Professional Teeth Whitening | Fort Collins, CO

There’s nothing better than a bright, white smile to enhance your confidence and make a great first impression.

Here at Northern Colorado Dental Specialty and Implant Center, we know the power of a confident smile, and our professional teeth whitening treatments deliver dramatic, safe results that last!

Our prosthodontic specialists are trained in all aspects of oral healthcare, and we bring precision and expertise in every procedure. From tooth restorations to whitening procedures, we help you achieve the beautiful, natural-looking smile you deserve!

What to Expect During Your Whitening Appointment

The path to a brighter smile begins with a personalized consultation. Our team will build a custom treatment plan that focuses on your needs and goals – so you’ll see maximum effectiveness and comfort.

Here’s what to expect when you schedule professional teeth whitening services with Northern Colorado Dental Specialty and Implant Center!

  1. 1

    Step 1: Initial Consultation and Color Assessment

    The best outcomes start with a personal touch.

    Our team will begin by examining your teeth and gums to determine whether you're a good candidate for whitening. Using a shade guide, we’ll document your current tooth color, which will provide a baseline for measuring your results.

    This assessment also helps us discuss realistic expectations and address any concerns you may have about sensitivity or specific cosmetic goals.

  2. 2

    Step 2: Protective Measures and Preparation

    Before we apply any whitening agent, we take care to protect your gums, lips, and other soft tissues. We’ll use a specialized barrier material that shields your gums from the whitening gel, while a cheek retractor keeps your lips away from your teeth.

    These protective steps are key! Professional-strength whitening agents are powerful and require careful application to avoid soft-tissue irritation – which is why many OTC products aren’t strong enough to make a noticeable difference.

  3. 3

    Step 3: Application of Professional Whitening Agent

    With the protective measures in place, we’ll begin to apply our professional-grade whitening gel evenly across all visible tooth surfaces.

    The high-concentration peroxide formula we use penetrates tooth enamel, breaking apart stain molecules at the molecular level. Depending on the specific whitening solutions we're using, we may activate the whitening agent that accelerates the bleaching process.

    The gel typically remains on your teeth for 15 to 20 minutes before we remove it and assess your progress.

  4. 4

    Step 4: Multiple Cycles for Optimal Results

    The most effective professional whitening treatments will involve two to three application cycles during a single visit.

    After each cycle, we remove the whitening gel, assess the shade change, and reapply fresh gel if additional whitening is desired. This approach lets our team fine-tune your results and keep your smile safe.

    The entire process typically takes 60 to 90 minutes, after which you'll likely notice a dramatic improvement in the brightness of your smile.

  5. 5

    Step 5: Post-Treatment Care and Sensitivity Management

    When the whitening treatment is finished, our specialist will remove the protective barriers and rinse your mouth thoroughly. You may feel slight tooth sensitivity in the hours following your treatment, which is normal and typically mild.

    Our team will provide aftercare guidance on managing any sensitivity, walk you through how to maintain your new bright smile – such as advising on foods and beverages to avoid in the first 24 to 48 hours.

How Long Do Results Last?

Every patient is unique – and so too is their experience and results. Most professional teeth whitening typically maintains its brilliant results for six to twelve months.

The success of your teeth whitening will likely depend on your dietary habits and oral hygiene practices. Patients who regularly consume staining beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, or dark sodas will notice gradual dulling sooner than those who limit their use. Similarly, tobacco use can significantly shorten whitening results.

To keep your results long-lasting, take care to follow your prescribed oral health routine:

  • Regularly brush your teeth with a whitening toothpaste to prevent new surface stains from setting in
  • Avoid food and drink that can damage the enamel of your teeth
  • Schedule professional cleanings every six months
  • Limit drinks and habits (tobacco, wine) that can stain your newly-whitened enamel

Many of our patients schedule a whitening touch-up every year or every 18 months to maintain their optimal shade, finding that these maintenance sessions take less time than initial treatments because they address lighter, more recent staining.

Schedule Consultation