Teeth WHitening in Fort Collins, CO
Teeth Whitening
Whitening At Harbor Dental
If you choose to whiten your teeth, we will make custom whitening trays for you that you will fill with whitening gel we provide. By wearing these trays for 5-10 minutes each day, you should be able to reach the whiteness you desire in a week or two.
- Thickness of the enamel on your teeth
- Color of the dentin underneath the enamel
- Your age (as you get older, your enamel gets thinner and the dentin in your teeth gets darker)
- What you eat and drink
- Whether you smoke
- Overall oral hygiene
- Teeth whitening helps to remove stains and whiten the enamel to give your teeth a brighter appearance.
Before you come in for your whitening appointment, it’s important to have a clean and healthy mouth. Any existing dental issues such as cavities or gum disease should be addressed prior to the whitening procedure. If you have any questions about preparing for your appointment, our team is ready to assist.
At Harbor Dental Clinic, we kick-start the whitening journey with an in-depth oral health examination. Then, we will make custom whitening trays for you that you will fill with whitening gel we provide. By wearing these trays for 5-10 minutes each day, you should be able to reach the whiteness you desire in a week or two.
- Being cognizant of how often you’re consuming stain-causing foods and beverages like coffee, tea, wine, and tomato sauce
- Drinking from a straw to keep stain-causing dyes away from your teeth
- Eliminating tobacco which can cause teeth to become discolored
- All Harbor Dental Cosmetic Dentistry Services
What To Expect During your Visit
Nervous about visiting the dentist? We understand. That’s why we’ve outlined exactly what you can expect on your first visit. As well as some more helpful information about our teeth whitening services.
Contact Us Today!
Are you ready to brighten your smile? Contact us today to schedule your whitening appointment. Our friendly and professional staff is here to assist you and answer any questions you may have. At Harbor Dental Clinic, we’re excited to help you on your journey to a more radiant smile.
teeth whitening FAQs
Harbor Dental Clinic provides custom whitening trays with professional-grade gel that patients can use at home for 5–10 minutes daily until the desired brightness is achieved. Their custom approach ensures better comfort, safety, and results compared to store-bought kits. This at-home system allows for gradual, even whitening without sensitivity. The dental team also monitors your progress to ensure you achieve a naturally bright and healthy-looking smile.
Your final shade depends on factors like enamel thickness, the color of the dentin beneath, age, diet, and lifestyle habits such as coffee drinking or smoking. Harbor Dental explains that whitening removes stains on enamel but doesn’t change the natural dentin color. Every patient’s whitening potential is different, and the results are designed to look bright yet natural. Your dentist will guide you toward a realistic, beautiful shade that complements your skin tone and smile.
The process begins with selecting a composite resin color that closely matches your natural tooth color. Then, the surface of the tooth is roughened and a conditioning liquid applied to help the bonding material adhere. The tooth-colored, putty-like resin is then applied, molded, and smoothed to the desired shape. An ultraviolet light or laser is used to harden the material, after which it is trimmed, shaped, and polished to match the rest of the tooth surface.
Before whitening, it’s important to have a healthy mouth — any cavities, plaque buildup, or gum issues should be addressed first. Harbor Dental performs a checkup to ensure your teeth and gums are ready for whitening and that the trays will fit properly. Preparing this way helps ensure even, long-lasting results without irritation. When your teeth and gums are healthy, whitening works more effectively and safely.
You’ll wear your custom trays daily with the whitening gel until you achieve your desired shade, then transition to maintenance mode as recommended by your dentist. After treatment, avoid dark foods and drinks for the first few days to prevent re-staining and maintain your results longer. Harbor Dental will provide detailed aftercare instructions tailored to your needs. With consistent care, you’ll enjoy a noticeably brighter smile that enhances your confidence and overall appearance.
Whitening results can last several months to years depending on your habits, diet, and oral hygiene routine. Harbor Dental recommends brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and limiting foods and drinks that stain teeth. Occasional touch-ups with your custom trays can help maintain your results easily. With proper care, you can enjoy a radiant, youthful smile that lasts well into the future.