An overview of professional teeth whitening

Professional, in-office teeth whitening is a common procedure offered by our cosmetic dentist office to improve the appearance of the patient’s smile by removing stains and improving the overall shade of teeth. It involves the use of a bleaching agent to brighten the patient’s smile, and our dental professionals are trained and educated on how to properly perform in-office whitening in the safest and most effective way possible. When compared to less reliable alternative solutions, such as over-the-counter teeth whitening, visiting our in-office team for a professional whitening has many advantages, including:

• Attractive smile
• Safe procedure
• Non-invasive
• Follow-up care
• Long-term results

Most who decide to come in for a professional whitening procedure do so because they want the safest and most effective way to brighten their smile. Whereas over-the-counter whitening may contain harmful elements and take-home teeth whitening from a dentist has a less reliable application process, visiting us for in-office whitening ensures effective, non-invasive and safe results. Additionally, the results of professional teeth whitening tend to last much longer, and patients often see quality results for a year or more with proper aftercare.

How the teeth whitening process works

The process may vary slightly for each patient we treat, but there are certain steps that can be expected during the in-office whitening process. Most of the time, the process only requires a single visit, which begins with an oral examination to check for any oral health concerns that may make the whitening less ideal. We also can discuss treatment goals and previous whitening history to help the patient determine if the whitening procedure is right for them.

Before we begin the whitening procedure, we will also discuss the current tooth shade that the patient has and establish realistic goals as to which shade we should aim to achieve. We may also prepare the teeth through polishing to remove any built-up plaque and tartar. Afterward, we can begin the whitening by creating a barrier to protect gums and isolating the visible surface of the teeth (enamel). We then apply the bleaching agent to the teeth safely, and we allow it to do its work for a certain amount of time, typically from a half-hour to an hour.

After treatment, we talk to the patient about how they feel and how to deal with any tooth sensitivity that might exist, although there generally is not much of a concern with side effects, and the patient can return to normal activity upon leaving our office. We also provide advice on how to keep teeth looking ideal long term through good daily habits.

When to consider teeth whitening

Anyone who is not happy with the appearance of their teeth due to stains or discoloration should consider how professional, in-office teeth whitening can benefit them. Of course, there are certain times in life when teeth whitening is the most ideal, such as before a wedding or an important job interview. With that said, there is never a bad time to consider treatment, and some receive an in-office whitening procedure annually for reliable results.

There are, however, certain people for whom teeth whitening of any kind may not be ideal, including people who are pregnant, individuals with multiple restorations, people with severe gum disease or those who have severe teeth sensitivity. Also, patients with severe stains or weakened enamel might be best suited for dental veneers instead. The best way to determine if teeth whitening is right for you is to arrange a consultation visit and consider the advice of the cosmetic dentist.

Although there are certain restrictions, most who have mild to moderate teeth stains can benefit from and make a good candidates for professional, in-office teeth whitening. Our staff can discuss your goals for treatment and help you decide if and how often teeth whitening is recommended.

Aftercare tips following in-office whitening

The results of professional, in-office teeth whitening can last for more than a year, but it depends largely on how well the patient cares for their teeth. There are certain things that every patient can do to reduce the chance of developing stains on teeth and make the results from whitening last a long time, including:

• Practice good oral hygiene
• Limit foods that cause stains
• Limit intake of dark beverages
• Stop use of tobacco and smoking
• Visit the dentist regularly

The key to keeping teeth looking great and healthy is to practice good oral hygiene and establish a consistent daily oral care routine that includes brushing several times a day, flossing daily and using mouthwash as directed. It is also important to avoid foods and drinks that cause staining as much as possible, along with making an effort to quit smoking and use of tobacco. Regular visits with the dentist for routine cleanings and check-ups can also help keep teeth looking bright and beautiful. Our cosmetic dentist team does more than offer in-office teeth whitening, as we also help patients long term to keep their smile attractive.