What to Expect with Professional Teeth Whitening

If your pearly whites aren’t as pearly as they used to be, your dentist can help. Professional teeth whitening is a common cosmetic dentistry procedure that can restore your teeth to their former brilliance. Here is some more information you need to know about the procedure and what to expect.

Why should I choose professional teeth whitening?

You’ve likely heard about or seen at-home teeth whitening kits in the store. However, there are several reasons why you are better served by choosing to have your dentist whiten your teeth instead.

The first reason your dentist is a better choice is cost. You might think that your dentist will cost more, and yes, professional teeth whitening does cost more than one of those home kits. The problem is that you will need more than just one kit.

When you get professional teeth whitening, your dentist will use a better whitening solution that works longer and better. However, to keep your teeth at the same level of whiteness as your dentist can give you, you’d need to buy several at-home kits.

Another concern is the time it takes to get a professional teeth whitening treatment. In reality, your dentist can do the treatment over your lunch break, and that treatment will last up to three years. Most better home treatments require you to leave them on for several hours or overnight, and they don’t last nearly as long.

What happens during a professional teeth whitening?

Your dentist will use a straightforward process to whiten your teeth, so you don’t have to feel anxious about going. There won’t be any drilling or pain. Here are the typical steps in the whitening process.

1. Initial Consultation

The first step is a consultation to ensure you are an acceptable candidate for this process. For example, if your teeth are sensitive, thick, or transparent, you might not want to have this done.

2. Dental Cleaning

The next step is for your dentist to clean your teeth professionally. That removes plaque and other materials from your teeth.

3. Examination

Next, your dentist examines your teeth to ensure there aren’t any problems like cracks, cavities, or receding gums that can cause problems with the whitening process. Your dentist might also take some pictures of your teeth to use as a guide for determining the proper shade of whitening.

4. Professional Teeth Whitening

If all goes well, your dentist will now put a cheek-retractor in your mouth to expose your teeth. They will then apply a protective resin or gel to prevent gum irritation. After that, they apply the bleaching gel and let it sit for about one-half hour. They may also use a laser light to intensify the whitening results.

After that, they remove the protective guard, and you will see the results immediately. If you practice proper oral hygiene and watch your consumption of certain foods and drinks that can stain your teeth, the results should last a long time.

Contact Us

If you want a professional teeth whitening procedure or need other dentistry services, feel free to contact the office of Dr Barry Buchanan today!