Blake Nelson, DDS
Young man in dental chair after teeth whitening, winston-salem nc

How Does the Teeth Whitening Process Work?

December 12, 2023
|
Posted By: Dr. Don Benton
Young woman getting fitted for teeth whitening, winston-salem nc

Teeth whitening is a process that begins with a consultation with your dentist in Winston-Salem, NC. We want to ensure that you’re a good candidate for whitening and that the types of stains you have will be receptive to treatment.

It’s important to remember that internal tooth stains will not lighten with professional teeth whitening. The same is true for your dental restorations. None of this means you are not a candidate for whitening. Your dentist will tell you what to expect if you are a candidate.

Professional Teeth Whitening in Winston-Salem, NC

If you proceed with treatment, we may start you with a dental cleaning to optimize your results. By first cleaning the teeth, the prescription whitening gel has a better chance of adhering to the enamel, penetrating the pores, and lifting away stains. We may skip this step if you’ve recently had a teeth cleaning.

Our dental team creates custom tooth trays that fit your teeth. These thin, flexible trays are designed for comfort and results. You place the correct amount of whitening gel in each tray or tooth receptacle. Then you wear your trays during the night.

Our trays are designed to keep gel away from the gums, which makes temporary tooth sensitivity less likely.

Remember to follow your dentist’s instructions as you whiten your smile. You can always call our office if you have questions.

Why You Should Whiten Your Teeth with a DentistImage of white tooth, benton & nelson dds

If you whiten with a store-bought kit or product, you can’t be sure that it will work or that it is safe for your unique oral health profile. Some ingredients can damage enamel and leave you with prolonged tooth sensitivity.

Professional Teeth Whitening Near Me

Are you considering professional teeth whitening? Do you have questions about our cosmetic dentistry options? To get started, reach out to a knowledgeable dental team member today.

Ask us about our financing options and membership plans!

Related Blog Posts
September 17, 2025
Winston-Salem Scenic Views & Healthy Smiles: Dental Tips for Your Fall Adventures

Who doesn’t love autumn, especially in the Winston-Salem area? 

Cool, crisp air, colorful leaves, and miles of beautiful trails make autumn in Winston-Salem one of the most beautiful and relaxing times to be outdoors. From peaceful walks through Reynolda Gardens at Wake Forest University to bike rides and hikes, fall adventures can help reinvigorate both your body and mind.

Of course, while you’re out exploring, it’s also important to make sure you’re keeping your smile in optimal shape. As a trusted dentist in Winston-Salem, NC, Dr. Blake Nelson, along with our caring and friendly team, are always eager to share practical pointers for protecting your teeth ...

July 21, 2025
What Is Dental Bonding? 5 Ways It Instantly Improves Your Smile
group of friends with dental bonding in winston-salem

Dental bonding in Winston-Salem

What Is Dental Bonding?

Dental bonding is a cosmetic procedure where a tooth-colored resin is applied, shaped, and hardened to improve the appearance of your teeth. It’s commonly used to fix minor flaws like chips, gaps, and stains, often in just one visit. At Nelson Blake DDS in Winston-Salem, we offer dental bonding as a fast, affordable way to enhance your smile without surgery or extensive dental work.

1. How Does Dental Bonding Fix Chipped or Cracked Teeth?

Small chips and surface cracks can affect the look of your smile, even if they don’t cause pain. Dental bonding uses a durable composite resin that blends ...

June 20, 2025
Beautiful Smile Transformation with Composite Veneers
Black woman smiling after veneers, winston salem nc

Updated June 20th, 2025

At Blake Nelson, DDS, we help patients achieve their best smiles with cosmetic dentistry. The patient you see here presented with teeth that were brown and spotted, which she disliked. After reviewing her treatment options with Dr. Nelson, she elected to have composite veneers placed to replace the aesthetically unappealing tooth structure. This served as a more conservative and less expensive treatment option than traditional porcelain veneers, yet still delivered a gorgeous result.

Understanding Veneer Transformations

Dental veneers can help you redesign your smile and eliminate minor cosmetic dental flaws, such as:

  • Stained or discolored teeth
  • Tooth size or shape discrepancies
  • Gaps between teeth
  • Broken or chipped ...
If you have difficulty using our website, please email us or call us at (336) 760-1277
View the ADA Accessibility Statement