It’s hard to ignore the allure of a bright, confident smile. One of the most sought-after dental treatments for achieving this is teeth whitening. Professional teeth whitening procedures have risen in popularity as they provide more reliable and quick results compared to over-the-counter products. This comprehensive guide will take you through the ins and outs of professional teeth whitening procedures.
What is Professional Teeth Whitening?
Professional teeth whitening is a procedure performed by a dental professional designed to lighten the color of your teeth. Over time, teeth can become stained due to various factors such as food, beverages (like coffee and red wine), tobacco use, medication, aging, and even genetics.
Professional teeth whitening services typically involve the application of a high-concentration bleaching gel that’s activated with a specialized light or laser. This process can significantly lighten the color of your teeth, often in just a single visit.
Types of Professional Teeth Whitening Procedures
1. In-Office Whitening
In-office teeth whitening is the most effective and quickest method. A high-concentration peroxide gel is applied to the teeth after the gums have been protected with a paint-on rubber dam. The gel remains on the teeth for several intervals of 15 to 20 minutes. When combined with heat, light, or laser, the results can be dramatic and immediate.
2. Professionally Dispensed Take-Home Whitening Kits
These kits are a hybrid between in-office and over-the-counter whitening kits. They contain a lower-concentration peroxide gel that remains on the teeth for an hour or longer (often overnight). The lower the peroxide percentage, the longer it may safely remain on the teeth. The gel is applied to the teeth using custom-made bleaching trays resembling mouth guards.
3. Internal Whitening
Internal whitening is a method used for teeth that have been root-canal treated, meaning the staining is coming from inside the tooth. A peroxide gel is placed inside the tooth and left in place for a period of time. This type of whitening is typically done in conjunction with external whitening.
Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening
The most significant advantage of professional teeth whitening is its effectiveness. Professional procedures can remove deep stains that over-the-counter products can’t reach. They also offer faster results, often in just one appointment.
Additionally, your dentist can tailor the procedure to your specific needs, adjusting the concentration of the whitening agent and treatment duration to achieve desired results while minimizing side effects such as tooth sensitivity.
What to Expect During and After a Whitening Procedure
During an in-office whitening treatment, your dentist will first clean your teeth and gums before applying a protective barrier to your gums. They’ll then apply the whitening gel to your teeth and use a special light or laser to activate the gel. You can expect the procedure to last about an hour.
After the treatment, you may experience some tooth sensitivity, which is a common side effect of teeth whitening. This sensitivity should subside after a few days. Your dentist may recommend a toothpaste for sensitive teeth if your teeth are particularly sensitive. It’s also recommended to avoid foods and drinks that can stain your teeth for at least 48 hours after the procedure.
Maintaining Your Whitened Teeth
To maintain your bright smile, you should continue to practice good oral hygiene by brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and regularly visiting your dentist. You should also limit consumption of staining substances such as tobacco, coffee, tea, and red wine.
Periodic touch-up treatments, either in-office or at home, are also beneficial in maintaining your results. Your dentist can advise.
