When it's time to brighten and refresh your smile, professional teeth whitening is known to provide stunning, lasting results. Professional teeth whitening is a process that involves using bleaching agents to remove stains and discoloration from the enamel, the outer layer of teeth, banishing stains and discoloration caused by lifestyle habits and factors like natural aging, drinking dark or staining foods, tobacco use, medication, and more. Teeth whitening treatment provided by a dentist is customized to individual needs, ensuring optimal results that last longer compared to over-the-counter or store-bought teeth whitening systems. Patients can quickly, comfortably achieve a noticeably whiter smile with professional care!
What Causes Stained Teeth?
Over time, the teeth can become discolored or stained due to factos like:
- The outer enamel layer of the teeth thins as we age, allowing the yellow stains underneath to shine.
- Dark, pigmented or colored foods and drinks including coffee, tea, red wine, and berries, can stain tooth enamel.
- Smoking and other tobacco products cause stubborn stains and discoloration.
- Certain antibiotics like tetracycline can cause discoloration in developing teeth.
- Injuries that affect the inner tooth structure (dentin) can cause discoloration.
What is Professional Teeth Whitening?
Professional teeth whitening is provided by a dentist, offering either an in-office treatment or a take-home whitening treatment with custom trays. The in-office teeth whitening procedure typically includes a teeth examination to check for dental issues, thorough cleaning to remove plaque and stains, and gum protection using a rubber dam or gel. A high-concentration whitening agent is then applied, sometimes activated by a special light or laser. The whitening agent remains for 15-30 minutes and may be applied 2-3 times in one session for optimal results.
The materials used in professional whitening are known to be safe and can include high-concentration whitening gels or solutions (typically 25-40% hydrogen peroxide or 35-37% carbamide peroxide), curing lights or lasers, and protective barriers for your gums. The duration of the in-office whitening treatment can range from 30 minutes to 60 minutes, depending on the specific system used and the desired level of whitening.
What are the Advantages of Professional Teeth Whitening?
- Professional teeth whitening works faster and yields more noticeable results compared to at-home whitening kits.
- Supervised by a dental professional, ensuring proper application and safety.
- Customized treatment based on your specific needs and dental condition.
- Protection of your gums and soft tissues during the process.
Are there Disadvantages to Professional Teeth Whitening?
Professional teeth whitening is safe and well-tolerated for most patients. It typically comes at a higher out-of-pocket cost compared to store-bought teeth whitening systems, but offers more long-lasting results. Patients may experience potential temporary tooth sensitivity or gum irritation after the treatment.
Should I Choose Professional Teeth Whitening or At-Home Whitening?
Professional teeth whitening performed by a dentist provides more dramatic and longer-lasting results than over-the-counter whitening products used at home. The concentrated bleaching gels used in professional whitening systems can whiten teeth by a few shades in just one office visit. The effects typically last 1-3 years before touch-ups are needed.
At-home whitening kits provided by your dentist offer the convenience of performing your whitening treatment at home or on-the-go. The dentist will help you get fitted for your custom teeth whitening trays and provide the ideal concentration of whitening gel for you. Follow your dentist's home care instructions carefully for optimal results, and contact them when you need a refill of your whitening gel to maintain your results!
How Long Will My Teeth Whitening Results Last?
How long your teeth stay bright after any whitening treatment depends on your oral hygiene habits and consumption of staining foods and drinks such as coffee, red wine, and tobacco. With proper oral health care and limited exposure to stains, professional whitening results can last several years.
Consult Your Dentist to Discover the Best Teeth Whitening Treatment For You
Whether you choose in-office teeth whitening treatment or a dentist-prescribed take-home kit, professional-grade teeth whitening systems are known to provide safe, effective and long-lasting results, with minimal discomfort or sensitivity. If it's time to banish stains and brighten your smile, contact your dentist to schedule your appointment and take the first step towards a more confident smile.