Need a quick smile boost?
Como Park Dentistry - Teeth Whitening Options
Como Park Dentistry - Is teeth whitening covered by insurance?
Como Park Dentistry - How long does teeth whitening last?
Have You Noticed Your Teeth Looking More Yellow or Dull Lately?
It can be frustrating to see your smile lose its brightness, even when you maintain excellent brushing and flossing habits. Over time, it’s natural for your teeth to take on a more dull or yellowish appearance due to daily exposure to food, drinks, and lifestyle habits.
The good news is that teeth whitening is one of the easiest and most effective ways to refresh your smile and boost your confidence. Keep reading to discover how you can bring back that brighter, whiter look!
Why You Need an Exam and Cleaning First
At Como Park Dentistry, we want to ensure you get the best and safest results from your teeth whitening treatment. While many patients are eager to jump straight into whitening, it’s important to first have a comprehensive exam and cleaning for the following reasons:
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Ensure Healthy Teeth and Gums: If you have any cavities, cracks, or compromised teeth, the high concentration of whitening agents can cause discomfort or sensitivity. We recommend repairing any issues to prevent pain during your treatment.
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Color Matching for Restorations: Teeth with fillings, crowns, or veneers do not whiten like natural teeth. To achieve the best and most uniform results, we recommend having whitening treatments alongside any needed restorations for a seamless color match.
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Effective Whitening Results: A professional cleaning removes plaque buildup, allowing the whitening agent to penetrate your teeth evenly. Without this step, you may end up with a patchy appearance.
We understand that it might seem like an extra step, but it’s quick, painless, and crucial for the best possible results. Let us help you achieve that bright, confident smile—schedule your exam today and enjoy a custom treatment plan designed for you.
What Our Patients Are Saying
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In-Office Whitening Versus At-Home Whitening
Here’s what you can expect when deciding between in-office whitening at our clinic and at-home whitening treatments:
Whitening at the Dentist: Opalescence™ Boost™
Achieve a brighter smile in just one visit with Opalescence™ Boost™, a professional-grade whitening treatment that delivers noticeable results in approximately 60 minutes.
Important: Pre-Treatment Dental Exam Required
Before undergoing the Opalescence™ Boost™ whitening treatment, it’s essential to have a comprehensive dental exam. This ensures your teeth and gums are healthy, allowing us to tailor the treatment to your needs and prevent potential discomfort. The exam helps identify any issues that could affect the whitening process, ensuring your safety and the best possible results.
Treatment Overview
The Opalescence™ Boost™ procedure involves:
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Preparation: Protective barriers are applied to safeguard your gums.
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Application: A 0.5–1.0 mm layer of whitening gel is applied to the labial surface of your teeth.
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Activation: The gel remains on your teeth for 20 minutes per application, with up to three applications per session.
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Final Touches: After the final application, the gel is removed, and your teeth are thoroughly rinsed.
This treatment utilizes a 40% hydrogen peroxide gel, chemically activated to provide effective whitening without the need for light activation. The gel also contains fluoride and potassium nitrate to enhance enamel strength and reduce sensitivity.
Why you need an Exam First?
A pre-treatment exam allows us to:
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Identify and Address Issues: Detect and treat cavities or cracks that could cause discomfort during whitening.
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Ensure Compatibility: Confirm that existing restorations like fillings, crowns, or veneers are in good condition, as these do not whiten and may affect the overall appearance.
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Optimize Results: Remove plaque buildup to ensure even gel application and avoid patchy whitening.
We understand that this may require an additional visit, but it’s a quick, painless step that ensures the best possible outcome for your smile.
Whitening at Home: Opalescence Go™
If you prefer the convenience of at-home whitening, the Opalescence Go™ kit offers a simple, effective solution. Ideally, you should start using the kit after a professional cleaning, but if not, be sure to floss and brush thoroughly before starting to remove any plaque. The kit comes with pre-filled trays—one for the upper teeth and one for the lower. Wear the trays for the recommended time, once a day, for 5-10 consecutive days. By the end, you should notice visibly whiter teeth.
For the best results, try to avoid dark-colored food and drinks during your treatment period to prevent new stains from forming.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost in St. Paul?
An Opalescence™ Boost™ in-office treatment provides the most dramatic results in the shortest amount of time. Our pricing is very competitive, and you can expect to pay around $375 for this professional treatment.
If you have specific types of discoloration that require more advanced treatment, the cost may vary based on your individual needs. The best way to get an accurate quote is to schedule an exam with the doctor.
To maintain your new white smile after your in-office treatment, we recommend regular use of at-home whitening trays. We offer Opalescence Go™ kits for just $75, ensuring you can keep your smile bright without overspending.
For a personalized whitening plan and cost estimate, call us today to schedule your appointment!
Frequently Asked Questions
Even with regular brushing, plaque can form from food and drink particles that aren’t cleaned away properly. Over time, plaque hardens into tartar, which is yellow and can only be removed by a dentist or hygienist. This buildup can make your teeth appear yellow despite good brushing habits.
Teeth whitening is generally safe, though some people may experience tooth sensitivity, especially during the first or second treatment. Sensitivity often lessens with time. It’s crucial to follow the instructions provided with your take-home whitening kit or over-the-counter products to minimize any risk.
Teeth whitening will not change the color of crowns, veneers, or fillings. Whitening surrounding natural teeth could cause these dental restorations to stand out, as they won’t lighten along with your teeth.
Teeth whitening is typically considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by insurance. You can check with your insurance provider, and we can provide you with an estimate to submit for review.
After whitening, avoid foods and drinks that are likely to stain, such as coffee, tea, red wine, colored soft drinks, and fruit juices. Additionally, steer clear of staining foods like tomato sauce, curry, soy sauce, red meat, and chocolate. Fruits, other than bananas, can also contribute to staining.
The results of teeth whitening can last anywhere from 6 months to 3 years, depending on the type of whitening treatment and how well you maintain your oral hygiene and avoid staining foods and drinks.
