A brilliant smile is what everyone wants, but life happens and your teeth may not be as bright as you’d like. Eating certain foods and drinks, aging, taking some medications, and smoking are all things that can discolor your teeth. Professional teeth whitening is a great way to brighten your smile by several shades in a very short amount of time. Here’s what you can expect if you choose to get your teeth whitened by your dentist.
Cleaning
First, your teeth should be thoroughly cleaned before undergoing the whitening process. Schedule a routine teeth cleaning to eliminate plaque buildup and make sure your teeth are in good condition for the whitening process. If you need any other dental work, have it completed prior to whitening.
Gel
For most professional whitening methods, a specialized gel is applied to the teeth. It contains hydrogen peroxide and other bleaching ingredients that attack the stains on your teeth. The dentist will apply the gel to the fronts of your teeth, being careful to avoid getting it on your gums which can cause sensitivity. The gel is left on your teeth for a time period so that it can do its job. In some professional whitening methods, instead of applying the gel in the office, you’ll be sent home with customized trays and whitening gel. You will place the gel in the trays and wear them at night for a few weeks.
Light
When the whitening is performed in the office, an ultraviolet light is typically used to speed up the process. It activates the whitening gel and enhances its action on your teeth. The combination of the gel and the special light works together for dramatic results on your smile. The whole process takes about an hour.
Repeat
Sometimes more than one treatment is needed to get your smile as white as you’d like. This is especially true for patients with severe stains, such as smokers or serious coffee drinkers. Even if you get the results you want, you can always go back for a follow-up treatment when stains start to appear again.
We offer profession teeth whitening in our Newport Beach CA dental office
