White teeth have always been seen as a sign of good oral health. Many of us want our teeth to be healthy and sparkling white. So, it’s no surprise that people often turn to teeth whitening options, especially professional teeth whitening treatments offered by dentists.
Over the years, the way we whiten our teeth has changed quite a bit. There are many different ways to get your teeth whitened, including going to the dentist for professional treatment. Despite how common these treatments are, there is confusion about what exactly happens during a professional teeth whitening session.
If you’ve been curious about getting your teeth professionally whitened, you’re in the right place. Stick around as we explore Professional Teeth Whitening: Everything you need to know to provide comprehensive insights into the world of teeth whitening.
How Professional Teeth Whitening Works?
Professional teeth whitening is an effective way to brighten your smile. It involves using special whitening gels containing carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide, which help remove yellow stains from your teeth surface.
These whitening gels are carefully applied to your teeth during a professional whitening session at the dentist’s office. Then, your dentist may use a UV or blue light to activate the whitening process. This activates the peroxide in the gel, which then penetrates your enamel and starts to bleach out any stubborn stains.
Alternatively, you can try over-the-counter whitening products like kits or strips, but these tend to be milder and may take longer to show results compared to professional treatments.
Understanding how professional teeth whitening works can help you decide if it’s the right choice for you. Next, let’s take a closer look at the steps involved in the procedure.
Steps Involved in Professional Teeth Whitening Treatment
The following steps are involved in professional teeth whitening by a dentist.
Step 1: Thorough Assessment
One important reason why it’s best to leave teeth whitening to professionals is to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of your oral health. When you opt for teeth whitening at the dentist’s office, you can talk with the dentist and their team.
Consulting a dental professional helps you understand that not all stains can be treated using standard methods. Some stains may require different approaches.
It’s essential to recognize that certain stains on your teeth may be caused by injury, illness, or medication side effects. In such cases, the dentist may suggest alternative aesthetic dentistry treatments.
During this initial assessment, you can also discuss any specific tooth sensitivity concerns with the dentist, ensuring a more comfortable and tailored whitening experience.
Stage II: Evaluating the Shade
When you go to a professional for teeth whitening, they’ll start by using a shade guide to see the color of your natural teeth. It’s important to understand that our natural teeth aren’t actually pure white, and you might be surprised to see how discolored they appear both before and after the whitening process.
Additionally, even the whitest teeth still have some level of natural color variation. By noting the initial shade of your teeth, your whitening dentist can track your progress and make any necessary adjustments to achieve the desired outcome.
Stage III: Removing Plaque
Biofilm or plaque is a thin layer that can build up on your teeth. If this plaque isn’t removed before whitening, it may interfere with the effectiveness of the whitening treatment. One advantage of professional whitening over at-home options is that dentists can ensure thorough plaque removal before beginning the whitening procedure.
Stage IV: Preparing and Drying
Next, your teeth whitening dentist will make sure your teeth are completely dry before applying any whitening agents or exposing them to UV radiation.
Your dentist may use rubber dams to ensure dryness in specific areas of your mouth. These barriers also help prevent your tongue and gums from coming into contact with the whitening substances, reducing the risk of irritation.
Stage V: Whitening Process
In the final stage, a high-concentration hydrogen peroxide gel will be applied to cover your teeth and dissolve any stains. As mentioned earlier, laser light is used to activate the whitening agents in the gel, speeding up the bleaching process.
Once the procedure is complete, which typically takes about 60 to 90 minutes, your teeth can be whitened by up to eight shades. Your newly whitened teeth can retain their brightness for up to a year with consistent dental care and healthy habits such as maintaining a balanced diet and avoiding staining substances. Quitting smoking can extend the duration of whitening even further compared to over-the-counter options.
Caring for Your Whitened Teeth After Treatment
Here are some tips to help you look after your whitened teeth:
Avoid Staining Foods and Beverages:
Be cautious of consuming foods and drinks such as coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-colored sauces. To avoid teeth staining, rinse your mouth with water or brush your teeth.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene:
Brush your teeth at least twice and floss daily to remove plaque and prevent stains. Use a whitening toothpaste to help preserve your bright smile.
Attend Regular Dental Checkups:
Go for dental checkups and teeth cleanings to keep your teeth and gums healthy. It helps the dentist to monitor the condition of your teeth and provide touch-up whitening treatments if necessary.
Avoid Tobacco Products:
Smoking and tobacco products can severely stain your teeth and diminish the effectiveness of whitening treatments.
Use Straws for Dark Beverages:
Use a straw to drink beverages such as soda or iced tea.
Be Gentle on Your Teeth:
Avoid abrasive toothpaste or aggressive brushing, as these can wear down enamel and cause sensitivity in the tooth. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a very gentle brushing technique instead.
Invest in Professional Teeth Whitening and Transform Your Smile
Professional teeth whitening is a very safe and effective way to achieve a brighter, more confident smile. From understanding the process to evaluating its benefits, we have discussed everything you need to know about professional teeth whitening. So why wait? Schedule your appointment today with Baker Cosmetic & Family Dentistry in Clearwater, Florida, and take the first step toward a dazzling smile with professional teeth whitening. Book an appointment online or call us at (727) 304-1673 for new patients and (727) 334-7990 for current patients.
FAQ
How long does professional teeth whitening last?
The duration of results varies, but with proper care, they can last up to a year or longer.
Is professional teeth whitening safe?
Professional teeth whitening is safe and effective when performed by a qualified dentist.
Can everyone undergo professional teeth whitening?
Most individuals are suitable candidates, but your dentist will assess your oral health to ensure compatibility.
