Let’s be realistic.
We’re probably not giving up coffee.
And we’re definitely not suggesting you turn down a glass of red wine with dinner just because you’re worried about your teeth.
The good news? You don’t have to.
If years of coffee, tea, wine, favorite foods, or simply getting older have left your smile looking a little less bright than it used to, professional teeth whitening may help bring back the sparkle.
Here’s what Colorado Springs patients should know.
First: Why Aren’t My Teeth as White as They Used to Be?
Teeth naturally change color over time.
Some of our favorite everyday foods and drinks can also contribute to staining, including:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Red wine
- Dark sodas
- Berries
- Tomato-based sauces
- Other deeply pigmented foods and beverages
Tobacco can also cause significant staining.
So if you look at an old photo and think, “Wait…were my teeth whiter back then?”
They very well may have been.
Can’t I Just Buy Whitening Strips?
You can—and there are plenty of whitening products lining the shelves of nearly every grocery store and pharmacy.
But there’s an important difference between over-the-counter whitening and professional teeth whitening.
Professional whitening uses professional-grade materials and is performed with dental supervision. Your dental team can also evaluate your teeth and gums before treatment to determine whether whitening is appropriate for your smile.
At Cheyenne Mountain Dentistry & Wellness, in-office whitening is designed to produce noticeable results while protecting the teeth and gums.
In fact, many patients see their teeth brighten several shades after just one appointment.
That’s a pretty productive hour.
Does Teeth Whitening Hurt?
This is probably one of the biggest questions people have about whitening.
Most patients experience little to no discomfort during professional whitening. Some people may experience temporary tooth sensitivity afterward, but it typically resolves quickly.
If you already have sensitive teeth, let your dental team know.
That’s another advantage of professional whitening: your treatment isn’t happening without someone looking at your teeth first.
How White Will My Teeth Get?
Here’s where expectations matter.
The goal isn’t necessarily to create a blindingly white, artificial-looking smile.
It’s to help reveal a brighter, fresher version of your natural smile.
How much your teeth whiten depends on several factors, including:
- Your starting tooth shade
- The type of staining
- Your dental history
- Previous dental restorations
- How your teeth respond to whitening
Crowns, veneers, fillings, and other restorations don’t whiten the same way natural tooth enamel does, which is another reason it’s helpful to talk with your dentist before whitening.
When Is a Great Time to Whiten Your Teeth?
There’s really no wrong time to feel better about your smile.
But we see plenty of reasons patients decide now is the time.
Before a Wedding
Whether you’re the one getting married, in the wedding party, or know you’re about to appear in approximately 4,000 photos, whitening can be a simple way to freshen up your smile.
Before Family Photos
Colorado gives us some pretty incredible backdrops for family photos.
Garden of the Gods? Gorgeous.
Cheyenne Mountain? Gorgeous.
Your coffee stains don’t necessarily need to make the family Christmas card.
Before a Vacation
New haircut. New outfit. Brighter smile.
Sometimes it’s just fun to do something for yourself before a big trip.
Before a Big Life Event
Graduation, reunion, new job, anniversary, milestone birthday—you name it.
For Absolutely No Special Reason
This one might be our favorite.
You don’t need an event on the calendar to want to feel more confident when you smile.
Okay…But Can I Still Drink Coffee?
We would never ask Colorado Springs to choose between caffeine and attractive teeth.
After whitening, however, your dentist may recommend temporarily avoiding certain foods and beverages.
Longer term, a few simple habits may help reduce new staining:
- Drink water after coffee or tea.
- Don’t let dark beverages sit on your teeth all day.
- Brush and floss consistently.
- Keep up with professional dental cleanings.
- Avoid tobacco.
- Ask your dentist about whitening touch-ups when needed.
And if you’re carrying around a Stanley, Yeti, Hydro Flask, or whatever enormous water bottle we’re all using this year, put it to work.
Water is your smile’s friend.
Professional Whitening vs. The Bathroom-Mirror Experiment
One of the biggest benefits of professional whitening is simple:
We know what’s actually happening in your mouth.
Not every discoloration problem should automatically be treated with whitening.
A dark tooth, deep internal stain, cavity, exposed root, gum problem, or existing dental restoration may require a different approach.
That’s why a dental evaluation matters.
Sometimes whitening is a fantastic solution.
Sometimes another cosmetic option, such as bonding or veneers, may produce a better result.
The goal isn’t simply to make teeth whiter.
It’s to help you find the right option for your smile.
Ready to Brighten Your Smile, Colorado Springs?
At Cheyenne Mountain Dentistry & Wellness, we make professional teeth whitening simple, comfortable, and personalized.
Our independently owned practice has served the Cheyenne Mountain, Broadmoor, and Colorado Springs communities for more than 30 years. Whether you’re interested in whitening for a big event or simply want to love your smile a little more when you look in the mirror, we’d be happy to help.
Coffee stains happen. Your smile doesn’t have to keep them forever.
Schedule a teeth whitening consultation with Cheyenne Mountain Dentistry & Wellness and find out what’s possible for your smile.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
How long does professional teeth whitening take?
An in-office whitening appointment typically takes about an hour. Treatment time can vary depending on your individual needs and the whitening system being used.
How long does teeth whitening last?
Whitening results vary from person to person. Diet, oral hygiene, tobacco use, coffee, tea, wine, and other habits can all affect how long your brighter shade lasts.
Will teeth whitening work on crowns or veneers?
Whitening products are designed to lighten natural tooth structure and generally will not change the color of crowns, veneers, or tooth-colored restorations. Your dentist can help you determine the best approach if you have existing dental work.
Is professional teeth whitening safe?
Professional whitening performed under dental supervision is considered a safe cosmetic dental treatment for appropriate candidates. Your dental team can evaluate your oral health before treatment and take steps to protect your teeth and gums.
Can I whiten my teeth if they’re sensitive?
Possibly. Sensitivity doesn’t automatically mean you can’t whiten your teeth. Talk with your dentist first so they can evaluate what’s causing the sensitivity and determine whether whitening is appropriate for you.
Where can I get professional teeth whitening in Colorado Springs?
Cheyenne Mountain Dentistry & Wellness offers professional in-office teeth whitening at our Colorado Springs practice near the Cheyenne Mountain and Broadmoor areas. Contact our team to schedule an appointment and find out if professional whitening is right for your smile.