Over time, consuming dark beverages and natural aging cause your teeth to stain. Professional teeth whitening treatments in a dental office use bleaching agents to lift these stubborn stains, and this clinical process can brighten your smile in one treatment. Because the treatments are supervised by the dental staff at the office, the whitening they offer is stronger and faster than retail options. Here is more information about getting teeth whitening in a dental office:
Understanding Professional Teeth Whitening
When you schedule a professional teeth whitening session, the dentist utilizes a high-concentration peroxide gel. The bleaching agent breaks down the molecular bonds of the discoloration, and your teeth become much lighter as a result. Dental professionals use stronger materials than at-home kits provide, so the clinical approach gets more dramatic results in less time.
Here is how the teeth whitening process works:
- The active peroxide ingredient in the whitening gel breaks down on your teeth.
- This releases oxygen molecules that enter the enamel and dentin layers of the tooth.
- The oxygen molecules interact with the discolored substances, breaking them down and lightening the tooth.
The underlying tooth structure remains intact during this treatment.
Experiencing Office Whitening
Your dentist can prepare your mouth by covering your lips and gums to protect the soft tissues from the gel. They apply the whitening product directly to the teeth, and a special light activates the solution. The gel remains on your teeth for less than an hour. A dental assistant will monitor your comfort level throughout the duration of the visit, and they can adjust the barrier materials if you feel any sensitivity.
Maintaining Whitening Results
The final outcome of your cosmetic treatment provides a noticeably brighter smile. To maintain your results, you should follow several aftercare steps.
- Brush twice daily.
- Limit your intake of dark beverages.
- Attend routine dental cleanings to remove surface plaque.
- Use a prescribed at-home touch-up kit after a few months to address any new mild stains.
Following this basic maintenance will help preserve your bright smile.
Determining Your Candidacy
Most healthy adults with strong gums and intact teeth can undergo this cosmetic procedure safely. Individuals who have severe tooth sensitivity or untreated cavities should address those specific medical issues before they receive any cosmetic bleaching treatments. Your dental provider will evaluate your oral health history, and they will tell you if this clinical treatment suits your current needs.
Patients with dental crowns or large visible fillings might need alternative aesthetic options. Bleaching agents only alter natural tooth enamel, so artificial dental materials will retain their original color after the clinical session. Some dental discoloration does not respond to teeth whitening, such as fluorosis spots or discoloration from medication. The dental provider may discuss other options that address these issues.
Get a Whiter Smile Today
In-office bleaching treatments remove stubborn surface stains more quickly than at-home products, and you can achieve noticeable results in a single dental visit. Proper daily oral hygiene will help you prolong the results of your cosmetic treatment. If you want to learn more about professional teeth whitening, consult a dental provider near you.
