Brilliance: professional teeth whitening, done right

Brilliance is $750. It includes custom-fitted trays, three weeks of professional deep bleaching at home, a one-hour in-office power session, and a cosmetic consultation of up to 30 minutes. You can add it to either McElroy Smile Membership plan.

No. Whitening brightens natural tooth enamel, not crowns or veneers, which keep their original shade. Your dentist reviews this with you in the cosmetic consultation, so you know what to expect before you start and whether whitening fits your goals.

Some sensitivity is normal with any professional whitening. Brilliance uses a product chosen to keep sensitivity low, and your dentist explains how to manage it. Following the instructions and easing up on staining foods during the three weeks gives you the most comfortable, brightest result.

No. Brilliance is available as a professional whitening program on its own, and it is also offered as an add-on to Essentials and Perio members. It is a strong add-on even if you have dental insurance, since most plans do not cover cosmetic whitening. Either way, the program and the $750 price are the same.