Teeth Whitening
A luminous smile can be a game-changer. It’s often the first thing people notice—a non-verbal communicator that can brighten a room and leave lasting impressions. At Skyway Dental Clinic, located in the heart of Downtown Minneapolis, we understand the confidence that comes with a brighter smile.
If you are struggling with stained, discolored, or yellow teeth, professional teeth whitening can help restore a brighter, more refreshed appearance and renew confidence in your daily interactions.
How Teeth Whitening Works
Professional teeth whitening systems use peroxide-based gels to help lift stains and brighten tooth color. At Skyway Dental, we use professional whitening systems designed for both in-office speed and take-home convenience.
Hydrogen Peroxide (In-Office and Prefilled At-Home Trays)
Hydrogen peroxide is commonly used in in-office whitening treatments because it works quickly under professional supervision. It allows for rapid stain breakdown and is ideal for patients seeking immediate results in a controlled dental setting.
Certain prefilled at-home tray systems from Opalescence, including Opalescence Home Advance and Go trays are prefilled “at-home” options, that also use hydrogen peroxide. These systems are designed to provide professional-strength whitening results at home under a dentist’s guidance, offering a convenient extension of in-office treatment.
Carbamide Peroxide (Take-Home Whitening)
Carbamide peroxide is commonly used in take-home whitening systems. It breaks down into hydrogen peroxide over time, allowing for a slower, sustained release of whitening activity.
This gradual process provides extended contact with the teeth, which can be helpful in addressing both surface staining and more established discoloration over a series of applications.
Because it works over a longer period, carbamide peroxide is often preferred for at-home whitening routines where comfort, control, and gradual improvement are priorities.
Why Your Teeth Discolor
Over time, teeth naturally discolor for several reasons:
- Consuming coffee, tea, wine, and other stain-inducing beverages and foods
- Tobacco use, whether smoking or chewing
- Age, as the enamel wears down, revealing the yellowish dentin beneath
- Medications and medical treatments that can alter tooth color
- Genetics that determine the natural coloration of your teeth
Is Teeth Whitening Safe?
Yes—teeth whitening is a safe and widely performed cosmetic dental procedure when supervised by a dental professional. At our Downtown Minneapolis office, patient safety and comfort are always prioritized.
Professional whitening offers important advantages over over-the-counter products:
- Custom-fitted trays help ensure even application and minimize gum irritation
- Professional-strength whitening gels allow for controlled, predictable results
- Treatment is monitored by our dental team so adjustments can be made based on sensitivity or comfort
Many professional systems, including Opalescence, are formulated with comfort-focused ingredients such as potassium nitrate to help manage sensitivity during whitening. Some formulations also include fluoride to support enamel surface health.
Additionally, Opalescence uses a water-containing, glycerin-based gel formulation, which helps maintain comfort during treatment by reducing the drying effect sometimes associated with whitening gels.
Teeth Whitening Options at Skyway Dental
Skyway Dental proudly offers professional teeth whitening using Opalescence systems, a leading name in professional whitening. We provide both in-office whitening and custom take-home whitening options to fit your goals, timeline, and lifestyle.
In-Office Whitening (Opalescence Pro)
Our in-office whitening treatment uses professional Opalescence whitening technology to deliver fast, effective results in a single visit. This option is ideal for patients who want a more immediate improvement before special events or simply prefer treatment completed in the office.
Take-Home Whitening (Opalescence Custom Trays / Home Advanced)
We also offer professionally supervised Opalescence take-home whitening options, including custom-fit trays or prefilled systems.
These allow you to whiten at your convenience with professional-grade gel, providing gradual, controlled whitening over time.
Which Option Is Right for You?
Choosing between in-office and take-home whitening depends on your goals and schedule. In-office treatment provides faster visible change in a single appointment, while take-home Opalescence whitening allows for a more gradual process with flexible maintenance and long-term control.
Many patients choose a combination of both for optimal results—an in-office boost followed by at-home maintenance.
