How Does Teeth Whitening Work in a Dental Office?
Teeth whitening is one of the most accessible investments in your smile. When you whiten your teeth, you will want to share your smile with others and create an excellent first impression.
In-office teeth whitening is an efficient way to brighten your smile. The process generally takes only one appointment, and you will leave your dentist's office with brilliant yet natural-looking teeth.
How In-Office Teeth Whitening Works
Consultation
You will talk with your dentist and share your expectations for the process. They will help you choose a final shade that will look healthy and bright without appearing unnatural.
Protecting Your Mouth
Your dentist will use comfortable plastic appliances called retractors to protect your lips during application. You will likely receive a protective coating on your gums. Without this step, you may experience excess sensitivity after whitening.
Gel Application
Your practitioner applies the whitening gel to your teeth. Professional teeth whitening gel contains a safe but potent bleaching agent called carbamide peroxide. Carbamide peroxide enters the pores in your tooth enamel and oxidizes stains. The gel stays on for about 15 minutes at a time.
Rinsing and Reapplication
Your practitioner will rinse the gel from your teeth and gums. They may reapply the gel thrice per visit, rinsing each time.
Fluoride Treatment
After whitening, you will receive a specialized fluoride treatment to help seal the pores in your enamel and reduce sensitivity.
After just one hour in the office, you will have a brilliant smile. To prolong the effects, take good care of your teeth after whitening.
In-Office Vs. At-Home Whitening
In-office and at-home whitening are excellent choices for patients who want a more vivid smile. At-home whitening involves making a custom tray for you to wear as your dentist recommends. At-home whitening provides more gradual results and may be a good choice for patients who want to ease into a brighter smile.
How to Keep Your Whitened Teeth Looking Great
Avoid intensely pigmented food and beverages for the first 48 hours after your treatment. In addition to dark-colored food and drinks, avoid anything acidic, like pickles and citrus.
After 48 hours, you can return to your regular diet. However, continue to watch out for darkly colored and acidic foods. After consuming these foods, rinse your teeth with water. Wait at least 30 minutes to brush your teeth, especially when eating sugary or acidic foods that can temporarily weaken the enamel.
Frequently Asked Questions About Teeth Whitening
What should I do if I have sensitive teeth?
In the past, patients with sensitive teeth have been discouraged from teeth whitening, but today, your dentist can adapt the process to keep you as comfortable as possible. After your whitening session:
- Drink plenty of water to rehydrate your teeth.
- Use a remineralizing gel to harden your enamel.
- Always use an approved fluoride toothpaste.
Is teeth whitening safe?
Teeth whitening is safe when properly supervised. However, strong whitening products without dental supervision can cause gum burns and severely sensitive teeth.
Call Davis Gribble Hollowwa Dental
Brightening your smile can be as quick and easy as making one dental visit. Please call our Albuquerque, NM, office at 505-898-1976 to schedule teeth whitening today.