Everyone wants a bright, white smile, and professional teeth whitening is the best way to achieve it. However, it’s important to understand what to expect before you go to the dentist for the procedure. Professional teeth whitening is a safe and effective way to improve your smile and boost your confidence. But it’s important to know the benefits, limitations, and risks associated with the process. From at-home treatments to in-office procedures, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about your oral hygiene. With the right tips and advice, you can ensure that your teeth whitening experience is a success.
What is professional teeth whitening?
Professional teeth whitening is a teeth whitening treatment that uses a stronger solution than at-home whitening kits. This process uses an abrasive gel that is custom-blended for each patient’s dental needs. The whitening process is performed in-office by a licensed dentist. Professionals use special lamps that accelerate the whitening process. Depending on the strength of the solution, teeth whitening may take a matter of hours or days. The treatment process is relatively quick and painless.
What are the benefits of professional teeth whitening?
Professional teeth whitening comes with a variety of benefits. This treatment can successfully brighten your smile while restoring your confidence. Some of the perks of teeth whitening at the dentist include:
Brighten your smile
A brighter smile can make you feel more confident and improve your self-esteem. With a whiter smile, you can show off your pearly whites and avoid covering your mouth when laughing or smiling.
Save time
While at-home whitening kits take a few weeks to show results, the professional teeth whitening process is quicker. Depending on the type of treatment and your dental health, you can see results in as little as one appointment.
Save money
Professional teeth whitening, especially when done in-office, is much less expensive than a dental procedure. The average cost for a professional teeth whitening treatment is around $200, which is a fraction of what it would cost to get a brand new smile.
Protect your gums
When you whiten your teeth at home, you are putting a chemical agent directly on your gums. With professional teeth whitening, the gel is applied to your teeth and not your gums, avoiding potential irritation and damage to your gum line.
Avoid side effects
While teeth whitening is generally safe, there are some risks associated with teeth whitening at home. The teeth whitening ingredients, especially carbamide peroxide, may cause gum irritation and tooth sensitivity. Professional teeth whitening uses a stronger solution that minimizes these risks.
What are the different types of professional teeth whitening?
The two main methods used for whitening the patient’s teeth include:
In-Office Whitening: In-office whitening is a quick teeth whitening procedure that uses a high-concentration whitening gel. The dentist will apply the gel to your teeth and use a special lamp to accelerate the process. Depending on how strong the solution is, results can be visible in as little as one hour.
Take-home Whitening: Take-home whitening is a teeth whitening treatment where the dentist custom blends a lower concentration whitening gel. You will bring the gel home and use it for a few hours every day.
How can you prepare for your teeth whitening treatment?
Leading up to your teeth whitening appointment there are some measures you can take to properly prepare for it. In this way you can maximize the effectiveness of the treatment ensuring you achieve optimal results.
Schedule your teeth whitening appointment in advance
Most dental offices are very busy, so make sure that you book an appointment in advance. Leaving it until the last minute could mean that you have to wait several weeks before getting your teeth whitened.
Brush, floss, and use mouthwash
Keep your teeth clean and bacteria-free before the teeth whitening appointment. Brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day, floss once a day, and use mouthwash daily to remove leftover food particles and prevent plaque build-up.
Avoid certain foods
Stay away from strong-tasting foods and beverages before your teeth whitening appointment. The stronger the flavor, the more staining agents it may contain, which could hinder the results of the teeth whitening.
Avoid smoking and coffee
Smoking and coffee are two of the biggest teeth staining culprits. If you smoke or drink coffee regularly, you will most likely see fewer results from the teeth whitening process.
Schedule whitening near the end of your dental visit
Your dentist will perform a dental exam and clean your teeth before the whitening procedure. This way, your dentist can address any potential dental issues while you are there. After the thorough cleaning, the teeth will be ready to be whitened properly.
Aftercare tips after your teeth whitening procedure
After you have finished your teeth whitening treatment, it’s important to take good care of your pearly whites so you can maintain the results. Some things to keep in mind following your whitening procedure include:
-Brush your teeth: Keep brushing your teeth after the teeth whitening procedure to remove any residual gel and food particles.
-Be careful of your diet: Stay away from foods and beverages that are high in staining agents for a few days after the teeth whitening appointment.
-Use a mouthwash: Continue to use mouthwash after the teeth whitening procedure to avoid the build-up of plaque and food particles.
Professional teeth whitening alternatives
There are some alternative methods of whitening your teeth, however, they are not as effective as professional teeth whitening. Nevertheless, you can opt for these methods as an after-treatment maintenance routine so that you preserve your professional teeth whitening results.
Teeth Whitening Strips: Teeth whitening strips are two-piece mouth guards that are used to whiten your teeth. They work by covering your teeth with a whitening solution that contains peroxide. Teeth whitening strips are less expensive than in-office whitening, but they take longer to see results.
Teeth Whitening Pen: The teeth whitening pen is an at-home teeth whitening solution that you apply to your teeth. These pens are easy to use and make it simple to whiten your teeth anytime, anywhere.
Teeth Whitening Mouth Guards: Some dental clinics offer custom-fit teeth whitening mouthguards that are designed to whiten your teeth while you sleep. These mouthguards are more expensive than other teeth whitening alternatives, but they are worth it if you want to achieve instant results.
Takeaway
Teeth whitening can be done in-office or at home via a teeth whitening kit. Professional teeth whitening is more effective than at-home teeth whitening with a kit. Before getting teeth whitening, make sure to clean your teeth, eat a healthy diet, and schedule your teeth whitening appointments during the week. In addition, you should also make sure to select a teeth whitening treatment that is right for you and your needs. Don’t hesitate to contact our clinic if you have any questions or concerns and our staff will assist you promptly.