What to Expect at a Professional Teeth Whitening Visit

Professional teeth whitening produces excellent results within a short period. Done under the dentist’s supervision, this method of whitening has become popular among those who are either displeased with the outcome of over-the-counter options or do not want the fuss of getting professional take-home kits. If you have an appointment with the dentist for teeth whitening, this article talks about what to expect during your visit.

What to expect during professional teeth whitening

In-office teeth whitening is quick and straightforward, but the skills and expertise of the dentist are vital to prevent injuries to the gum tissues. When handled by the dentist, the whitening procedure is safe, and any side effects can be resolved promptly. The dentist uses a bleaching agent, usually hydrogen peroxide, to eliminate stains and whiten the teeth. They are qualified to handle higher concentrations of peroxide than what is available in over-the-counter teeth whitening kits.

During the appointment, the dentist will double-check to ensure the candidate is eligible for teeth whitening. They will not recommend teeth whitening for people with inflamed gums or tooth decay until the issue is resolved.

The entire whitening procedure usually lasts between 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the level of shade to be achieved. The following are the steps involved in professional teeth whitening:

Preparation

Before commencing treatment, the dentist will make a note of the teeth’s current shade. Afterward, they will polish the teeth and remove any plaque present on the surface. The dentist may use gauze to isolate the mouth and keep the teeth moisture-free. Retractors may be used to protect the cheeks, tongue and lips from the whitening agent. Another barrier may be added along the gumline to shield the gums further.

Whitening

Next, the dentist will coat the front portion of the teeth with the whitening solution, which could have carbamide or hydrogen peroxide as the bleaching agent. Some whitening gels require a curing light or laser to activate the whitening agent and accelerate the whitening process. After the application, the dentist will leave the solution on the teeth for about 30 to 60 minutes.

After getting the desired shade or the maximum time has elapsed, the dentist will rinse the teeth. They may apply fluoride on the teeth to ease tooth sensitivity, a common side effect of teeth bleaching. Additional appointments will be scheduled until the teeth have the desired shade.

The results of a professional teeth whitening vary depending on factors such as the original color of the teeth, the whitening method, the food or drinks consumed afterward and the level of oral hygiene after whitening.

Aftercare

After completing the procedure, patients will be advised to avoid highly pigmented foods and drinks for another 24 hours. Examples include tea, tomato sauce, yellow mustard, red wine, coffee, tea, beets and black grapes. They must also avoid tobacco products and smoking.

Final note

Your first step to getting professional teeth whitening is finding the right dentist for the procedure. The results of the treatment are faster and more durable than many OTC options. Book an appointment today to get started.

Request an appointment here: https://www.alluredentalchicago.com or call Allure Dental at (312) 248-7517 for an appointment in our Chicago office.

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