Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening treatments can eliminate stains caused by coffee consumption, tobacco use, or the natural aging process. At Cottage Grove Dental Care in Marion, Iowa, general, cosmetic, and Invisalign dentists Connie A. Miller, DDS, Matthew Sieverding, DDS, and the team offer in-office teeth whitening and take-home teeth whitening kits. Call Cottage Grove Dental Care or use the online booking feature today to book a teeth whitening consultation.

What is teeth whitening?

Professional teeth whitening provides a safe and effective way to eliminate tooth stains and discoloration. 

There are various teeth whitening systems available, but all of them work in similar ways. Specifically, they use solutions –– like hydrogen peroxide –– to oxidize molecules inside your tooth enamel. The oxidation process lightens the molecules, making your smile appear whiter and more vibrant.

Why do teeth change color?

Aging causes most tooth discoloration. Over the years, routine activities like biting and chewing cause your enamel to wear down, revealing the yellow dentin underneath.

Lifestyle factors can also play a role, including:

• Using tobacco
• Drinking beverages, like coffee or black tea
• Taking certain medications
• Poor oral hygiene

You might also develop tooth discoloration because of your diet. For example, eating tomato-based sauces and curries may cause stains.

What are the types of teeth whitening?

At Cottage Grove Dental Care, the team offers several types of teeth whitening, including:

In-office professional teeth whitening

Professional teeth whitening takes about an hour and makes your smile up to 8 shades* lighter in a single visit.

During treatment, your provider places a protective sheet over your gums and tongue. Then, they apply a professional teeth whitening solution to the surfaces of your teeth and let the solution sit for about 20 minutes.

After your teeth absorb the whitening gel, your provider points a light at them. The light causes the whitening process, eliminating years of significant buildup. 

Your provider repeats those same steps multiple times until you’re happy with the final results.

Take-home teeth whitening kits

Take-home teeth whitening kits allow you to brighten your smile from the comfort of your home. A take-home whitening kit has two plastic mouthpieces that fit snugly over your teeth and a bottle of whitening gel.

You line the mouthpieces with the whitening gel and wear them for between 3-4 hours a day, whenever it’s most convenient. After about two weeks of treatment, your smile appears significantly whiter.

How long will my teeth whitening results last?

The results of teeth whitening treatment typically last 4-6 months*, but it’s possible to extend them by practicing good oral hygiene. The team at Cottage Grove Dental Care recommends brushing your teeth twice daily, visiting the office every six months for preventive teeth cleaning, and drinking beverages like coffee with a straw.

To request a teeth whitening consultation, call Cottage Grove Dental Care or book online today.

*Individual results may vary.