What Happens at a Professional Teeth Whitening Appointment?
What Is Professional Teeth Whitening?
It is a treatment protocol for removing stains and whitening teeth. Professional teeth whitening entails direct enamel bleaching in a dental office near you. Such procedures are performed by teeth whitening dentists in Irvine.
Why Do You Need Professional Teeth Whitening?
A teeth whitening dentist near you will recommend this treatment if you have dental discoloration. Various factors can tarnish your teeth’ color, including the following:
- Poor oral hygiene – is the most common cause of dental stains. When plaque and tartar settle on teeth surfaces, your teeth begin to turn yellow and change color.
- Dental decay – a sure sign of cavity development is white specs, brownish stains, or darkening teeth.
- Highly pigmented foods and drinks, like red wine, dark berries, tomatoes, and coffee
- Underlying chronic health conditions and long-term medication.
- Enamel thinning –when teeth wear down, the enamel thins, exposing the inner layer called dentin. Your teeth may start to yellow because the dentin is duller than enamel.
What Happens During a Professional Teeth Whitening Appointment?
When you first visit our dental offices at Premium Dental for teeth whitening, the initial step entails a comprehensive dental exam. The exam allows your attending dentist to evaluate your oral health, identifying any underlying problems you may have. If you have a cavity or a gum infection, you must treat those problems before whitening your teeth. If not, you can proceed to the teeth whitening treatment.
Professional teeth whitening is unique from other means of brightening teeth. Usually, the dentist will start by cleaning your teeth to remove plaque and tartar. Sometimes, a dental cleaning procedure is sufficient to realize tremendous changes in your teeth’ color, especially if poor oral hygiene is the cause of your discoloration.
After teeth cleaning, the dentist will apply whitening products to your teeth. Afterward, (s)he will use a laser to activate the bleachers to break down the stains. The process should last a few minutes. Ideally, the dentist will apply and rinse off the whitening agents a few times before realizing your desired results.
Will You Notice Changes After One Professional Teeth Whitening Appointment?
Usually, the lasers activate the whitening products to break down stains. Therefore, after two to three applications during your appointment, you will notice instant changes in their color—professional teeth whitening stakes are up to 4 shades whiter than the initial color of your teeth.
However, some tooth stains are very stubborn. Therefore, you may need more than one dental appointment. In such cases, dentists prescribe an at-home whitening kit to continue the bleaching process at home. Alternatively, consider other teeth whitening alternatives like dental veneers and composite bonding.
Is Professional Teeth Whitening Painful?
No. It would help if you did not experience pain during a teeth whitening procedure. However, you should anticipate some discomfort in your teeth, typical after teeth whitening. The bleaching process can leave your teeth feeling more sensitive than usual. However, it should not be too extreme that it hinders you from eating properly.
What Should You Do After Professional Teeth Whitening?
Your bright white smile does not begin and end with a dentist in a dental office near you. Instead, you must care for your smile after your leave the dentist’s office, especially if you care to maintain your results for a long time. Some of the tips to enforce after teeth whitening are:
- Watch what you eat – highly pigmented foods will surely re-stain your teeth. Besides, cut down on sugary and starchy foods that increase the risk of dental decay and tooth discoloration. The first 48 hours after your whitening treatment are crucial since your teeth are highly prone to blemishes.
- Avoid cold or hot drinks – your teeth will be sensitive after the treatment. Hot and cold foods only trigger sensitivity, causing unnecessary discomfort.
- Keep a clean mouth – brush your teeth after every meal, especially if you cannot avoid pigmented foods. Flossing is also crucial in proper oral hygiene to fight plaque build-up.
- Visit your dentist regularly – routine dental exams and cleanings are necessary for sustaining a bright smile and healthy mouth.