Teeth Whitening
Ever catch a glimpse of your smile in the mirror and think, “My teeth used to be whiter”? You’re definitely not alone. Teeth naturally darken over time, and everyday habits—like coffee, tea, red wine, or smoking—can speed up the process. The good news? Teeth whitening in Topsham ME and Biddeford ME is one of the easiest, fastest ways to refresh your appearance and restore your confidence.
At Gentle Dental, we offer professional teeth whitening options that are safe, effective, and tailored to your smile goals.
Why Do Teeth Become Discolored?
Having bright white teeth is one of the things that many of our patients desire most. The best way to keep your teeth looking their best is to practice daily oral hygiene – brushing your teeth twice per day, and flossing at least once a day! The good news is that if your teeth have gotten to a point where they’re discolored or yellowing, we can get them back to looking good-as-new! So, whether you’re looking to whiten your teeth for a special event or you just want to be more confident in your smile, Gentle Dental is here to help with our professional teeth whitening service! Even if you brush and floss like a pro, your teeth can still become stained or dull. Common culprits include:
- Food and drinks – Coffee, tea, red wine, dark sodas, and berries can leave stains over time
- Tobacco use – Smoking or chewing tobacco causes yellowing and deep-set discoloration
- Aging – As you age, enamel wears down, revealing the yellowish dentin underneath
- Medications – Some antibiotics or antihistamines can affect tooth color
- Poor oral hygiene – Not brushing or flossing regularly allows surface stains to build up
Professional whitening can undo years of discoloration—and fast.
Over-The-Counter Vs. Professional Teeth Whitening
Let’s talk options. While drugstore whitening strips and toothpaste might provide some minor brightening, they can’t match the results of professional teeth whitening. Here’s how they compare:
Over-the-Counter Whitening:
- Mild whitening effect
- One-size-fits-all trays or strips
- Longer timeline to see results (if any)
- Potential for uneven whitening or gum irritation
- Less controlled ingredients
Professional Teeth Whitening:
- Dramatic results in less time
- Custom-fit trays or in-office treatments
- Supervised by a dental professional
- Safer on enamel and gums
- Longer-lasting outcome with fewer touch-ups
Professional Teeth Whitening Process
While many people try do-it-yourself products for whitening their teeth, the best way to ensure that you’ll see results is by getting a professional teeth whitening from Gentle Dental. Our most common approach to teeth whitening, which is determined on a case-by-case basis, is to use a custom mixture of dental-grade whitening products. This mixture is then placed in a custom-fit mold that fits over your teeth. The whitening products will then bleach out the yellow stains on your teeth, making them pearly-whites once again! Professional teeth whitening generally lasts two to three years, much longer than the effects of do-it-yourself teeth whitening methods. We also offer our patients professional-strength whitening strips that can be purchased from our offices, then used anytime at home.
Our Teeth Whitening Options
At Gentle Dental, we offer flexible whitening treatments to fit your lifestyle and schedule:
1. In-Office Whitening
Need fast results? Our in-office treatment can brighten your smile by several shades in just one visit. We apply a powerful, professional-grade whitening gel and use special light technology to speed up the process—all while you relax in the chair.2. Custom Take-Home Whitening Kits
Prefer to whiten at your own pace? We’ll create custom trays that fit your teeth perfectly and send you home with a professional-strength gel. Wear them for a short time each day, and you’ll see dramatic results within 1–2 weeks.
Both options are safe, dentist-approved, and designed to minimize sensitivity.
How Long Do Teeth Whitening Results Last?
Whitening isn’t permanent, but it can last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years depending on your habits. To keep your smile bright:
- Avoid staining foods and drinks
- Use a straw for iced coffee or tea
- Brush and floss daily
- Schedule touch-up treatments when needed
- Quit smoking (your teeth and lungs will thank you)
Is Teeth Whitening Safe?
Yes—when it’s done correctly. That’s why we recommend professional whitening over store-bought kits. We’ll evaluate your oral health beforehand and guide you toward the safest and most effective treatment for your smile. If you have crowns, veneers, or tooth sensitivity, we’ll take that into account, too.
Who’s A Good Candidate For Whitening?
Professional teeth whitening is an excellent solution for teeth that have been yellowed over time, but it doesn’t work quite as well on teeth that have turned brown or grey from decay and rot. For these situations, a better solution may be to consider dental veneers, which work as a cosmetic fix for teeth that are chipped, uneven, or severely discolored. Most healthy adults with stained or discolored teeth can benefit from whitening. However, you may need a different approach if you have:
- Active cavities or gum disease
- Restorations like crowns or veneers on your front teeth
- Extremely sensitive teeth
- Deep intrinsic stains (like tetracycline staining)
We’ll help you figure out whether whitening or another cosmetic treatment (like bonding or veneers) is the best fit.
Brighten Up—Let’s Get You Smiling Again
A whiter smile doesn’t just look great—it makes you feel more confident in photos, conversations, and daily life. Whether you have a special event coming up or just want to freshen up your look, teeth whitening is one of the quickest ways to upgrade your smile.
Ready to see a real difference? Contact Gentle Dental today to schedule your whitening consultation in Topsham ME or Biddeford ME. Your brighter, bolder smile is just around the corner.
