our Laurel practice.

Candidates for Teeth Whitening

It's important to be in good oral health before teeth whitening. Issues such as cavities and gum disease will need to be addressed before treatment, and we can provide that care right here at Harris Dental Clinic. Although every case is different, our Laurel, MS, dentists don't typically recommend teeth whitening for:


  • Pregnant Patients
  • Patients Under 18
  • Teeth With Crowns or Veneers
  • Teeth With Intrinsic Stains

Extrinsic Stains vs. Intrinsic Stains

What’s the Difference? 

The two types of dental stains occur for different reasons and react differently to teeth whitening. During a consultation, Dr. Harris or Dr. Culpepper can determine which type of staining you have and recommend the best cosmetic plan to enhance your smile.

Extrinsic stains affect the enamel, which covers the surface of the teeth. These stains usually result from the consumption of tobacco or dark foods and drinks, like marinara sauce and coffee. Extrinsic stains typically react well to whitening treatment.

Intrinsic Stains

Intrinsic staining originates inside the tooth and is visible through the enamel. These stains may be caused by dental trauma or even your genetics. Go deeper, reaching further into your tooth. While intrinsic stains cannot be lifted with teeth whitening, they can be concealed with veneers or dental bonding.

What If Whitening Isn't Right for Me?

Even if teeth bleaching isn't the best choice for you, there are still a number of cosmetic dentistry options that can give you whiter teeth. 


Dental bonding and porcelain veneers are both alternatives that offer whitening benefits. These options can be customized so you can adjust the shape and size of your teeth as well. We can even custom-color our dental materials so you can enjoy a dazzlingly bright transformation. If you want to whiten your smile and address issues like chips, cracks, and asymmetry at the same time, bonding or veneers can be great options. No matter which treatment ends up being best for you, rest assured that our dentists are here to provide the finest results possible.

Visit a Dental Team = That Works With You!

Have concerns about sensitive teeth, cost, or additional cosmetic aspects you'd like to refine? Dr. Culpepper and Dr. Harris will work closely with you to find the solution that best fits your goals and budget. In fact, teeth whitening is only one of the many cosmetic dentistry services we offer at our practice. Dental bonding and porcelain veneers can be excellent alternatives for your cosmetic concerns, while custom dental crowns can help with both functional needs and aesthetic transformations.


We carefully mix our bleaching formulas to minimize the risk of tooth sensitivity during treatment. If you're concerned about cost, we accept CareCredit® financing to make teeth whitening more affordable. To find out whether teeth whitening is right for you, contact our Laurel dentistry practice online or call us at (601) 649-3344.