Do you have stubborn tooth stains? Looking for a simple way to make your smile brighter? At Gunbarrel Dental Center, we offer professional teeth whitening for patients in Boulder, CO. This cosmetic treatment can lighten your tooth enamel and give you a more radiant smile. Dr. Rachel Barone provides both in-office and take-home whitening options to suit your needs.
What Causes Stained Teeth?
There are two types of tooth stains: intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic stains are inside the tooth and can’t be removed with regular whitening treatments. These stains often happen due to factors like injuries, genetics, or tooth wear.
For example, cracks or chips in your enamel can expose the darker layer beneath, called dentin, making your teeth look discolored. Some people are also born with a tendency for darker or weaker teeth.
Extrinsic stains are on the surface of your teeth and are caused by outside factors. Things like certain foods, drinks, and tobacco use can cause these stains. Foods and drinks that can stain teeth include tea, coffee, wine, berries, and tomato sauces.
The pigments in these foods stick to your enamel, causing it to darken over time. Smoking or using other tobacco products can quickly stain your teeth, turning them yellow or brown because of the nicotine.
QuickPro Teeth Whitening in Boulder, CO
At Gunbarrel Dental Center, we use Philips Zoom! QuickPro for both in-office and take-home teeth whitening. This system offers a fast and effective way to brighten your smile.
For in-office whitening, here’s how it works:
- First, we clean your teeth and check your current tooth shade using a guide.
- Then, we dry your teeth and protect your gums to reduce sensitivity.
- After that, we apply a special two-layer whitening solution. The first layer is a 20% hydrogen peroxide varnish, which whitens your teeth. The second layer is a sealer that keeps the whitening solution in place.
- You wait for about 30 minutes, and then you can wipe off the varnish with a damp cloth or brush your teeth.
For those who prefer take-home whitening, Dr. Barone can create custom trays for you. She will take impressions of your teeth to make the trays, which fit your teeth perfectly. You’ll also get whitening gel to place in the trays. Dr. Barone will explain how long to wear the trays each day, depending on your whitening goals.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Here are some common questions we get about teeth whitening:
Am I a candidate for teeth whitening?
We recommend teeth whitening for patients who are 18 years or older and have healthy teeth and gums. If you have any dental problems, like gum disease or tooth decay, we’ll need to treat those first. Pregnant or nursing women and patients with certain health conditions should talk to their doctor before considering whitening treatment.
How do I treat intrinsic stains?
Whitening treatments work best for surface stains, not intrinsic stains. If you have deep stains or damage inside the tooth, we might suggest dental veneers, tooth bonding, or crowns. These treatments cover your teeth, giving you a more even, brighter smile.
How soon will I see results?
With in-office whitening, you’ll see a difference on the same day. Your teeth will keep getting brighter for a few hours after treatment, with full results showing within a day. If you choose take-home kits, you’ll start to see changes after a few weeks of consistent use.
How long do the results last?
Professional teeth whitening can last anywhere from six months to two years, depending on your habits. In-office treatments generally last longer than over-the-counter products. What you eat and drink also affects how long your teeth stay white. Coffee, tea, red wine, and smoking can cause stains to come back faster.
To keep your smile bright, be sure to brush twice a day, floss daily, and visit the dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings. If needed, you can also get touch-up treatments or use at-home whitening kits to maintain your results.
Get a Brighter Smile at Gunbarrel Dental Center
Ready for a whiter, brighter smile? Call Gunbarrel Dental Center at 720-881-0614 to schedule your teeth whitening appointment. You can also book a visit with Dr. Barone online. We’re here to help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted!