Teeth Whitening in Greenwood
Greenwood residents looking for professional teeth whitening have a great option nearby — Green Lake Cosmetic Dentistry is just minutes away, and Dr. Ellison does a lot of Zoom whitening. It’s one of the most popular treatments in the practice, and for good reason: results are dramatic, the appointment takes about an hour, and patients consistently walk out looking noticeably lighter than when they arrived.
Zoom uses a professional-strength bleaching gel activated by a specialized light — producing results in one appointment that would take weeks of at-home strip use to approach. Dr. Ellison is direct about expectations: getting a major jump in brightness takes real effort upfront, but maintaining it is much easier. She recommends a once-a-month strip for most patients, or custom bleaching trays for those who prefer a more hands-on maintenance routine. Read more on the teeth whitening page.
Two paths available depending on your goals:
| Zoom In-Office Whitening One-appointment treatment using professional-strength bleaching gel and a specialized activating light. Greenwood patients see significant shade improvement in a single visit — faster, more dramatic, and more even than anything available over the counter. |
| Custom Take-Home Trays A great maintenance option or a gentler alternative for patients with sensitivity concerns. Custom-fitted trays with professional-grade whitening gel give better, more consistent coverage than store-bought strips. Ask about these at your cleaning and exam. |
The professional-grade bleaching agent in Zoom is substantially stronger than anything legally sold over the counter. That’s why a single in-office session beats weeks of strip use — and why the result is more even and controlled. For Greenwood patients with coffee or red wine habits, Dr. Ellison is honest: maintenance is part of the deal, but it’s much simpler than most people expect. A strip or two once a month is usually all you need to stay bright after an initial Zoom treatment.
She also checks that your teeth and gums are in the right condition before recommending whitening — sensitivity is a real concern for some patients, and she won’t rush you into a treatment that isn’t the right fit.
Greenwood has a neighborhood character that values quality and directness — and Dr. Ellison brings both to teeth whitening. She approaches it as a clinical treatment, not a cosmetic upsell: she checks candidacy, communicates realistic outcomes, and makes sure patients leave both thrilled with their results and set up for success in maintaining them. That approach has made Zoom whitening one of the most consistently requested services at Green Lake Cosmetic Dentistry.
We understand the financial side of dental care matters. Here are the ways we make it work for Greenwood patients:
Green Lake Cosmetic Dentistry is just minutes from Greenwood — book online, call us at (206) 258-4207, or reach out through our website. We accept most major PPO plans including Delta Dental, Premera Blue Cross, and Cigna. Cherry financing is available for whitening costs not covered by insurance. Full details on our financing and insurance page.
Dr. Cherryl Ellison – Dentist Serving Greenwood, Seattle
With over six years of experience and a reputation for clarity and genuine care, Dr. Cherryl Ellison brings a fresh, patient-first approach to dentistry for Greenwood residents and families across North Seattle. Dr. Ellison earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree and has built her practice around the belief that great dental care should feel personal — not rushed, not overwhelming, and never one-size-fits-all.
Whether you’re coming in for a routine cleaning or exploring cosmetic options for the first time, Dr. Ellison takes the time to listen, explain, and make sure you feel comfortable with every step of your care.
For most patients, we recommend a dental checkup and professional cleaning every six months. Twice-yearly visits allow us to catch small issues early, remove tartar buildup that brushing can't reach, and keep your gums healthy. Some patients with a history of gum disease or a higher risk of cavities may benefit from visits every three to four months. Dr. Ellison will let you know what schedule makes the most sense for your smile.
Most dental insurance plans cover preventive services, including routine cleanings and exams, at 100%. Restorative treatments like fillings and crowns are typically covered at a percentage after your deductible. Green Lake Cosmetic Dentistry is in-network with several major PPO plans, including Delta Dental, Premera Blue Cross, Cigna, MetLife, and others. Our team is happy to verify your benefits before your appointment so you know exactly what to expect.
A routine exam at Green Lake Cosmetic Dentistry includes a thorough review of your teeth, gums, and oral tissues, along with any necessary X-rays to check for issues not visible to the eye. We look for signs of cavities, gum disease, teeth grinding, and oral cancer. After the clinical exam, a hygienist will perform a professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar. Dr. Ellison will then go over any findings with you and discuss next steps if anything needs attention.
Absolutely. Dr. Ellison and the team at Green Lake Cosmetic Dentistry take a calm, patient-centered approach to every appointment. We take the time to explain each step before we do it, and we never rush. If you have significant anxiety, please mention it when you call or book online so we can plan accordingly and make your visit as comfortable as possible.
Many cavities don't cause any pain in their early stages, which is one of the key reasons regular exams matter. When symptoms do appear, they can include tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods, a visible pit or dark spot on a tooth, or a persistent toothache. If you notice any of these signs between appointments, reach out to us right away. Caught early, most cavities can be treated with a simple tooth-colored filling.
Yes, we welcome patients of all ages at Green Lake Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Ellison enjoys working with kids and focuses on making dental visits a positive experience from the very first appointment. Starting dental care early helps children build healthy habits and reduces anxiety about the dentist as they grow up. We recommend scheduling a child's first visit around their first birthday or when their first tooth appears.
Don't wait for a small issue to become a big problem. Whether you're due for a checkup or already know something needs attention, we're here to help—with no pressure and no surprises.