Teeth whitening can be 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 safe, professional treatment at Thompson Advanced Dentistry. We are full-service cosmetic dentistry in Weld County, CO.
Why choose the dentist for teeth whitening?
A wide range of tooth-whitening products are available in local stores and online. However, treatment in our dental office will offer a superior result tailored to your aesthetic needs and dental health condition. Dr. Thompson will take the time to discuss your goals and evaluate the condition of your smile to determine if a tooth whitening treatment is the best solution for your needs.
Your tooth whitening treatment will be monitored to ensure that any possible side effects, such as sensitivity, are minimized and that the results are consistent and natural-looking.
Certain types of tooth stains can be resistant to professional teeth whitening. For this reason, we offer both the KoR system, which can penetrate tooth enamel at a deeper level, and a range of cosmetic and restorative treatment options to change the color of your teeth.
Teeth Whitening Options in Greeley, CO
Dr. Thompson will recommend the most suitable option for whitening your teeth and providing the results you desire. We offer in-office and customized take-home whitening kits and a full range of cosmetic treatments that can provide more permanent results.
KoR Teeth Whitening
The KoR system is one of the most advanced professional teeth whitening products available. It uses a unique approach to whitening teeth based on studies of traditional whitening gels’ effects on tooth enamel and how long they are effective. The sophisticated teeth whitening treatment can address tetracycline stains for most patients. We offer the KoR in-office treatment and the take-home trays to complete the process over time.
KoR Teeth Whitening is a treatment you get at the dentist’s office to make your teeth look whiter. During the treatment, your dentist will put a special gel on your teeth and then use a special light to make them whiter. This treatment usually takes a couple of visits to complete, and many people see significant improvement in the color of their teeth.
The KoR Teeth Whitening at-home trays are easy to use. You will put a special gel in the tray and wear it on your teeth for a little bit each day. It doesn’t hurt and doesn’t take very long. Over time, your teeth will look brighter and whiter. Just make sure to follow the instructions for best results.
Tooth Bonding
Dr. Thompson can use tooth bonding to change the tooth’s color with lasting results for a single discolored tooth or teeth considered resistant to whitening treatment. Dr. Thompson will put the composite resin material on the tooth and shape it by hand to blend in perfectly with the rest of your smile. To learn more about the benefits of dental bonding, see Tooth Bonding.
Porcelain Veneers
If you would like a permanent result, Dr. Thompson can use porcelain veneers to makeover your smile and provide a brighter, whiter appearance. Dental veneers are thin shells of porcelain that we will create to fit snugly over your tooth, hiding any discoloration or stains. To learn more about the dental veneer process, see Porcelain Veneers.
What Causes Tooth Discoloration?
Discolored teeth are something almost everyone will experience 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 of our teeth discolor over time. As we age, the bright white enamel layer of the tooth starts to wear down, exposing the dentin layer underneath. Dentin is an off-white, yellowish color, making your teeth look duller. It can erode prematurely due to 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 occur with excessive fluoride consumption as a child. It causes permanent staining to your teeth.
With trauma, the internal blood supply can be compromised when you experience a hit or fall. When the tooth no longer has blood flow, it becomes “dead.” A dead tooth no longer has a bright white color. 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.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
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 will provide all treatment cost information for your consideration 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 cannot offer 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 will 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 dentist in Greeley, CO is Dr. Joseph Thompson. Schedule a teeth whitening consultation today! We are your premier dentist office for all cosmetic dental services.