Professional Teeth Whitening in Fort Collins, CO
If your teeth are not as bright as you would like, Essential Whitening may help refresh your smile from the comfort of home. Glacier Creek Dental offers this dentist-guided, professional take-home teeth whitening system for patients in Fort Collins and nearby communities.
Essential Whitening combines professional whitening gel with a reusable dual-light LED mouthpiece. There are no impressions or custom trays, and our dental team will explain how to use the system safely at home. Before recommending whitening, we will evaluate your teeth and gums, review any sensitivity, and talk with you about the result you hope to achieve.
What Causes Teeth to Look Stained or Dull?
Coffee, tea, red wine, tobacco use, and normal aging can gradually darken natural tooth enamel. Some discoloration develops inside a tooth because of medication, dental trauma, or other factors and may not respond to whitening in the same way. A dental evaluation helps us understand the source of the discoloration and set realistic expectations before you begin.
A Comfortable Approach to At-Home Whitening
The Essential Whitening gel contains potassium nitrate and is formulated at a higher pH to help reduce irritation. The mouthpiece includes a blue-light mode for whitening and a red-light mode that the supplier says helps calm the teeth during and after treatment. According to Essential Whitening, most patients experience little to no sensitivity, including many who have had trouble with whitening in the past. Every patient is different, however, and temporary tooth or gum sensitivity can still occur.
What Should I Expect with Essential Whitening?
Before you begin, our dental team will examine your teeth and gums and discuss the cause of your discoloration. Some stains respond better than others, and concerns such as tooth decay or gum irritation may need to be addressed first.
If the system is right for you, we will explain how to apply the gel, use the blue- and red-light settings, and care for the mouthpiece at home. The manufacturer reports results of up to six shades brighter in as few as 10 treatments, although results vary based on your starting shade, the type of staining, and consistent use.
The reusable mouthpiece includes a five-year limited warranty. Our team can explain the coverage and care instructions.
Before & After
Is Teeth Whitening Right for Me?
Teeth whitening works best on certain types of stains, including discoloration caused by foods, drinks, tobacco use, aging, and other factors. Whitening changes the color of natural tooth enamel but does not lighten crowns, veneers, bridges, or tooth-colored fillings. Our team will take these restorations into account and help you understand what you can reasonably expect before treatment begins.
You can help maintain your results by brushing and flossing regularly, keeping up with professional dental cleanings, limiting foods and drinks that stain, and following the touch-up guidance provided by our team.
Why Choose Glacier Creek Dental for Teeth Whitening?
For more than 50 years, Glacier Creek Dental has provided dental care for patients in Fort Collins and the surrounding communities. Our team takes time to explain what whitening can and cannot change, how existing dental work may affect the final shade, and what to do if sensitivity develops. We recommend care based on your oral health, comfort, and goals rather than promising the same result for every smile.
Because whitening is part of our broader cosmetic dentistry services, we can also help you understand when a cleaning or another cosmetic treatment may be more appropriate for the concern you want to address.
Frequently Asked Questions About Teeth Whitening
How is Essential Whitening different from a store-bought whitening kit?
Essential Whitening is provided through our dental office after we have evaluated your teeth and gums. The system includes professional whitening gel, a reusable dual-light LED mouthpiece, and instructions from our team. Unlike a custom-tray system, it does not require impressions.
How soon will I see a change in the color of my teeth?
The manufacturer reports results of up to six shades brighter in as few as 10 treatments. Your result and timing will depend on your starting shade, the type of staining, and how consistently you use the system. Individual results vary.
Will teeth whitening cause sensitivity?
According to Essential Whitening, most patients experience little to no sensitivity. Its gel contains potassium nitrate and is formulated at a higher pH to help reduce irritation, while the red-light mode is intended to help calm the teeth. Temporary tooth or gum sensitivity can still occur, so contact our office if you are uncomfortable or have questions during treatment.
Can whitening change the color of crowns, veneers, or fillings?
No. Whitening gel changes the color of natural tooth enamel but does not lighten crowns, veneers, bridges, bonding, or tooth-colored fillings. We will consider the location and shade of existing restorations when discussing the result you can expect.
How can I help my whitening results last?
Good brushing and flossing, regular dental cleanings, and limiting tobacco and deeply colored foods and drinks can help. Our team can also explain when a touch-up may be appropriate for your smile.
Schedule a Teeth Whitening Consultation in Fort Collins
To learn more about Essential Whitening, call Glacier Creek Dental at (970) 267-0993 or request an appointment online. Our office is located at 3027 E. Harmony Road, Suite 120, in Fort Collins, Colorado.