What Happens During Professional Teeth Whitening?

Professional teeth whitening is a great way to get rid of stubborn stains on teeth and make a smile brighter and more attractive. It is helpful to understand what to expect during the procedure to calm any nerves that may arise before the cosmetic dentist visit.
How professional teeth whitening works
Each cosmetic dentist has their own technique for administering professional, in-office teeth whitening, but there are certain steps that each one typically takes. This step-by-step overview explains what is likely to take place during a professional teeth whitening visit.
Choose a shade
The first step for many cosmetic dentists during an in-office professional teeth whitening is to help the patient pick the right shade of color they hope to achieve using a teeth shade guide. Some patients may require multiple visits to reach the ideal shade, but the ultimate goal is to whiten teeth as many shades as possible. To determine a realistic goal to aim for, the cosmetic dentist will determine the current shade of the patient’s teeth.
Teeth polishing
The next step is to polish the teeth in a manner that removes any plaque from the surface. The cosmetic dentist will generally do this through the use of a dental device and a grainy polishing paste, ensuring the teeth are as clean and healthy as possible before starting the whitening process. It is important to note, however, that teeth polishing for professional teeth whitening is different than a teeth cleaning procedure, and it is not to replace the patient’s routine cleaning visits.
The whitening process
Once a shade is decided upon and the teeth are polished, the cosmetic dentist will typically place a barrier between the gums and teeth to ensure gums are not irritated in the process. A bleaching agent, which is often either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide, is placed on the visible surface of teeth. Many dentists use a curing light to activate the peroxide, and the solution is left until the teeth reach the desired shade or too much time has passed.
Whitening aftercare
The cosmetic dentist will likely provide a list of aftercare instructions to follow to ensure teeth are not irritated following the procedure and any discomfort that exists is kept at a tolerable level. Most in-office whitening treatments do not cause discomfort, but if sensitivity does occur, the cosmetic dentist may provide something to deal with it, such as fluoride or pain relief medication. It is also important to practice good oral hygiene following professional teeth whitening by brushing several times a day, flossing and using mouthwash. To keep teeth white, avoid too many foods and drinks high in sugar.
Talk to a cosmetic dentist today
Our team enjoys helping patients achieve a beautiful smile they are proud to show off each day, and we offer safe professional, in-office teeth whitening to all who are interested. To learn more about the benefits of in-office whitening or to schedule a time to come in for a session for teeth whitening, get in touch with us today.
Are you considering teeth whitening in the New York area? Get more information at https://www.newyorkdentaloffice.com.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Recent Posts
A healthy smile is not only about clean, straight teeth but also about strong and well-maintained gums. Periodontics focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating gum-related conditions that can compromise oral health. Many prioritize their teeth while neglecting the importance of gum care, which can lead to severe complications if left unaddressed. By incorporating periodontal care…
The primary way receding gums are treated is through a gum graft. This procedure involves taking soft tissue from another area and placing it where the recession has occurred. This guide provides tips on how to recover after a gum graft for receding gum treatment.You can help ensure a smooth and fast recovery after receding…
A root canal is a common dental procedure designed to save an infected or severely decayed tooth. Despite common misconceptions, it is not a painful or complicated procedure. Rather, it is a routine treatment that effectively relieves pain and protects your natural teeth.A root canal is a treatment used to repair and save a tooth…
Receding gums are often blamed on brushing techniques. Surprisingly, most individuals with receding gums are unaware that they have a dental problem that must be addressed. On the other hand, others have been aware because the roots of their teeth have become exposed or they have had dental sensitivity.Gum recession occurs when the gum tissue…