Teeth whitening is a quick, economical, and impactful way to makeover your smile and boost your confidence. Dr. Thompson, your local dentist in Greeley, CO can whiten and brighten your smile with professional treatments at Thompson Advanced Dentistry. We’re full-service cosmetic dentistry in Weld County, CO.
Teeth Whitening Options in Greeley, CO
You can find lots of whitening products at the store or online. However, getting your teeth whitened at a dental office gives you much better and safer results. Dr. Thompson will talk with you about what you want your smile to look like and check your teeth to make sure whitening is right for you.
We carefully monitor your whitening treatment to reduce side effects, like tooth sensitivity. We’ll make sure your smile looks naturally bright and even.
Some stains are harder to remove, which is why we offer the KoR whitening system, which works deep inside the enamel. We also offer other cosmetic options like veneers or bonding if whitening isn’t enough. Dr. Thompson will help you choose the best method for your smile, whether that’s in-office whitening, custom take-home kits, or a more permanent cosmetic solution.
KoR Teeth Whitening
KoR is one of the most advanced teeth whitening systems available. Unlike store-bought kits, KoR uses a special gel and method to whiten your teeth gently and effectively. Their system is based on years of research into how whitening works and lasts. It’s so powerful that it can even lighten tough stains, like those from certain medications.
During your visit, Dr. Thompson will apply a professional-grade whitening gel to your teeth. A gentle light will help activate the gel for deeper whitening. The treatment is done over one or two visits, and most people see dramatic results as soon as they leave.
After your in-office treatment, we’ll provide you with custom-fit whitening trays and a milder gel to use at home. You’ll wear the trays for a short time each day (or as directed) to keep and enhance your results. It’s painless, easy, and fits right into your daily routine. Whether you choose in-office whitening, at-home trays, or both, KoR delivers lasting results you’ll love.
Tooth Bonding
Dr. Thompson offers tooth bonding if you have a tooth or two that just won’t whiten like the others. He carefully applies a tooth-colored resin material directly to the tooth, then shapes and polishes it so it looks completely natural. This is a great way to get consistent color and lasting results for teeth that don’t respond well to whitening treatments. To learn more about the benefits of dental bonding, see Tooth Bonding.
Porcelain Veneers
If you’re looking for a permanent whitening solution, Dr. Thompson can transform your smile with porcelain veneers. These are thin, custom-made shells that fit perfectly over the front of your teeth, covering stubborn stains and giving you a bright, uniform smile. Unlike whitening treatments that may fade, veneers provide long-lasting color. To learn more about the dental veneer process, see Porcelain Veneers.
What Causes Tooth Discoloration?
Discolored teeth are something almost everyone will have at some point in their lifetime. It can impact your confidence in your smile and how you respond to social situations. Many things can cause discoloration. You may just have one or a combination of various conditions that discolor your teeth. When we treat discolored teeth, we determine the root cause and treat it accordingly.
Extrinsic Staining
Outside factors cause extrinsic staining. One of the most common is poor oral hygiene. If you aren’t removing bacteria and debris from your teeth regularly, plaque and tartar start to build up, causing brown and yellow stains. This is especially true when you’re eating and drinking staining agents. Things like coffee, strawberries, and black tea all increase the discoloration of your teeth. Certain foods and drinks are more likely to stain than others.
Tobacco use is another big thing that can stain your teeth. Nicotine, tar, and other chemicals in cigarettes and chewing tobacco cause yellow and brown discoloration on your teeth. Like with certain foods and drinks, poor oral hygiene increases the likelihood of you experiencing staining from these things.
Intrinsic Staining
Interior factors cause intrinsic staining. All our teeth discolor over time. As we age, the bright white enamel layer of the tooth starts to wear down and expose the dentin layer underneath. Dentin is an off-white, yellowish color, making your teeth look duller. It can erode prematurely because of acid reflux, abrasive toothpaste, harsh tooth brushing, or excessive consumption of acidic foods and drinks.
Certain medications can stain your teeth as they develop if taken as a child. Certain antihistamines and tetracycline are both big players in this. This can also happen with excessive fluoride consumption as a child. It causes permanent staining to your teeth.
If you hit or fall and damage a tooth, the blood supply inside can get cut off. When that happens, the tooth can no longer get nutrients and may eventually “die.” This often causes the tooth to turn dark gray, brown, or black over time because of internal bleeding or breakdown. Internal bleeding and other problems can cause discoloration starting from inside your tooth.
Genetics always plays a part in your smile. You may have a predisposition to darker or weaker tooth enamel. Your teeth won’t be as bright as others may be. It’s also possible for you to be predisposed to tooth discoloration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Teeth whitening is one of the most popular services in our dentist office. Learn more about it by reading the answers to these commonly asked questions.
Am I a candidate for teeth whitening?
Most patients over 14 are candidates for teeth whitening as long as no other dental problems could impact results. Dr. Thompson recommends beginning with a clean, healthy foundation for the best outcome. Existing concerns such as decay and gum disease could result in sensitivity or damage to tissues.
Does dental insurance cover tooth whitening?
Tooth whitening is considered an elective cosmetic treatment not covered by dental health benefits. We’ll provide all treatment cost information before your treatment and offer convenient payment options.
Will teeth whitening leave my teeth permanently sensitive?
No. Professional teeth whitening at the dentist is the safest option for your teeth. We use FDA-certified materials and products considered safe for all patients. Some patients report temporary sensitivity to hot and cold foods, but this symptom disappears in a few days.
Is teeth whitening permanent?
No, professional teeth whitening at the dentist and over-the-counter teeth whitening kits can’t guarantee permanent results. Your teeth are always susceptible to new stains after teeth whitening procedures, so no teeth whitening procedure is permanent. Your initial treatment can last up to three years if you maintain your teeth by avoiding foods that stain and keeping an excellent oral health routine.
Is professional teeth whitening safe?
Yes, professional tooth whitening is safe for most people. Dr. Thompson will complete the process in his office following all the proper guidelines. We’ll take measures to ensure your teeth and gums are safe during the entire process. With our take-home whitening kits, you should follow the instructions we provide to avoid any sensitivity or damage to your teeth.
How long will it take for me to see results with professional tooth whitening?
You should see results in about two weeks with the take-home whitening kids. You must wear the trays filled with whitening gel for around 60 minutes daily or as directed. However, please remember that everyone’s teeth are different, and it may take longer to see results.
With the in-office whitening treatment, you should see a difference right after your first visit. Your teeth will look whiter and brighter after we complete the first treatment. The full effects of the in-office treatment will continue to improve over the next few days. Be sure to follow your dentist’s instructions for the best results.
Visit our Dentist in Greeley, CO
Your experienced and trusted cosmetic dentist in Greeley, CO is Dr. Joseph Thompson. Schedule an appointment online or give us a call at 970-205-9614 today. We’re your trusted dental office for all cosmetic dental needs.