Longmont Teeth Whitening
If you’re not happy with the shade of your teeth, we can brighten your smile. Even if you take great care of your teeth, stains can develop over time, so most people benefit from professional whitening.
We offer custom whitening trays that allow you to brighten your smile from the comfort of home. Not only does professional tooth whitening make a noticeable difference in your appearance, but it’s also one of the most cost-effective cosmetic procedures in dentistry
Is Teeth Whitening Permanent?
Many factors can cause your teeth to become discolored, including drinking coffee, eating acidic foods, and taking certain medications. Because you’ll still consume things that cause tooth discoloration even after you get your teeth whitened, it’s not permanent, but your teeth will typically remain bright white for a few years afterward.
Luckily, there are some things you can do to make your teeth stay white for longer. For example, drink coffee over a brief period of time instead of sipping it over several hours. Coffee is acidic, and you’ll have less discoloration with less exposure.
In addition to watching what you eat and drink, oral hygiene is important too. Brushing and flossing every day along with seeing a dentist for dental exams and cleanings will make a big difference.
Does Teeth Whitening Hurt?
Hydrogen peroxide is the primary active ingredient in tooth whitening gels that dentists use for professional whitening. If your teeth are sensitive to peroxide, then you may have some discomfort while your teeth are being whitened. Your teeth may also feel sensitive when consuming extremely hot or cold items. But this is temporary and will go away within a few days of the whitening procedure.
Why See a Dentist for Teeth Whitening?
There are several options for whitening your teeth at home, such as using store-purchased whitening strips or gels. Although these are less expensive than professional whitening, they have several disadvantages.
The gel dentists use for whitening trays typically uses hydrogen peroxide as an active ingredient. Home-whitening kits either use a much lower concentration of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide because the trays aren’t custom-fitted, which means that the gel will encounter your gums and cause irritation.
There are some major safety concerns with in-home whitening. According to a study published in Nature Scientific Reports, carbamide peroxide can cause extensive damage to tooth enamel.¹
If you opt for professional teeth whitening, you will either get in-office whitening or fitted with a custom tray. Both methods prevent the whitening gel from contacting your gums, so your dentist can use a gel with a higher percentage of hydrogen peroxide. This means a better experience, faster results, and less discomfort.
How We Whiten Teeth at Longmont Dental Loft
Custom-Fitted Whitening Trays
Our preferred whitening method uses custom-fitted trays designed specifically for your teeth. The process starts with a 3D scan using our Primescan scanner. From this scan, we create trays that fit snugly and keep the whitening gel precisely where it needs to be — on your teeth, not your gums.
Once your trays are ready, we’ll check the fit at a quick follow-up visit and provide you with professional-strength whitening gel to take home. You’ll be in control of the process, able to whiten at your own pace and take breaks if you experience any sensitivity. Plus, you’ll have the trays on hand for future touch-ups whenever needed.
Why We Don’t Offer In-Office Whitening
We used to offer in-office whitening (often called Zoom whitening), but we’ve chosen to focus solely on custom trays because they offer better long-term results with fewer drawbacks.
In-office whitening can cause unpredictable sensitivity. Some patients feel fine afterward, while others experience significant discomfort — sometimes even before they see much whitening. With trays, if your teeth get sensitive, you can pause and resume at your comfort level. This flexibility makes whitening more comfortable and more effective in the long run.
While many dental practices still offer in-office whitening, we’ve found that our patients prefer a more controlled, personalized approach — one that fits their lifestyle and gives them the power to maintain their results at home.
How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost?
Custom-fitted whitening trays cost about $675.
Why Get Your Teeth Whitened at Longmont Dental Loft?
Dr. Hedrick and Dr. Ryan have been whitening our patients’ teeth for years with amazing results. Although we can’t guarantee you won’t have any pain or discomfort, we can help minimize it while achieving a much brighter smile. Contact us today at 303-772-6333 to schedule an appointment.
Related Articles
References
- Redha, O., Mazinanian, M., Nguyen, S. Son, D., et al. Compromised dental cells viability following teeth-whitening exposure. Nature.com. Retrieved November 7, 2023 from https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-94745-w.