Why Teeth Lose Their Shine
Tooth color changes for many reasons, and knowing the cause helps us recommend the right treatment. Some stains sit on the surface of the tooth, while others develop deeper inside the enamel. The most common causes include the following.
- Coffee, tea, cola, and red wine
- Tobacco use
- Dark sauces, berries, and other deeply colored foods
- Natural aging, as enamel thins and the yellowish layer underneath shows through
- Certain medications and past tooth injuries
- Inconsistent brushing and cleaning between teeth
Whitening works best on stains from foods, drinks, and aging. Some types of discoloration respond less well to bleaching, and our team will let you know what to expect after an exam. If surface stains are your main concern, a professional cleaning with Guided Biofilm Therapy can also help remove them gently.
Professional Whitening Options We Offer
Every patient is different, so we offer two proven approaches. Both use professional whitening gel and both are guided by our team from start to finish. Here is how each one works.
In Office Teeth Whitening
In office bleaching is the fastest way to achieve results and usually requires only one office visit. A protective gel or rubber shield is placed over your gums to protect the soft tissue. A professional whitening agent is then applied to your teeth, and a specialized light is used to enhance the action of the whitening agent. Many patients choose this option when they want to brighten their smile quickly, such as before a wedding, a milestone event, or a photo session.
At Home Teeth Whitening with Custom Trays
At home whitening begins with an impression of your teeth, which is used to make a custom tray that holds the whitening gel against your teeth. Because the trays are made specifically for your mouth, the gel stays where it belongs and your gums are better protected. Once your trays are ready, you wear them for the amount of time our office recommends. Depending on your goals, that can range from a couple of hours a day, or overnight, to up to four weeks or longer if you want to reach a deeper shade.
A Brighter Smile in One Visit, Step by Step
An in office whitening visit is simple, comfortable, and designed to protect your gums while the whitening agent does its work. Most patients are surprised by how straightforward it feels. Here is what you can expect.
01
Consultation and Starting Shade
We review your health history, check your teeth and gums, and record your starting shade so we can measure your results.
02
Preparing Your Teeth
We make sure your teeth are clean and ready, and we address any concerns that should be treated before whitening.
03
Protecting Your Gums
A protective gel or a rubber shield is placed over your gums to protect the soft tissue.
04
Applying the Whitening Agent
A professional bleaching agent is carefully applied to your teeth.
05
Activating with a Specialized Light
A specialized light is used to enhance the action of the whitening agent, which is what makes in office whitening the fastest way to see results.
06
Final Rinse, Shade Check, and Aftercare
We rinse your teeth, compare your new shade to your starting shade, and share simple aftercare tips to help your results last.
Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening
Whitening is one of the simplest ways to refresh your smile, and it is often the first cosmetic treatment patients try. Professional care offers advantages that over the counter products cannot match. Patients commonly enjoy these benefits.
- Noticeable results. Professional strength products can lighten teeth by several shades.
- A fast option. In office whitening usually takes only one visit.
- A flexible option. Custom trays let you whiten at home on your own schedule.
- Protection for your gums. Shields, gels, and custom trays keep the whitening agent where it belongs.
- Guidance from our team. We check your teeth and gums first and adjust your plan to your needs.
- A confidence boost. A brighter smile often makes people more willing to smile, laugh, and be photographed.
- A conservative treatment. Whitening changes the color of your natural teeth without removing tooth structure.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
Many healthy adults can enjoy the benefits of whitening, and a quick exam tells us whether it is right for you. We check for cavities, gum health, and existing dental work before we begin. You may be a good candidate if you fall into any of these situations.
- Your teeth look yellow, dull, or stained from coffee, tea, wine, or tobacco
- You have healthy teeth and gums with no untreated cavities
- You want a noticeable change without altering the shape of your teeth
- You have an event coming up and would like a brighter smile quickly
- You want to refresh your smile after a professional cleaning
- You prefer a conservative option to veneers or other cosmetic treatments
Some situations call for a little extra care. Untreated cavities, gum disease, and exposed tooth roots should be treated before whitening, and very sensitive teeth may need a gentler plan. Our team will review your history and explain the best approach.
Understanding Whitening Costs and Payment Options
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic treatment, so dental insurance usually does not cover it. We make the cost clear before you begin, and our team will explain the price for each option so you can choose with confidence. We accept all dental insurance plans except Medicaid and are in network with Delta Dental Premier for the covered portion of your preventive care, and we offer financing through Sunbit for treatment that insurance does not cover.
Smile Brighter in Time for Your Next Big Moment
Whether you have a wedding on the calendar or simply want to feel better about your smile, professional whitening can help. Our team at Godfrey Dentistry in Somersworth, NH is ready to talk through your goals and recommend the option that fits your life. Schedule your whitening visit today.
Book Your Whitening VisitFrequently Asked Questions About Teeth Whitening
Professional teeth whitening uses a bleaching agent that penetrates the enamel and breaks apart the molecules that cause staining and yellowing. In our office, the gel is applied after your gums are protected, and a specialized light enhances the action of the whitening agent. At home whitening uses the same idea, with a custom tray that holds the gel against your teeth. Professional supervision helps you get better results while protecting your gums and teeth.
Yes, in office whitening usually requires only one office visit, which makes it the fastest way to achieve results. During the visit, we protect your gums, apply the whitening agent, and use a specialized light to enhance its action. Many patients see a noticeable difference by the time they leave. Our team can tell you how long your appointment will take when you schedule.
We take an impression of your teeth to create a custom tray that fits your mouth precisely. You place the whitening gel in the tray and wear it for the time our office recommends. That might be a couple of hours a day, or overnight, and results build over days or weeks. Some patients continue for up to four weeks or longer if they want a deeper shade.
Whitening should not be painful, but some patients feel temporary sensitivity to cold or a mild tingling in the teeth. This usually fades within a few days. We reduce the chance of discomfort by examining your teeth first, protecting your gums, and adjusting your plan if you have sensitive teeth. Let our team know if you feel any discomfort so we can help.
Results vary from person to person and depend on your habits. Many patients enjoy a bright smile for months, and some for a year or longer. Coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco can cause stains to return sooner. Good home care, regular cleanings, and occasional touch ups with your custom trays can help your results last.
Professional whitening is guided by a dental team, uses products chosen for your teeth, and protects your gums with shields or custom trays. Store bought strips and kits can work for mild staining, but they often fit poorly, may irritate the gums, and tend to give less dramatic results. A professional exam also makes sure your teeth and gums are healthy enough for whitening. Many patients find professional care gives more predictable, longer lasting results.
No, whitening gel only changes the color of natural tooth enamel. Crowns, veneers, bonding, and fillings keep their original shade, so they may look darker than your newly whitened teeth. If you have dental work on your front teeth, we usually recommend whitening first and then matching any new restoration to your brighter shade. Our team will help you plan the order of treatment.
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic treatment, so most dental insurance plans do not cover it. We accept all dental insurance plans except Medicaid and are in network with Delta Dental Premier, and our team will explain your costs before you begin. We also offer financing through Sunbit for treatment that insurance does not cover. You can learn more on our Insurance and Financing page.
