Teeth whitening in Springfield
A brighter smile with professional whitening.
Professional whitening can remove stains and lighten the shade of your teeth. We offer whitening in our office and take-home options.
Why teeth lose their whiteness
It is normal for teeth to lose some of their white color over time. Stains can also build up from foods and drinks like berries, coffee, tea, cola, and red wine. Smoking, some medications, childhood illnesses, and poor oral hygiene can also cause discoloration.
Before treatment, your dentist looks at what caused the discoloration. If certain habits are staining your teeth, your dentist may suggest cutting back on them so your results last.
Professional whitening vs. store-bought products
Professional whitening uses a stronger bleaching formula that only dentists can use, and your dentist oversees your treatment. Over-the-counter products are not as strong, may only lighten your teeth by a shade or two, and can leave teeth looking streaky or spotty.
Some store products can also harm your teeth if they are used incorrectly. Charcoal whitening can scrape away enamel, and leaving whitening strips on too long can damage enamel and cause tooth sensitivity. Once enamel is lost, it does not grow back.
Our whitening options
We offer professional whitening in our office as well as take-home kits. Some treatments start with a session in our office and continue at home with trays and whitening gel we provide.
For deep or older stains, your dentist may recommend a deep bleaching method that uses custom-fitted trays made from impressions of your teeth. You complete one treatment in our office, continue at home, and return for a final visit so we can make sure you have the results you want.
If you are worried about sensitivity, let your dentist know. Our team can recommend toothpastes and other steps to help ease sensitivity after whitening.
Keeping your results
Results vary from person to person. Good brushing habits and cutting back on coffee, tea, and other staining foods and drinks, along with not smoking, can help your whitening last longer. Otherwise, you may need touch-ups more often.
We can give you take-home trays to help maintain your white smile over time. Some patients also schedule whitening around their regular cleanings.
Is this right for me?
Teeth whitening may be a good fit if you:
- Have teeth that are yellowed or stained
- Have stains from coffee, tea, red wine, cola, or tobacco
- Have healthy teeth and gums, or are ready to treat cavities or gum disease first
- Have few or no crowns, veneers, or fillings on your front teeth
- Want a brighter smile as a finishing touch after other dental work
What to expect
Your visit, step by step.
- An exam to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy, with any cavities or gum disease treated first.
- A look at what may be causing your discoloration.
- Whitening in our office, at home with trays and gel from us, or a combination of both.
- Steps to help with sensitivity if you need them.
- Tips and take-home touch-up options to help your results last.
Questions we hear
Teeth whitening FAQs
Is professional whitening better than over-the-counter products?
Professional products are stronger than store-bought ones and are used under your dentist's care, so they can lighten teeth more effectively and by more shades. Over-the-counter products often lighten teeth only a shade or two, and some, like charcoal, can damage enamel.
Does teeth whitening hurt?
Whitening should not be painful. Some people notice sensitivity afterward, and our team can recommend toothpastes and other ways to ease it.
How long does whitening last?
It varies from person to person. With proper care, professional whitening can last a year or longer. Cutting back on staining drinks, not smoking, and using take-home touch-ups can help.
Will whitening lighten my crowns, veneers, or fillings?
Restorations like crowns, veneers, bridges, and fillings do not whiten. If you have restorations in the front of your mouth, your dentist may advise against whitening so your smile does not look uneven.
Who should not whiten their teeth?
Whitening may not be a good fit if you have chronic tooth sensitivity, gum disease, oral cancer, or enamel that is very worn. Your dentist will check your oral health first and may suggest another option, such as veneers or crowns, if whitening is not right for you.
Ready when you are
Let’s make your next visit something to smile about.
New patients are welcome. Call us or send a request, and we will help you take the next comfortable step.
Request an appointment