Professional Teeth Whitening in Des Moines: What Works, What Doesn’t and What It Costs
If your teeth have become darker or more stained over time, professional teeth whitening can be one of the simplest ways to brighten your smile. Coffee, tea, red wine, tobacco and natural changes to your enamel can all contribute to discoloration, even if you brush and floss regularly.
At Westgate Dental in West Des Moines, professional teeth whitening is available in several forms, including take home whitening options and GLO Teeth Whitening performed in the dental office. Each option works differently, so understanding what is available can help you decide which treatment is right for your smile.
If you are searching for professional teeth whitening near me or comparing your options for teeth whitening in Des Moines, here is what you need to know.
Why Do Teeth Become Discolored?
Teeth naturally become darker as we get older. The outer layer of the tooth, called enamel, becomes thinner over time, allowing more of the naturally darker dentin underneath to show through.
Everyday habits can also cause staining.
Coffee and tea contain compounds that can stain the surface of your teeth. Red wine, tobacco and some strongly colored foods can have a similar effect.
Some stains are on the surface of the enamel and respond particularly well to professional whitening. Other discoloration can be deeper within the tooth and may not respond in the same way.
That is why a dental examination is useful before whitening. Your dentist can determine what is causing the discoloration and whether whitening is likely to give you the result you want.
Does Professional Teeth Whitening Really Work?
Professional teeth whitening can produce a noticeable improvement in the color of natural teeth.
Whitening works by using a peroxide based whitening gel to break down staining compounds within the tooth. Professional treatments use stronger and more carefully controlled products than many over the counter alternatives.
The result is a brighter smile without removing any natural tooth structure.
However, whitening does not work equally well on every type of discoloration. Natural teeth respond to whitening, but crowns, veneers and tooth colored fillings do not change color in the same way.
If you have existing dental work that is visible when you smile, your dentist can discuss how whitening may affect the overall appearance of your smile before treatment begins.
Professional Whitening vs Store Bought Whitening
There are countless whitening products available in stores and online, including whitening strips, toothpastes, pens and LED kits.
Some can help reduce surface staining, but the results can vary considerably.
Professional whitening has several advantages. Your dentist can first check that your teeth and gums are healthy enough for whitening, recommend the most suitable treatment and provide products designed specifically for dental use.
Professional treatment can also give you more control over the result.
If you are looking for professional teeth whitening near me, a dental practice can help you choose an option based on the type of staining you have, how quickly you want results and how sensitive your teeth are.
What Teeth Whitening Options Are Available at Westgate Dental?
Westgate Dental offers several professional whitening options to suit different needs and lifestyles.
GoTrays
GoTrays are a professional take home whitening system. The trays come preloaded with whitening material and are designed to fit the mouth without requiring traditional impressions.
They can be particularly useful for patients who want the convenience of whitening at home or who need occasional touch ups.
Custom Professional Whitening Trays
Custom whitening trays are made by dental professionals to provide a personalized fit.
Whitening gel is placed into the trays and worn according to the instructions provided by your dental team. Because the trays are designed specifically for your teeth, they can provide an effective and convenient way to manage staining at home.
GLO Teeth Whitening
GLO Teeth Whitening is an in office professional treatment that uses light activated technology to accelerate the whitening gel.
Westgate Dental states that GLO treatment typically takes less than an hour in the dental chair and is designed to brighten the smile while minimizing sensitivity.
If you want a faster result before an event, holiday or special occasion, an in office treatment may be worth discussing with your dentist.
How Much Does Professional Teeth Whitening Cost?
The cost of professional teeth whitening varies depending on the treatment you choose.
Take home whitening and in office whitening involve different products, techniques and appointment requirements, so there is not one price that applies to every patient.
Westgate Dental also offers its Free Whitening for Life program as a reward for patients who maintain their routine dental care as recommended. The practice states that take home whitening is provided at routine cleanings at no charge to eligible patients through this program.
Because treatment and eligibility can vary, the best way to find out what applies to you is to speak directly with the Westgate Dental team.
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?
Professional teeth whitening is not permanent.
How long your results last depends on your diet, oral hygiene and habits. Regularly drinking coffee, tea or red wine, for example, can cause new staining over time.
The good news is that professional whitening can usually be maintained.
Take home whitening options can make touch ups easier when your smile starts to lose some of its brightness. Regular dental cleanings can also help remove surface staining and keep your smile looking its best.
Does Teeth Whitening Cause Sensitivity?
Some people experience temporary tooth sensitivity during or after whitening.
This can feel like a brief sharp sensation when eating or drinking something hot or cold. The level of sensitivity varies from person to person.
If you already have sensitive teeth, tell your dentist before whitening. Your dental team can help determine which whitening option is most appropriate and explain how to minimize discomfort.
Professional whitening allows your dentist to take your dental health and sensitivity into account before treatment begins.
Can Everyone Have Their Teeth Whitened?
Teeth whitening is suitable for many adults, but it is not automatically the right treatment for everyone.
Your dentist may recommend addressing other dental problems first if you have untreated cavities, gum problems or significant tooth sensitivity.
It is also important to understand that whitening only changes the color of natural teeth.
Crowns, veneers and fillings will not whiten in the same way as natural enamel. If you have visible restorations, your dentist can help you understand how whitening may affect the overall appearance of your smile.
What Is the Best Type of Teeth Whitening?
There is no single whitening treatment that is best for everyone.
If convenience is your priority, take home whitening may be a good option. If you want a professional treatment that can be completed quickly in the office, GLO Teeth Whitening may be more suitable.
Some patients may also benefit from professional take home whitening for ongoing maintenance.
The best option depends on your current tooth color, the type of staining you have, your sensitivity and how quickly you want to see results.
A consultation allows your dentist to look at your teeth and recommend the most appropriate approach.
How to Keep Your Smile Whiter for Longer
Once you have achieved the shade you want, your everyday habits can make a big difference.
Brush your teeth twice a day and clean between your teeth regularly. Continue attending routine dental appointments so your teeth and gums can be monitored and professionally cleaned.
You can also reduce staining by limiting drinks such as coffee, tea and red wine, particularly if you notice they quickly affect the color of your teeth.
If you smoke or use tobacco products, stopping can also help protect the appearance and health of your smile.
Professional whitening can brighten your teeth, but maintaining the result is a long term process.
Why Choose Westgate Dental for Professional Teeth Whitening?
Westgate Dental provides cosmetic and general dental care in West Des Moines, with professional whitening among its cosmetic treatment options. The practice offers different whitening approaches so patients can choose an option that fits their needs and lifestyle.
The practice is led by Dr. Jeremy Flinkman and focuses on personalized care, comfort and helping patients understand their treatment options.
If you are considering whitening as part of a wider smile improvement plan, Westgate Dental also provides other cosmetic treatments, including veneers, bonding and clear aligners.
Teeth Whitening in Des Moines
If you are unhappy with stains or discoloration, professional teeth whitening can provide a simple way to improve the appearance of your smile.
Westgate Dental offers professional whitening options in West Des Moines, including GoTrays, custom take home whitening trays and GLO Teeth Whitening.
The right option depends on your teeth, your goals and how quickly you want results. A consultation is the best place to start because your dentist can assess your smile and explain which treatment is most suitable.
Westgate Dental is located at 1000 73rd Street, Suite 1, West Des Moines, IA 50265, and serves patients throughout the Des Moines area.
If you are considering teeth whitening in Des Moines, contact Westgate Dental to discuss your options and schedule your consultation.
Call (515) 223 5001 to schedule your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does teeth whitening cost in Des Moines?
The cost depends on the type of professional whitening treatment you choose. Westgate Dental offers several whitening options, including take home and in office treatments. The team can explain the available options and associated costs during your consultation.
What is the best professional teeth whitening treatment?
The best treatment depends on your teeth, the type of staining you have, your sensitivity and how quickly you want results. Westgate Dental offers GoTrays, custom professional whitening trays and GLO Teeth Whitening, giving patients several options to consider.
How long does professional teeth whitening last?
The longevity of whitening results varies from person to person. Your diet, oral hygiene and habits can all affect how quickly new staining develops. Professional take home whitening can be useful for maintaining your results.
Is professional teeth whitening safe?
Professional teeth whitening is considered safe for suitable patients when used as directed. Your dentist can check your teeth and gums before treatment and discuss any sensitivity or other concerns you may have.
Does teeth whitening work on crowns and veneers?
No. Whitening products change the color of natural tooth structure but do not whiten crowns, veneers or fillings in the same way. If you have visible dental restorations, your dentist can explain how whitening may affect your smile.
Can I get teeth whitening near me in Des Moines?
Yes. Westgate Dental provides professional teeth whitening at its West Des Moines office and welcomes patients from across the Des Moines metro area. The practice is located at 1000 73rd Street, Suite 1, West Des Moines, IA 50265.
How quickly can professional teeth whitening work?
The timeframe depends on the treatment you choose. GLO Teeth Whitening is an in office treatment that typically takes less than an hour, while take home whitening allows you to whiten gradually according to the instructions provided by your dental team.
Does Westgate Dental offer take home teeth whitening?
Yes. Westgate Dental offers both GoTrays and custom professional whitening trays for patients who prefer to whiten at home.
