Brighter Smiles from Our Cosmetic Dentist Near You
You’ve probably tried the strips. Maybe the whitening toothpaste, too. And while the promise on the box sounded great, the mirror told a different story. At Hickman Family Dental, we hear this all the time — and it’s exactly why we offer professional-grade whitening treatments that over-the-counter products simply can’t match.
Dr. Erickson and our team at Hickman Family Dental take the time to understand what’s behind your discoloration, whether it’s years of morning coffee, certain medications, or just the natural aging process, so we can recommend the right solution rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. The result? Dramatic, lasting whitening that feels safe, looks natural, and fits your real life. Call our dental office in Urbandale, IA at (515) 276-4981 or book online — your first step toward a smile you’ll actually want to show off.
Meet Your Urbandale Cosmetic Dentist
Dr. Brad Erickson, DDS
Dr. Brad Erickson was raised in Garner, IA. He received his undergraduate and D.D.S. degrees from the University of Iowa. Dr. Erickson has practiced in the Des Moines area since 1997. When not working, Dr. Erickson enjoys hunting, camping,g and spending time outdoors with his family.
Dr. Brad Erickson is a member of the Iowa Dental Association, the American Dental Association, and the Des Moines Dental Association.
What Is Professional Teeth Whitening?
Professional teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that removes stains and discoloration from the enamel and dentin layers of your teeth. Unlike abrasive whitening toothpastes that only scrub surface stains, professional treatments use medical-grade bleaching agents like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to penetrate deeper, breaking down chromogens—the molecules responsible for yellowing and browning.
At its core, professional teeth whitening addresses two types of stains:
- Extrinsic (surface-level, from coffee, tea, red wine, or tobacco)
- Intrinsic (deeper, from aging, medications, or trauma).
Our in-office and take-home options target both, ensuring a uniform, natural-looking brightness that enhances your smile’s overall aesthetics.
The Science Behind Teeth Whitening: How It Works
Understanding the science of professional teeth whitening empowers you to make informed choices. Teeth discoloration occurs when enamel pores trap pigments from daily habits. Bleaching agents like 25 to 40% hydrogen peroxide act as oxidizing agents, releasing oxygen molecules that diffuse into the tooth structure.
This oxidation reaction fragments stain molecules into colorless compounds, revealing whiter dentin beneath. A special LED light or laser accelerates the process, shortening treatment time. Research from the Journal of Bioengineering confirms that professional protocols preserve enamel integrity, with remineralization occurring naturally within hours.
Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening
Patients can experience the following benefits of teeth whitening from a dentist:
- Improved appearance
- Affordable treatment
- Minimally invasive
- Enhanced self-esteem
- Safe procedure
- Quick results
- Versatile options
- Customizable
- Reduced tooth surface stains
Whitening teeth doesn’t have to be complicated! Contact our cosmetic dentist in Urbanale, today at (515) 276-4981.
Hear What Our Patients Have to Say
“Super friendly staff, great upbeat atmosphere, complete service provided from cleaning, whitening, Invisalign & implants.” – M
“…always appreciate Hickman dental and how they treat me! They always seem to bring a smile out in me, and love using them for my dental needs. They have a way of making you feel comfortable and appreciate their entire team!” –M.D.
Teeth Whitening Treatment Process
When you visit our Urbandale dental office for teeth whitening treatments, you can expect the following to happen during the whitening process:
- Initial Consultation: You’ll meet with our dentists to go over your oral health and see if tooth whitening is best for you.
- Teeth Cleaning: Our dental professionals will clean your teeth.
- Protection: We’ll place a barrier (often a rubber dam or protective gel) around the gums to shield them.
- Whitening Agent Application: A high-concentration peroxide gel is then applied to the teeth. This whitening gel is much stronger than the ones available in over-the-counter whitening products, such as teeth whitening strips.
- Activation: Some whitening systems use a special light or laser to activate the peroxide gel and enhance its bleaching effect.
- Rinse: After the desired shade is achieved or once the maximum time has been reached, our dentist will rinse off the gel.
Who Isn’t a Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
When it comes to determining if teeth whitening is best for you, visit Hickman Family Dental. Our Urbandale dentist will evaluate your oral health and the cause of your tooth discoloration. Some people may not be suitable for professional teeth whitening, such as those who have:
- Tooth sensitivity or sensitive gums
- Tooth decay or gum disease
- Tooth-colored fillings, crowns, or veneers
- Allergies to the bleaching agent used in the procedure
Types of Teeth Whitening
With various options available today, patients often have the pleasure of choosing a teeth whitening solution that will work best for their goals.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
- Zoom Whitening (by Philips): Uses a special light to activate a hydrogen peroxide gel, whitening teeth in about 45 minutes.
- Opalescence Boost: Uses a chemically activated formula, meaning it doesn’t need light for activation.
- KöR Whitening Deep Bleaching System: Known for its ability to whiten even tetracycline-stained teeth.
- LaserSmile (by Biolase): Uses a laser to activate the whitening gel.
Take-Home Teeth Whitening Kits
Take-home whitening products come in trays that you place over your teeth, allowing the whitening agent to soak in. Although they take longer and give less precise results than in-office whitening treatments, they can be very effective. If you prefer to whiten your teeth at home, take-home teeth whitening trays are certainly well worth the investment.
How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost?
On average, patients can expect to spend around $500 to $1,000 on professional teeth whitening services. Various factors will affect the cost of teeth whitening treatments, including:
- Geographic location
- Type of treatment
- Dentist’s experience
- The duration and number of sessions needed
- Additional procedures
In most cases, dental insurance won’t cover the costs of teeth whitening treatments as it’s considered an elective procedure. We always recommend reaching out to your insurance provider to learn more about your plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is professional teeth whitening safe?
Yes, professional teeth whitening is safe when performed by a qualified dentist. However, it’s essential to follow your dentist’s instructions and avoid overusing whitening products, which can damage tooth enamel.
How long does professional teeth whitening last?
The duration of professional teeth whitening results depends on several factors, such as your lifestyle habits, the cause of the discoloration, and the type of whitening procedure. With proper oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, professional teeth whitening can last up to two years.
Does professional teeth whitening cause sensitivity?
Some people may experience tooth sensitivity during or after their professional teeth whitening treatment. However, this is a temporary side effect that usually subsides within a few days. Your dentist may recommend desensitizing products to help alleviate discomfort caused by sensitive teeth.
A Whiter Smile Is Closer Than You Think
If you’ve been hiding your smile in photos, avoiding eye contact, or holding back a laugh because of stained or yellow teeth, it’s time to change that. At Hickman Family Dental, we believe everyone deserves to feel confident when they smile, and we’d love to help you get there.
Whether you’re coming to us from Johnston, Clive, or Waukee, our team is ready to create a whitening treatment that fits your life and your goals. Don’t spend another day feeling self-conscious about your teeth. Call our Urbandale dental office today at (515) 276-4981 to schedule your professional teeth whitening consultation.
