What You Need to Know About Professional Teeth Whitening

May 08, 2024 / By Bob Williams

Achieving brighter, whiter teeth can give people more confidence and improve their self-esteem. The whitening process removes surface stains from the outer layers of the tooth, and also eliminates harmful bacteria, plaque and tartar build-up.

The treatment can be done in a dentist’s office or at home with a special bleaching product. Unlike whitening toothpaste or strips, which contain only a low concentration of bleaching agents, dentist-supervised professional whitening treatments use a higher strength of bleach that can safely remove the most stubborn stains.

Professional whitening involves applying a gel containing hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to the teeth. The solution is then activated by light to speed up the whitening process. A laser may be used to enhance the whitening results.

First, the dentist will examine the patient’s mouth and check for cavities, cracks, gum disease and other problems that can affect the result. The dentist will then discuss how many shades lighter the teeth can be expected to become and recommend the best type of whitening for that individual case.

During the actual whitening, the dentist will apply the whitening gel to the teeth and then cover it with a protective seal. The dentist will then place a special light over the mouth to accelerate the whitening process. The whitening session can last up to an hour. After the whitening is completed, the dentist will remove the gel and rinse the mouth. The mouth is then reopened and the cheek retractors are removed. The dentist will then evaluate the whitening results and make any necessary adjustments.

After the whitening is finished, patients should avoid eating or drinking things that can stain the teeth. Staining foods and drinks include coffee, red wine, tea, cola and curry. The stains are caused by pigments that adhere to the surface of the tooth enamel. The whitening process breaks down the pigments and makes the teeth appear brighter.

In-office whitening takes about www.teethwhiteningomaha.com 30 minutes to an hour and can be completed in a single visit. At-home whitening usually takes between three and five days.

While there are many over-the-counter whitening products, the American Dental Association warns that these products are often too weak to be effective and could cause tooth sensitivity or damage the enamel. In addition, over-the-counter whitening products take a long time to work and require ongoing maintenance to maintain their results.

Professional whitening offers more dramatic results and is faster than over-the-counter whitening. The treatment is also less expensive than a crown or veneer. The whitening effects typically last up to 3 years, but they will gradually fade. Patients who are very diligent about brushing and flossing can extend the life of their whitening treatment. In the long run, the benefits of brighter, whiter teeth outweigh the costs and risks associated with a whitening treatment.