Professional teeth whitening can brighten a stained or discolored smile while preserving the natural shape of your teeth. At Excellence in Dentistry, our dentists offer both in-office and take-home teeth whitening in Idaho Falls, Idaho, so you can choose an approach that fits your goals, preferences and schedule.
Dr. Curtis Godfrey has focused on cosmetic and aesthetic dentistry throughout more than 20 years of clinical practice and has completed hundreds of cosmetic cases. Before recommending whitening, he evaluates your teeth, existing dental work and the type of discoloration you want to improve. If whitening is not the best fit, he can also help you explore other options in cosmetic dentistry.
Why Teeth Become Stained or Discolored
Teeth can gradually change color for many reasons. Some stains develop on the outer surface of the enamel, while other discoloration comes from changes within the tooth itself. Because different types of discoloration can respond differently to whitening, understanding what is causing the color change is an important first step.
Common causes of tooth discoloration include:
- Coffee, tea and other dark-colored beverages
- Foods with strong pigments
- Tobacco use
- Natural changes in tooth color with age
- The natural shade of enamel and dentin
- Previous trauma or dental treatment affecting an individual tooth
Dr. Godfrey can examine your smile and help determine whether professional whitening is likely to improve the discoloration you are seeing.
Teeth Whitening Options in Idaho Falls, Idaho
At Excellence in Dentistry, patients can choose between professionally supervised in-office whitening and a take-home whitening system. Both approaches are intended to brighten natural tooth structure, but the treatment experience is different.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
In-office whitening is completed at our dental practice under the supervision of our team. This option may be a good fit if you prefer to have your whitening treatment performed in a professional setting rather than managing the process at home.
Before treatment, Dr. Godfrey will evaluate your teeth and discuss the shade changes you would like to achieve. He will also consider factors such as sensitivity and existing restorations so you have a clearer idea of what whitening can accomplish for your smile.
Professional Take-Home Teeth Whitening
Take-home whitening gives you the flexibility to brighten your teeth outside the office while still receiving guidance from your dental team. Our team will provide instructions for using the whitening system based on your treatment plan.
This option may appeal to patients who prefer to whiten more gradually or want to complete treatment around their own schedule. Dr. Godfrey can explain how to use the system and what to expect while you are whitening at home.
Which Whitening Option Is Right for You?
The better choice depends on your preferences, starting tooth color, history of sensitivity and cosmetic goals. Some patients prefer having treatment completed in the office, while others value the flexibility of whitening at home.
There is not one option that is automatically best for everyone. During your consultation, Dr. Godfrey can compare in-office and take-home whitening and help you choose the approach that makes the most sense for your smile.
What Teeth Whitening Can and Cannot Change
Whitening is designed to lighten natural tooth structure. It can improve many common stains and gradual changes in tooth color, but it does not change the size, shape, alignment or structure of your teeth.
Whitening also does not change the shade of existing restorations. Dental crowns, veneers, bonding and tooth-colored fillings generally maintain their existing color while natural enamel becomes lighter.
This is particularly important when restorations are visible in the front of the smile. Dr. Godfrey can evaluate your existing dental work and explain whether whitening could create a noticeable difference between natural teeth and restorations.
If your concern involves chips, worn edges, gaps or a tooth that does not respond well to whitening, another cosmetic treatment may provide a more appropriate solution.
Professional Teeth Whitening vs. Store-Bought Products
Whitening strips, toothpastes and other over-the-counter products are readily available, but they are used without a dental evaluation or a treatment plan tailored to your teeth.
Professional whitening allows Dr. Godfrey to examine your teeth before you begin, identify factors that may affect the result and discuss whether whitening is appropriate for the type of discoloration you have. You also have a dental team available if questions or sensitivity develop during treatment.
For patients with existing restorations, uneven discoloration or uncertainty about why a tooth has changed color, that evaluation can be especially useful before attempting to whiten the smile.
Teeth Whitening and Sensitivity
Temporary sensitivity can occur during or after teeth whitening. The amount varies from patient to patient, and people who already have sensitive teeth should discuss that history with Dr. Godfrey before beginning treatment.
If one tooth is unusually painful or sensitive before whitening, it may need to be evaluated for another dental concern first. Whitening should not be used as a substitute for diagnosing the cause of tooth pain or sensitivity.
How to Maintain a Brighter Smile
Teeth can gradually develop new stains after whitening. How quickly this happens depends on your diet, oral hygiene and other habits.
To help maintain your results:
- Brush and floss consistently
- Keep up with recommended dental cleanings
- Limit frequent exposure to heavily pigmented foods and beverages
- Rinse with water after drinks that commonly stain teeth
- Avoid tobacco products
- Follow any personalized recommendations from your dentist
If your teeth begin to darken again, Dr. Godfrey can discuss whether additional whitening may be appropriate.
Experience in Cosmetic Dentistry
Dr. Curtis Godfrey has completed hundreds of cosmetic cases throughout his career and has more than 20 years of experience providing comprehensive dental care. His cosmetic approach focuses on helping patients improve their smiles while maintaining an individualized, natural appearance.
He also completes more than 100 hours of continuing education annually with Spear Education, including advanced study in aesthetics, restorative dentistry, occlusion and comprehensive treatment planning. That experience helps him consider whitening within the context of the entire smile rather than focusing on tooth color alone.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Do you offer both in-office and take-home teeth whitening?
Yes. Excellence in Dentistry offers both professionally supervised in-office whitening and take-home whitening. Dr. Godfrey can help you compare the two approaches based on your preferences, sensitivity and cosmetic goals.
How white will my teeth get?
Results vary based on your natural tooth color, the type of staining and how your teeth respond to treatment. Dr. Godfrey can discuss realistic expectations after evaluating your smile.
Will whitening work on crowns, veneers, bonding or fillings?
Dental restorations generally do not whiten along with natural enamel. If you have visible dental work, Dr. Godfrey can explain how its existing shade may affect the appearance of your smile after whitening.
Can teeth whitening cause sensitivity?
Some patients experience temporary sensitivity during or after whitening. Let Dr. Godfrey know if your teeth are already sensitive so this can be considered when discussing your whitening options.
Does professional whitening remove every type of stain?
No. Some types of discoloration respond more readily than others. If whitening is unlikely to provide the change you want, Dr. Godfrey can discuss other cosmetic options.
How long do teeth whitening results last?
There is no single timeline for every patient. Diet, oral hygiene, tobacco use and other habits can influence how quickly new staining develops. Additional whitening may be considered when appropriate.
Where can I get professional teeth whitening in Idaho Falls, Idaho?
Our dentists offer both in-office and take-home teeth whitening at Excellence in Dentistry. Call 208-529-4321 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Curtis Godfrey and find the whitening option that fits your smile.
Brighten Your Smile With Professional Teeth Whitening
If you are considering professional teeth whitening in Idaho Falls, ID, our team can help you choose between in-office and take-home treatment based on your needs and preferences. Call 208-529-4321 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Curtis Godfrey and take the next step toward a brighter smile.