Personalized & Comfortable Lifelong Dental Care

Teeth Whitening in Des Moines & Urbandale, IA

Professional teeth whitening can transform the look of discolored or stained teeth in a relatively short amount of time. Trusting your whitening to a dentist minimizes common side effects like tooth and gum sensitivity, and offers more even, uniform-looking results than over-the-counter kits can provide.

Dr. Chris McDonald of McDonald Family Dentistry believes in giving you options in teeth whitening treatment. He is a reliable resource for information on a wide variety of teeth whitening systems. After learning more about you, your timeline and your goals, he can recommend what will work best for your circumstances.

Opalescence In-Office Teeth Whitening

For the fastest results and most dramatic transformation, Dr. McDonald recommends Opalescence in-office whitening. This comfortable, one-hour treatment will leave you with a dazzling white smile. If you have an important event coming up, like a wedding or a class reunion, in-office whitening can make the biggest difference in the look of your smile.

Opalescence uses a powerful 40 percent hydrogen peroxide gel that is chemically activated, so no hot or uncomfortable lights are required during treatment. The bleaching gel is more highly concentrated than over-the-counter whitening products, so it works faster. During an in-office Opalescence treatment, you can relax comfortably, watch your favorite television show or listen to soothing music, while the bleaching agent lifts stains and whitens your teeth.

Opalescence Pre-Filled Take-Home Trays

If you would rather whiten at your convenience in the comfort of your own home, Opalescence Go! might be a more suitable solution. With this system, you do not need to schedule an office visit. You will receive 10 pre-filled whitening trays to wear every day for 20 minutes. The trays mold around your teeth for a comfortable, close fit. You can see results with Opalescence Go! in as little as five to 10 days.

Custom Take-Home Teeth Whitening Trays

Opalescence Pre-Filled Take Home Trays in Urbandale, IA

Another effective solution for at-home whitening is reusable custom trays with whitening gel. Having your trays custom fitted by Dr. McDonald means better outcomes. He takes impressions of your teeth to use to craft the trays to the exact measurements of your mouth. Well-fitting trays enhance the comfort, efficacy and ultimate result of treatment. When the trays fit properly, the whitening gel makes maximum contact with your teeth for quicker, more even results. The trays are less likely to slip around in your mouth, and the whitening gel is less likely to leak out of the trays and irritate the soft tissues of your mouth.

At-home whitening with custom trays produces results in about two to six weeks. The trays can easily be taken on the go if you travel. Also, after your initial round of whitening, you can keep the trays and use them periodically to touch up your results. We can refill your whitening gel syringes as often as you wish.

CAN EXTREMELY DISCOLORED TEETH BECOME WHITE AGAIN?

With professional whitening services, even extremely discolored teeth can benefit from whitening treatments. Teeth whitening works by bleaching the tooth, which breaks down stubborn deep stains to reveal a brighter smile. Yellow teeth usually indicate poor oral hygiene or an increase in the consumption of dark foods and beverages. Brown teeth are indicative of smoking or tooth decay, which should be addressed before having whitening services completed. Black areas between teeth mean there is severe tooth decay, while teeth that appear gray are usually associated with trauma, as the gray color indicates that the nerve within the tooth has died.

CAUSES OF TOOTH DISCOLORATION

Tooth discoloration falls into two main categories:

Extrinsic: Extrinsic discoloration refers to stains that appear on the tooth’s surface. Highly pigmented foods and drinks can lead to this type of discoloration.

Intrinsic: Intrinsic discoloration originates from the inside of the tooth and changes the color of the dentin, which lies beneath the enamel. Certain medications and dental injuries can result in intrinsic discoloration.

Additionally, unavoidable sources of tooth discoloration include:

Age: Over time, the enamel begins to thin out, revealing more of the naturally yellow dentin within the tooth. This can make the teeth appear yellow or dull.

Genetics: Some individuals have teeth that are naturally less white than others.

Medical conditions: Liver disease, calcium deficiency, and certain eating disorders can contribute to a yellow smile.

Medication: There are certain medications that lead to discolored teeth. Antihistamines, hypertension medication, and antibiotics can leave patients with yellow teeth.

Teeth Whitening FAQs

Why is Professional Teeth Whitening Better Than Commercial Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening?

Teeth Whitening Des Moines IAOver-the-counter (OTC) whitening strips, trays and toothpaste products make many promises for brightening your smile. However, these at-home teeth whitening options found on the Internet or in your local grocery store can’t deliver the same results as professional teeth whitening. Some OTC whitening options can be harmful to your teeth and cause tooth sensitivity due to stripping your enamel, while others don’t contain whitening agents strong enough to provide noticeable results.

These teeth whitening strips and trays are “one size fits all” and not customized to fit your bite, which may lead to uneven, splotchy results. Whitening toothpaste doesn’t stay in contact with your teeth long enough to brighten your smile but may scrub off surface stains, giving the illusion of teeth whitening.

Professional teeth whitening services for in-office or at-home treatments deliver reliable, safe results at McDonald Family Dentistry in Des Moines. Tooth whitening through a dentist minimizes gum and tooth sensitivity and can offer immediate or gradual results you can count on. Our Opalescense in-office treatment takes just one hour and provides noticeably brighter teeth right away so you can have a stunning smile for an upcoming event. Our pre-filled take-home trays can whiten your smile in five to 10 days, while our custom take-home trays gradually brighten teeth over two to six weeks.

Can Teeth Whitening Treatments Cause Permanent Tooth Sensitivity?

People with thin tooth enamel can experience more tooth sensitivity after professional teeth whitening, but this is not permanent. Tooth and gum sensitivity often goes away within a few days and returns to normal.

How Long Will My Professional Teeth Whitening Results Last?

Teeth Whitening Urbandale IAHow long your teeth whitening results last depends on how well you care for your teeth and practice good oral hygiene habits. Twice daily brushing and flossing once a day can prevent bacteria and plaque from impacting the shade and health of your smile. Avoiding foods and beverages that stain teeth, such as red wine, tea, coffee and tomato sauce, will help you maintain your whitened teeth. Smoking can also yellow the teeth quickly.

Teeth whitening results typically last six months to several years, and maintenance treatments can help you keep your smile sparkling.

What's the Best Way to Maintain a Bright Smile After Teeth Whitening?

Good oral hygiene and regular dental exams and cleanings are excellent ways to maintain your teeth whitening results. Our dentist offers maintenance trays or touch-ups with at-home whitening kits to help you enjoy a brighter smile longer. If you brush after every meal and avoid foods, beverages and habits that may stain teeth quickly, your teeth whitening results may last you a year or longer.

Can I Have Teeth Whitening Treatments If I Have Dental Crowns, Porcelain Veneers or Dental Implants?

Tooth whitening does not affect dental restorations, including crowns, veneers and dental implants. When you choose restorative and cosmetic dentistry options, the crown or porcelain shell is customized to match the shade of your adjacent teeth. Many people will choose to whiten their teeth before getting these restorations to have a brighter smile free from tooth imperfections or gaps left by missing teeth. If you already have a crown or porcelain veneer, whitening your teeth can create an uneven appearance, depending on the location of the dental restorations.

Who Can Have Teeth Whitening Treatments?

Tooth whitening is an excellent option for adults with mild to moderate tooth discoloration and healthy tooth enamel. Although some teens with all of their mature teeth may qualify for treatments, children should not have teeth whitening. Adults are the best candidates for teeth whitening because their teeth are fully developed, and they often have tooth stains that have built up over the years. If you have gum disease, tooth decay or other oral health concerns, these need to be addressed before your teeth whitening treatment in Des Moines at McDonald Family Dentistry.

Learn More About Teeth Whitening

If you are interested in lightening teeth stained by smoking, drinking coffee or the effects of the aging process, Dr. McDonald can help. He will explain your options for achieving a brilliant white smile and help you select the treatment option that is best for your needs. Please contact McDonald Family Dentistry by calling or sending us an email.

Why Choose McDonald Family Dentistry

  • Long history of serving the community’s dental care needs
  • Convenient office location
  • Wide range of services to meet every patient’s goals
  • High-tech, state-of-the-art technology
  • Competitive fees

A Down-To-Earth
Family Practice

Under the leadership of Dr. McDonald, our entire team goes above and beyond to create an environment that is down to earth and relaxed. Thanks to our office’s beautiful natural surroundings and friendly, laid-back atmosphere, even the most anxious patients report feeling comfortable. Come see the difference for yourself!