Teeth Whitening Specialist

Dutch Creek Dental

Mihai Itoafa, DMD

General Dentistry located in Littleton, CO

When stains or discoloration affect the brightness of your teeth, you may want to consider a teeth whitening treatment. If you’ve noticed your smile isn’t looking as bright as it used to, let Mihai Itoafa, DMD, at Dutch Creek Dental in Littleton, Colorado, help brighten your smile. To find the proper teeth whitening treatment to brighten your smile, call the office or schedule an appointment online.

Teeth Whitening Q & A

What is teeth whitening?

The hard outside of your tooth, called enamel, is extremely durable, but it's also prone to staining. When Dr. Itoafa whitens your teeth, he removes stains from your teeth’s enamel to improve how your teeth look and the way you feel when you smile.

Why should I whiten my teeth?

Daily activities like eating and drinking can stain your teeth. Brushing and flossing daily removes most of the debris on the surface of your teeth, but everyday use continues to stain them. In addition to daily use, your teeth can stain or discolor from:

  • Tobacco use
  • Drinking dark liquids like tea, coffee, and wine
  • Not brushing often enough
  • Injured or decayed teeth
  • Aging

At Dutch Creek Dental, your teeth will start looking brighter after your treatment.

What teeth whitening options are available?

Dutch Creek Dental offers custom take-home home trays with Opalescence® teeth whitening treatment. Opalescence gels contain hydrogen peroxide, which is more powerful than over-the-counter gels, strips, or toothpaste. 

The gels penetrate your enamel to remove the extrinsic stains on your teeth. The oxygen molecules within the whitening treatment break the bonds of the discolored molecules as the oxygen spreads and whitens your teeth.

Does teeth whitening hurt?

Teeth whitening doesn’t hurt, but if you have sensitive teeth the treatment could make them a bit more sensitive for a day or so after your treatment. Dr. Itoafa suggests using a toothpaste for sensitive teeth until your teeth return to a normal sensation after whitening.

What are the risks for teeth whitening?

Whitening usually has no serious side effects but your gums might feel irritated for a short time after treatment. If you’re pregnant, you should wait to have your teeth whitened.

If you’re whitening at home, you should avoid leaving the gel on for too long because it can dehydrate your teeth causing dental problems like decay. Dr. Itoafa will give you specific instructions for at-home use.

How often should teeth be whitened?

Everyone responds to whitening treatments differently and the process can whiten at different rates. Consider consulting with Dr. Itoafa to help determine the right shade for your teeth.

If you’re ready to have your teeth shining like brand new, call Dutch Creek Dental to schedule your appointment with Dr. Itoafa, today or request an appointment online.