Teeth Whitening
Brighten your smile in North Mankato.
What is Teeth Whitening?
Everyone deserves a smile that they can be proud of. One of the most common ways to enhance a smile is through teeth whitening. Professional whitening achieves long-lasting results by removing stains and discoloration.
Teeth whitening can help you achieve a brighter, more beautiful smile. North Mankato Family Dentistry offers teeth whitening procedures in North Mankato and the surrounding area so you can smile with confidence. Call us at (507) 480-4606 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.
Benefits of Teeth Whitening at the Dentist’s Office
Many people decide to see a cosmetic dentist to enhance their smile before a special event, such as a school dance or a wedding. Cosmetic dental treatments can benefit anyone who wants to improve their smile’s appearance, regardless of the occasion. People with various cosmetic issues, such as crooked, discolored, uneven, cracked teeth, can benefit from seeing a cosmetic dentist.
People with crooked teeth may feel self-conscious about their smile. Fortunately, there are cosmetic procedures that can make teeth straighter and help people smile with confidence. As people get older, their teeth are more likely to stain and become more yellowed. While this discoloration is difficult to remove at home, a cosmetic dentist can lift stains and help teeth appear whiter and brighter. Cosmetic dentists can also help fix uneven teeth that vary in size and make them appear more uniform.
What to Expect During the Consultation?
Before the teeth whitening procedure, people will need to attend a consultation. This appointment will allow the patient to discuss their dental history, overall health, and teeth goals. It is also crucial to bring up any ongoing dental issues, such as teeth and gum problems that will require treatment before teeth whitening can occur.

We will also examine the patient’s teeth to see if they will benefit from whitening treatments. It is important to note that existing dental work, such as crowns and veneers, will not respond to conventional whitening agents. If treatments are a viable option, we will help determine which whitening product or technique will be the most effective.
Teeth Whitening Treatment Length
Teeth whitening done in the office is the quickest method to whiten teeth. People can achieve much brighter teeth more quickly in-office because the concentration of bleaching solution is much stronger than other options. Professional teeth whitening requires an appointment.
Teeth can get three to eight shades whiter with several 30 to 60-minute sessions. Other tooth whitening treatments are available that can whiten teeth in a single two-hour session. People interested in teeth whitening should contact us for information about the available treatment options.
Who Should Get Teeth Whitening from the Dentist?
Teeth whitening at the dentist is best for people with moderate to severe discoloration and staining. These stains can occur due to aging, smoking, medications, and certain foods and drinks. People with yellow or brown discoloration on their teeth are ideal candidates for professional teeth whitening. Pregnant and lactating women should also not receive teeth whitening.
We do not recommend teeth whitening for people with gum disease, worn down enamel, and existing decay. Cavities and damage will require treatment before a person can whiten their teeth. People with teeth that are gray or purple may not respond to bleaching. People interested in teeth whitening can speak with our team to determine the best-suited options for their needs.
Follow-Up Care
Although professional teeth whitening is not permanent, people can help their results last longer with proper care and maintenance. People should avoid smoking and food and drinks that stain teeth, such as coffee, tea, or red wine. It is also essential to brush teeth twice a day, floss daily, and use mouthwash to reduce plaque.
People can also use whitening toothpaste as per the dentist’s recommendation, such as Colgate Total SF Fresh + Whitening ™ Toothpaste, hello® Naturally Whitening Toothpaste, or? Colgate® Optic White® Toothpaste. Keep up with regular dental appointments for teeth cleaning. Patients can discuss touch-up treatments at six-month intervals with our team.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Giving you the answers you need.
Is teeth whitening a safe procedure?
It is considered a safe procedure. There are possible side effects, though. The teeth may become more sensitive during treatment. Gums can become irritated from the whitening process. These symptoms should go away once the whitening products are no longer being used.
Do I need to get my teeth cleaned before a teeth whitening procedure?
A professional tooth cleaning removes plaque and tartar, which makes the teeth whitening procedure more effective. It also helps to keep the color uniform while whitening. During the dental cleaning appointment, the exam can identify any tooth decay or gum diseases that need to be treated before whitening.
Can I get teeth whitening if I have crowns or a bridge?
Whitening products only work on natural teeth. A person with implants, crowns, or bridges can speak with our team about maintaining tooth coloration across all teeth. People with previous dental work can still receive a whitening treatment.
Can I still get teeth whitening if I have other dental concerns or issues?
Our dental team can assess a patient’s oral health to determine the right treatment course to get the desired results. Gum disease and tooth decay may need to be treated before whitening for the desired results. A consultation from our dental team will help you find solutions for good oral health.
Does dental insurance cover teeth whitening?
Most dental insurance plans do not cover teeth whitening or other cosmetic procedures. Every insurance plan is different. People interested in teeth whitening should contact their insurance provider for more information.