Teeth Whitening in Edina, MN
Brighten Your Smile with Professional Teeth Whitening
IN-OFFICE TEETH WHITENING OR AT HOME?
Would you prefer whitening in our comfortable office or at home?
Over time, your teeth can become stained, discolored, or simply dull. Eating artificially-colored foods, drinking coffee, tea, and wine, and even smoking can yellow your teeth to the point of severe staining. If you miss the bright smile you once had, professional teeth whitening in Edina, MN, can safely lift discoloration and restore a cleaner, more radiant look.
Over-the-counter teeth whitening products may seem convenient, but they often take longer to work and don’t produce the results you are looking for. For immediate and dramatic teeth whitening, we offer in-office professional whitening or at-home whitening treatments that will dramatically brighten your smile.
Before you decide on an option that’s right for you, schedule an appointment with your cosmetic dentist in Edina to talk about the differences between in-office professional whitening and at-home teeth whitening.
No matter how often you may brush your teeth, you may realize some stains are impossible to undo. Don’t stay stuck with your stained teeth forever. Mint Dental’s professional teeth whitening in Edina can easily make your teeth about eight shades whiter, all in just one hour-long appointment. Handled by professionals, the treatment is safe, quick, relaxing, and a pain-free process.
To help you get started, we have outlined some key differences below.
About the Process
In preparation for a professional teeth whitening procedure, your dentist will examine your teeth and gums to ensure they are healthy.
Your lips and gums will then be coated with an isolation material meant to protect them during the treatment.
Your dentist will apply the whitening gel, which has chemicals that are activated with a specialized light source. The gel and light work together to break up the stains on your tooth surfaces.
This process will be completed after three treatments, each treatment lasting 15 minutes.
AT-HOME TEETH WHITENING
Getting you started on your way to a brighter smile!
If you choose to whiten your teeth at home, we will provide you with a personalized at-home whitening kit, including in-depth instructions. Our take-home whitening plan uses custom-made trays and whitening gel that we can offer.
The trays are fitted perfectly to your teeth, unlike strips, and are made to provide maximum comfort. The peroxide in the gel breaks down stains, while hydroxyl radicals help whiten the teeth for visible results.
The stronger the bleaching formula, the faster it will work, and the less time it needs to stay on your teeth. The opposite applies to a weaker bleaching agent. Gentler products are designed to be left on overnight, whereas the stronger agents require only 30 to 60 minutes each day. Too much exposure to the bleaching agents can potentially damage tooth enamel, irritate gum tissue, and cause sensitivity. Your dentist and hygienist will work with you to determine which formula strength is best for you.
IS TEETH WHITENING SAFE?
Teeth whitening is safe when performed by a professional dentist who has been highly trained in the administration of high concentrations of peroxide. They know exactly how to protect your gums from exposure, how long to leave the treatment on, and how much of the product to use. Dr. Marwa is an experienced cosmetic dentist and offers safe teeth whitening.
In contrast, using over-the-counter whitening products that are not ADA-approved puts you at a higher risk of damaging your tooth enamel and experiencing tooth sensitivity. Scientific studies have been conducted to determine the safety of bleaching agents, and the stronger the whitening agent is, the shorter the exposure time should be.
Dentists, like Dr. Marwa in Edina, are highly trained in this aspect and will not expose your enamel to damage because they know exactly how long to leave the peroxide on your teeth. The use of peroxides in dentistry is also heavily regulated, so you can be sure that we aren’t applying chemicals to your teeth that will cause you harm.
When using over-the-counter whitening kits, it is easy to misunderstand or fail to follow directions, use too much product, or leave it on for too long. This can result in damage to your enamel, gums, nerves, and can even cause infection.
WILL TEETH WHITENING CAUSE SENSITIVITY?
Temporary tooth sensitivity is a common side effect of professional whitening treatments. It does not necessarily happen every time but the hydrogen or carbamide peroxide in the whitening agent causes demineralization of the tooth enamel, exposing the tiny pores called dentinal tubules in your teeth.
These dentinal tubules are attached to your tooth’s nerves which are responsible for sensation so it is normal to experience hypersensitivity when exposed to hot or cold temperatures, sweet, sour, or acidic foods, and air.
This is only temporary and will dissipate within about 48 hours when your enamel remineralizes itself. There are steps you can take to reduce sensitivity and manage discomfort such as:
HOW LONG DOES TEETH WHITENING LAST?
The average lifespan of a whitening treatment ranges from as little as 6 months to as long as 3 years. However, the duration of your pearly-white-results can be affected by your age, lifestyle, oral hygiene, and diet. To get the most out of your whitening treatment, you should brush your teeth twice a day for at least 2 minutes with a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste (and don’t forget to floss).
You will need to reduce your consumption of staining foods and drinks such as red wine, coffee, tea, and highly pigmented foods. Drinking through a straw will limit contact between the staining drink and your teeth.
If cutting back on these foods and drinks isn’t possible, simply rinsing your mouth after eating or drinking can help. The most important thing you can do to maintain your newly white teeth is to return to the dentist every 6 months for a dental cleaning to remove surface stains and plaque buildup.
Frequently Asked Questions about Teeth Whitening
Where can I find a teeth whitening dentist in Edina, MN?
You can find professional teeth whitening at Mint Dental, located at 7550 France Avenue South, Suite 138, Edina, MN 55435. Our team offers both in-office and take-home whitening alongside a full range of cosmetic dentistry services for patients in Edina and nearby communities. To get started, request an appointment online or call 952-831-1332. We’ll examine your teeth and recommend the whitening approach best suited to your smile goals.
Does professional teeth whitening work on crowns, veneers, or fillings?
Whitening only lightens natural tooth enamel, not dental work. Crowns, veneers, fillings, and bonding keep their original shade, so they can stand out once your natural teeth get brighter. If you’re planning both, whiten first, then match new restorations to your lighter shade. If existing restorations no longer blend after whitening, they may need replacing. We can review your options during a consultation at Mint Dental.
Will teeth whitening work on all types of stains and discoloration?
Professional whitening works best on surface (extrinsic) stains from coffee, tea, wine, and tobacco, and on general yellowing with age. Deeper (intrinsic) discoloration, such as gray teeth, tetracycline staining, or a tooth darkened after trauma or a root canal, responds less predictably and may need veneers or bonding instead. A dentist can identify your stain type and set realistic expectations. That’s why an in-office exam comes before treatment at Mint Dental in Edina.
Is teeth whitening safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Most dentists recommend postponing elective teeth whitening during pregnancy and breastfeeding, since there isn’t enough research on the whitening agents to confirm they’re safe during this time. This is a precaution rather than a proven risk. Whitening is elective, so waiting carries no downside to your oral health. In the meantime, regular cleanings and good home care help keep teeth bright, and you can plan whitening for after your dentist gives the go-ahead.
Can teens or children get their teeth whitened?
Whitening is generally not recommended for young children and is approached cautiously with teens, since their teeth and nerves are still developing and can be more prone to sensitivity. Many dentists suggest waiting until the permanent teeth are fully in, often around the mid-teens, and only under professional guidance. For children and teens, a checkup through our family dentistry team is the right first step to discuss safe timing and options.
How often can I safely whiten my teeth?
For most people, a professional whitening treatment or touch-up once or twice a year is enough to maintain results, with light take-home touch-ups in between as directed by your dentist. Whitening too often can wear enamel and trigger lasting sensitivity, so more isn’t better. The right frequency depends on your enamel, diet, and how quickly stains return. Your dentist at Mint Dental will recommend a safe schedule tailored to your teeth.
Can I whiten my teeth if I already have sensitive teeth or receding gums?
Often yes, but it needs a dentist’s evaluation first. If you already have sensitive teeth, receding gums, exposed roots, cavities, or gum disease, whitening can worsen discomfort, so those issues should be assessed and treated beforehand. A professional can adjust the peroxide strength, shorten contact time, or use desensitizing steps to keep you comfortable. This is a key advantage of in-office whitening over one-size-fits-all store kits. Contact us to review your situation.
What should I eat and drink right after teeth whitening?
For about 48 hours after whitening, stick to a “white diet” of light-colored, non-staining foods like water, milk, plain chicken, rice, pasta, bananas, and plain yogurt. Right after treatment your enamel is more porous and absorbs color easily, so avoid coffee, tea, red wine, dark sodas, berries, tomato sauce, and tobacco during this window. Room-temperature foods also help limit sensitivity. After the first couple of days, using a straw and rinsing after meals keeps your results lasting longer.
Should I get a dental cleaning before whitening?
Yes, a dental cleaning before whitening is a good idea. Removing plaque and surface buildup first lets the whitening gel contact your enamel evenly, which produces more consistent, longer-lasting results. A pre-whitening exam also lets your dentist catch cavities or gum issues that should be treated before any bleaching. Many patients time whitening right after their regular six-month cleaning for this reason. Request an appointment and we’ll help you sequence both
