Talking to a Dentist About Teeth Whitening Treatments

Teeth whitening treatment from a dentist is a great way to significantly improve the brightness of your smile. Professional whitening consists of applying a bleaching agent to the visible surface of teeth and using a dental laser to remove discoloration and make teeth appear whiter. It is safe and produces reliable results.

Teeth whitening for brighter teeth and an improved smile

Dentists typically recommend teeth whitening for patients that are not entirely happy with their smile due to minor to moderate discoloration. The following is a review of teeth whitening treatment and what you can expect throughout the entire treatment process from a licensed dentist.

The purpose of professional teeth whitening

Professional teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure that makes teeth whiter. The natural shade of teeth is not the ideal white that many believe it is. Instead, it is a hue of white but has some shades of yellow in it from the underlying dentin. Subsequently, teeth can lose their white shade one gets after whitening treatment naturally over time. Other factors such as dark beverages, foods high in sugar, and poor oral hygiene can also contribute to teeth stains and discoloration, and teeth whitening is a way to get rid of discoloration and achieve whiter teeth that are more attractive.

The different types of teeth whitening treatments

Not all types of teeth whitening are the same. There are, of course, store-bought whitening products, but these often prove ineffective or lead to side effects such as sensitive teeth. Instead, it is best to use professional teeth whitening from a licensed dentist. This can be in the form of in-office teeth whitening or an at-home professional whitening kit.

When to consider professional teeth whitening

Professional teeth whitening is ideal for patients in good oral health that are interested in achieving a whiter smile. It cannot, however, treat severe teeth stains. Patients should have a realistic understanding of what teeth whitening treatment from a licensed dentist can and cannot do before starting treatment to avoid undesirable or ineffective results.

What to expect during the treatment process

Every licensed dentist has their own process for performing teeth whitening. The process also depends on the type of treatment chosen. In-office whitening only takes one session that lasts around an hour. For take-home whitening kits, treatment involves wearing whitening trays each day for up to two weeks.

Teeth whitening aftercare and follow-up visits

Dentists also educate their patients on how to keep their smile bright after teeth whitening treatment. This involves making smart dietary choices and practicing good oral hygiene. They also require follow-up visits for a check-up and teeth cleaning to prevent plaque and tartar build-up or the development of other oral health concerns.