Teeth Whitening

Teeth Whitening with Larsen Family Dental

When you schedule an appointment with Dr. Larsen, he will provide you with a smile consultation to determine if teeth whitening is right for you. As with all cosmetic dentistry procedures, it is important you are in good oral health before beginning treatment. Healthy and stable teeth and gums are the foundation for successful and lasting results.

Once it is determined that you are a good candidate for teeth whitening, Dr. Larsen will provide you with a treatment plan.

Teeth Whitening FAQs

What makes me a bad candidate for teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening is a great solution to treat mild to moderate tooth discoloration. However, if your tooth discoloration is severe, we may recommend porcelain veneers or dental crowns that would cover your entire tooth with a prosthetic white tooth.

There are certain conditions that may prevent you from receiving a whitening treatment, including worn-down enamel, extreme dental sensitivity, or intrinsic stains from certain medications or conditions which affect the underlying layers of the tooth.

What are common teeth staining agents?

Common foods and drinks that stain your teeth are coffee, tea, soda, tomato-based sauces, soy sauce, fruit juice, red wine, and assorted kinds of berries. Additionally, if you smoke tobacco, you are very likely to stain your teeth.

What is the at-home teeth whitening treatment like?

Whitening your teeth at home allows you to undergo treatment at your own convenience.  Unlike many over-the-counter whitening systems, we provide customized whitening trays designed to fit comfortably and securely into your smile. This means that the whitening gel will be distributed evenly across all of your teeth and there will be no splotchy discoloration.

When you are ready to use the trays, fill them with the whitening gel and then place the tray over your teeth. Dr. Larsen will tell you how long to sit with a tray in your mouth for your desired results.

What is the in-office teeth whitening treatment like?

Whitening your teeth in our office allows you to brighten your teeth by several shades in one appointment. We start off our in-office treatment with a thorough dental cleaning. Then, Dr. Larsen will cover your gums with a protective film to prevent irritation.

When your teeth are ready, Dr. Larsen will apply a layer of the whitening agent and wait 10 minutes for it to begin dissolving the stains. Typically, whitening treatments require several applications to achieve the desired results. At our office, we provide a special bundle for in-office whitening patients which includes the take-home kit, as well as two “boost” treatments.

Should I clean my teeth before or after a teeth whitening treatment?

Your teeth whitening treatment works best when you have teeth that are clean, and free from plaque and tartar. You can schedule your teeth cleaning and whitening treatment on the same day if you’d like. Teeth cleaning should always come first.

Does teeth whitening hurt?

Teeth whitening can cause sensitivity to your teeth and gums. However, one of the benefits of professional teeth whitening is that we use products and take care to limit the chance of this. Our whitening treatments aren’t one size fits all, either, meaning that there’s less chance of the bleaching material coming into contact with your gums.

How long will the effects of teeth whitening last?

The impacts of teeth whitening can vary depending on the person. Everyone’s teeth are different and respond to the treatment differently. Lifestyle habits can also impact how long they last. Things like smoking or regularly drinking coffee and tea can cause your teeth to discolor again faster than someone who doesn’t. Teeth whitening can last anywhere from six months to 2-3 years, depending on these various factors.

How often can I get receive a teeth whitening treatment?

Your dentist will recommend that you should only receive a teeth whitening treatment once a year. Even with professional whitening, too many treatments close together can cause sensitivity in your teeth. We want to make sure that you avoid this.