What to Expect During a Professional Teeth Whitening

Professional teeth whitening is a reliable method of eliminating stains and discoloration from the teeth for a white smile. The procedure is straightforward and can produce remarkable results within one appointment. If you have scheduled an appointment for the procedure, it will help if you know what to expect, especially if you are anxious. Read on to learn more about the professional teeth whitening process.

An overview of professional teeth whitening

The dental professional may have their specific process for performing teeth whitening, but there are generalized steps that apply, regardless of who is handling the procedure. The following are the steps involved in a teeth whitening session at the dentist's office:

Selecting the tooth color

Before commencing treatment, the dentist will first select the correct color shade using a shade guide. Multiple appointments may be needed to get to the preferred color, but the treatment aims to whiten the teeth by as many shades as possible. The patient’s current tooth color and condition will determine what the final shade will be.

Teeth cleaning and polishing

The dentist will need to use dental tools to clean the tooth surfaces of plaque and tartar. Next, the teeth will be polished using a grainy polishing paste to ensure they are completely clean and healthy before the whitening treatment. The polishing process changes the tooth color slightly because it removes any film or coating and improves the final whitening results.

The whitening procedure

After choosing the desired tooth shade and polishing the teeth, the dentist will use a dental dam to shield the gums from the whitening agent and prevent irritation during the treatment. The commonly used whitening agents are hydrogen peroxide and carbamide. The dentist will determine the proper concentration percentage to use based on the condition of the patient’s teeth. People with sensitive teeth will need less concentration. Some dentists may apply a curing light to activate the agent, which is left on for a specific time or until desired results are achieved.

Aftercare instructions

Before leaving the dental office, patients will get a list of aftercare instructions to follow to prevent irritation and reduce any pain resulting from the procedure. Professional teeth whitening is not painful, but some patients may experience tooth sensitivity afterward. The dentist may administer fluoride varnish or recommend pain relievers.

Good oral hygiene is important after whitening to maintain the results of the procedure. In the first 48 hours following teeth whitening, it is advisable to avoid pigmented drinks or foods like coffee or wine. Long-term results depend on how well patients keep their teeth clean and keep up with their dental appointments. The take-home whitening kit provided by the dentist helps to enhance the result or maintain it.

Set up an appointment for teeth whitening today

Undergoing teeth whitening will improve the appearance of your smile and improve your self-image. It can motivate you to take oral care seriously, too. Brushing and flossing will keep your teeth white for a long time and improve your oral health, as well. To learn more about the procedure, contact our dental office to schedule an appointment.

Request an appointment here: https://brimhalldentalgroup.com or call Brimhall Dental Group at (661) 249-1122 for an appointment in our Bakersfield office.

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