The world of teeth whitening is vast, with endless products and treatments claiming to transform your smile. At Leavitt Dentistry, we understand how confusing this can be to navigate, which is why we’re answering some of your most frequently asked questions about our professional teeth whitening treatments. If you’re hoping to achieve a brighter, whiter smile, keep reading to learn all about how we can help you reach your goals.
#1. How Long Does Professional Teeth Whitening Take?
Treatment duration depends on your goals and the current shade of your teeth. We use the Philips Zoom in-office whitening system, which can create a noticeably brighter smile in just 45 minutes. The corresponding take-home system offers different options based on your needs and preferences: The DayWhite system is worn once a day for 30–90 minutes for two weeks, while the NiteWhite system is worn for 2–4 hours or overnight, creating noticeable results in just two weeks.
#2. How Long Do Whitening Results Last?
The results of professional teeth whitening can last anywhere from several months to a few years; however, it all depends on your oral hygiene habits and lifestyle choices. To keep your smile bright, avoid foods and beverages known to cause stains, brush and floss every day, and seek professional cleanings at your dentist’s office every three to six months. With custom made whitening trays, you can also periodically perform touch-up treatments at home to maintain results.
#3. Does Teeth Whitening Damage Enamel?
Professional teeth whitening does not damage tooth enamel. We can remove stains professionally here in the office, and then the whitening products we use whiten enamel without removing or weakening any part of the teeth, and following the recommended at-home treatment schedule helps minimize sensitivity and protect your teeth.
#4. Can I Whiten My Teeth if I Already Have Sensitive Teeth?
Many patients with sensitive teeth can still undergo professional teeth whitening. If you have sensitivity concerns, let us know, and we can adjust the treatment time or frequency or gel concentration to ensure a comfortable experience.
#5. Can All Stains Be Removed with Whitening?
Professional teeth whitening works best on yellow and surface stains caused by food, drinks, tobacco, and aging. Brown stains often respond well to treatment, but results may vary from patient to patient. Gray or blue stains, along with stains caused by certain medications, will not typically whiten as effectively; however, we have solutions with crowns, veneers, and bonding. Existing fillings and other dental restorations will not change color with whitening treatment.
If we determine that whitening isn’t the best solution for your unique smile, we’ll help you explore other options like veneers or cosmetic bonding, which may provide better results.
#6. Should I Whiten My Teeth Before Getting Veneers or Crowns?
Because dental restorations are color-matched to your teeth and cannot be whitened afterward, in most cases, we recommend professional teeth whitening before getting veneers or crowns. This allows us to match your restorations to your brighter, whiter smile, creating a more uniform appearance.
#7. How Often Should I Touch Up My Whitening?
Most patients only need occasional touch-ups to maintain the results of their professional teeth whitening. The frequency depends on your diet, lifestyle, and your teeth’s natural tendency to stain. If you regularly consume coffee, tea, wine, or tobacco, you may benefit from more frequent touch-ups. We’ll consult with you to develop a treatment schedule based on your individual needs so you can ensure your smile remains bright and white.
#8. What’s the Difference Between Hydrogen Peroxide and Carbamide Peroxide?
Both hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide are effective teeth whitening agents, but they work differently. Hydrogen peroxide acts quickly but remains active for a shorter period — typically about 30–50 minutes. Carbamide peroxide breaks down slower, releasing about half of its whitening power within the first two hours and then remaining active for up to six more hours.
Professional take-home whitening systems typically use carbamide peroxide because it works well with longer wear times in custom trays; however, both can be effective in the right concentrations and with the right treatment times.
Reliable Professional Teeth Whitening at Leavitt Dentistry
At Leavitt Dentistry, we’re committed to helping our patients achieve the beautiful smiles they’ve always wanted. Our professional teeth whitening system has proven to lift stains and create a brighter appearance, helping you feel more confident and letting your inner beauty shine.
If you’re interested in transforming your smile with the power of professional teeth whitening, contact Leavitt Dentistry today to schedule a consultation at our Pocatello office and learn more about what we can do for you.