Teeth Whitening in Encinitas – Brighten Your Smile with Confidence

At Gregory Skeens D.D.S. – Encinitas Family Dentistry, we understand how much a bright, white smile can impact your confidence. Whether you’re preparing for a special event or simply want to reverse years of coffee, tea, or wine stains, our professional teeth whitening treatments offer fast, safe, and noticeable results.

If you’re searching for teeth whitening in Encinitas, our office is here to help you reclaim a smile that looks as vibrant as you feel.

Why Choose Professional Teeth Whitening?

While over-the-counter whitening kits are everywhere, they often come with mixed results. Some can cause tooth sensitivity, gum irritation, or only address surface-level stains.

With professional teeth whitening, you’re getting a safer and more effective treatment—guided by a dental expert who knows your unique needs. Whether your discoloration is caused by age, diet, tobacco use, or medication, we’ll personalize your treatment to deliver the best possible outcome.

Our In-Office Whitening Option

At our Encinitas dental office, we offer in-office teeth whitening—the fastest and most effective way to achieve a visibly brighter smile.

In-Office Whitening

In just one visit, we can lighten your teeth several shades using a powerful whitening gel that’s activated under a special light. The entire treatment takes about an hour, and results are noticeable immediately after your visit.

This option is ideal for patients looking for same-day results before events like weddings, interviews, or family photos, or for those who simply want a fresh, rejuvenated smile.

Benefits of Whitening Your Teeth

A whiter smile isn’t just cosmetic—it can also enhance your confidence in social, professional, and personal situations. Patients who invest in professional teeth whitening in Encinitas often say they feel more:

Comfortable smiling in photos
Confident during job interviews or meetings
Attractive and self-assured in social settings
Motivated to maintain better oral hygiene

Your smile is one of the first things people notice. Why not make it your brightest feature?

What Causes Teeth to Stain?

Many of our patients are surprised to learn just how many everyday habits contribute to yellowing or discoloration. Some of the most common causes include:

Coffee, tea, red wine, and soda
Tobacco use (smoking or chewing)
Dark-colored fruits and sauces
Aging and natural enamel thinning
Certain medications or medical treatments

We begin every whitening consultation with a careful assessment to identify the source of your staining, so we can tailor your treatment for long-lasting results.

Is Whitening Right for You?

If you’re dealing with stains, dullness, or yellowing, professional whitening may be the perfect solution. However, it’s not always ideal for everyone.

Whitening works best on natural teeth and may not be effective on dental restorations like crowns, veneers, or fillings. If you’ve had previous dental work, we’ll help you explore your options to ensure your smile looks even and natural.

We also recommend completing any necessary cleanings or dental treatments before whitening to maximize your results.

Local Care from a Dentist You Can Trust

As your neighborhood Encinitas dentist, Dr. Gregory Skeens and our team take pride in providing personalized, patient-focused care. When you visit our office for teeth whitening, you’ll receive:

A custom approach based on your dental history and goals
Expert advice on maintaining your results long-term
A comfortable, judgment-free experience from start to finish
Whitening treatments that are safe, efficient, and effective

We’ve helped hundreds of local residents—from students to professionals to retirees—achieve whiter, healthier-looking smiles they’re proud to show off.

Maintaining Your Whitening Results

Once you’ve invested in a brighter smile, it’s important to protect those results. Here are some tips we share with our patients:

Brush twice a day and floss daily
Limit staining foods and drinks, or rinse with water afterward
Use a straw when drinking coffee, tea, or soda
Avoid smoking or tobacco products
Schedule routine cleanings and checkups

Dr. Skeens will also discuss follow-up whitening options if your teeth begin to dull over time, helping you keep that fresh smile glow year-round.

Get Ready to Smile Brighter

Ready to refresh your smile and boost your confidence?

Call Gregory Skeens D.D.S. – Encinitas Family Dentistry at 760-944-9288 to schedule your consultation for teeth whitening in Encinitas. We’ll walk you through the process and help you achieve the bright, confident smile you’ve been waiting for.

Whether you’re new to whitening or ready for a refresh, we’re here to support your journey to a whiter, healthier smile—right here in the heart of Encinitas.

Frequently Asked Questions – Teeth Whitening

Is professional teeth whitening safe?

Yes. When performed under a dentist’s supervision, professional teeth whitening is extremely safe. We use trusted products and techniques that protect your enamel and gums.

How long do the results last?

Results typically last 6 to 12 months, depending on your habits. Avoiding stain-causing foods, drinks, and tobacco can help extend the life of your whitening results.

Will teeth whitening make my teeth sensitive?

Some patients may experience mild sensitivity after whitening, but it usually goes away within a few days. We take extra precautions for patients with sensitive teeth.

Can I whiten my teeth if I have crowns or fillings?

Whitening treatments only work on natural tooth enamel. If you have visible crowns, veneers, or fillings, we’ll discuss ways to match their color or adjust your treatment plan for the best cosmetic result.

How soon can I eat or drink after whitening?

We recommend avoiding dark-colored or acidic foods and drinks for at least 24–48 hours after treatment. This helps protect your newly whitened teeth and maximizes your results.

Meet Dr. Gregory Skeens, DDS

Gregory Skeens, DDS – Dr. Skeens graduated from Loma Linda University dental school in 2001 on an academic Navy scholarship. He was the first in his class to finish all clinical requirements 6 months early and became a faculty member at the dental school, where he served for 4 years as a Navy dentist and a naval officer. After completing an advanced education in general dentistry (AEGD) residency, he deployed on the USS Peleliu in 2003, caring for 2500 marines, as well as providing humanitarian dental care to the Indigenous people of Iraq and Africa.

Dr. Skeens belongs to the American Dental Association (ADA), California Dental Association (CDA), and San Diego County Dental Society (SDCDS). He also attends Patriot and IADI Study Clubs.

Recognition & Certifications

Our Complete Dental Services

Tooth Extractions

Safely remove broken, cracked, or decayed teeth, including wisdom tooth removal. 

Emergency Dentistry

Urgent dental care when you need it the most

Veneers

Conceal cosmetic flaws, improve the appearance of your smile, and protect your tooth's surface. 

Dental Bonding

Repair chipped, cracked, or discolored teeth or close gaps between teeth. 

Dental Implants

The gold standard for replacing missing teeth that lasts for decades and restores your ability to chew food. 

In-House Membership

Annual dental exams, bitewing x-rays, and discounts on dental services. 

Visit Encinitas Family Dentistry

Gregory Skeens DDS

519 Encinitas Blvd #108
Encinitas, CA 92024

We are located in the North Coast  Business Park off Encinitas Blvd.

Hours

Monday: 9AM–6PM

Tuesday: 8AM–5PM

Wednesday: 8AM–5PM

Thursday: 8AM–3PM

Friday: Closed

Saturday: Closed

Sunday: Closed

Patient Video Testimonials and 5-Star Google Reviews

    
 
 
      Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A true professional! Dr. Skeens' office is equipped with state of the art equipment. He is very knowledgable, gentle, and thorough. Always on time and the staff is so friendly. I would recommend Dr. Skeens and I am glad to be one of his patients! He’s also a pilot which is really impressive!
  
  Posted on Google  
 
    
   Spencer Howe 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Skeens is THE BEST! It took me a while to find a great dentist that I could really trust. Dr. Skeens takes great care of clients, a consumate professional and very good at dental work (most importantly!)!
  
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   Katie McPhee 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great experience!  Cleaning and x rays were easy and painless. Facility is clean and modern. Dr Skeens is great.
  
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   Jeff Horton 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thanks Dr Skeens!  I appreciate your honest, compassionate approach to my dental health.  Tell Sarah she’s the best!
  
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   Karl Eberhardt 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Awesome dental office! Engaging, gentle hygienists and a no-pressure dentist. They haven’t tried to upsell me on unnecessary work once. Highly recommend.
  
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   C M 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Update after going through the process at Dr Skeens office. I can report back this office is exactly what you want from a dentist. They are client friendly, wallet conscience and skilled at their profession! I highly recommend.
  
  Posted on Google  
 
    
   Pamela Kenney 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have had 3 visits at Dr. Skeens - initial records and a thorough exam by Dr. Skeens.  Fawn was incredible at my x-rays - it was most the comfortable set of x-rays I have ever had, and I have a small mouth.  Dr. Skeens was excellent - very informative. They took incredibly zoomed in photos of my mouth and teeth, and Dr. Skeens walked me through every one - noting concerns and what we would do with each concern.  He was very conservative, which I appreciate in a dentist.  He recommended monitoring a few areas.  I came back for a cleaning, which was very smooth.  I returned 6 months later for another cleaning and a detailed scan of my jaws, which he takes every 5 years.  His entire staff is incredible, and Dr. Skeens himself is a wonderful dentist.  He truly gets to know you.  He cares about you, and he only recommends treatment when absolutely necessary.  So happy to be a patient at this office.
  
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   Jeffery Schaefer 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The most professional and caring dental group.
  
  Posted on Google  
 
    
   Elena Romine 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Skeens + staff were friendly and professional. Great service!
  
  Posted on Google  
 
    
   Austin Buyse

Exceptional Patient-Focused Dental Care

During your visit, you’ll get to know Dr. Skeens—he is down-to-earth and known for his professionalism and sense of humor. As an innovative dentist in Encinitas, he always seeks continuing education courses to expand his professional knowledge and offers the latest dental advancements. He and his team make you feel right at home and offer exceptional patient-focused dental care in a comfortable and modern setting. We’ll look at your overall oral health and suggest essential treatments. 

At Gregory Skeens D.D.S. – Encinitas Family Dentistry, relationships matter. Supporting growing families and strengthening the oral health of patients at every stage of life provides the ultimate reward to our team. We understand dental anxiety and pride ourselves on compassion and kindness. Our state-of-the-art technology allows us to serve everyone with first-class dental treatments for a legacy of Encinitas smiles

Sarah

Registered
Dental
Hygienist

Fawn

Registered
Dental
Assistant

Iliana

Administrative
Dental
Assistant

Insurance / Financing / In-House Membership

Insurance

We are in-network/contracted with the Delta Dental Premier Plan. We accept all PPO plans under ALL insurance umbrellas; however, we are considered out-of-network. As a courtesy, we will submit all claims to your insurance company and collect your estimated amount as treatment is rendered.

Financing

We’ll discuss the cost and payment options with you before we begin, and the choice for treatment is always yours. We accept major credit cards and CareCredit for extended payment options.

In-house Membership

Our in-house membership program offers yearly savings and 20% off most dental services when you prepay for your hygiene visits, exams, and x-rays

Our Guiding Principles

Our guiding principles ensure your comprehensive dental treatments include the highest standards of care by dental professionals with ongoing training and expertise. We maintain strict infection control guidelines to protect you for uncompromising safety, patient education, and prevention. You can expect thorough dental exams that factor in your medical history, current illnesses, and current medications. The overall health of your teeth and gums is foundational to your general health. At Encinitas Family Dentistry, you can rest easy in our dental chairs, benefiting from a highly trained, highly motivated team of skilled professionals

✓ The Highest Standards of Care

✓ Uncompromising Safety

✓ Training and Expertise

✓ Education and Prevention