What is Professional Teeth Whitening?
If you’ve noticed that your teeth are not as bright and white as they used to be – whether it’s because you smoke, you consume foods and beverages that may stain your teeth, or you’re getting older – you may have considered one of the many options available to make your teeth several shades lighter.
With so many at-home products that claim to dramatically whiten your teeth, you’re probably wondering which – if any – actually work. Do they use the same ingredients as professional teeth whitening products?
If you want to get the most mileage from a tooth-whitening treatment, as well as use one that’s safe for your teeth and gums, you’re better off letting a professional do it for you. Here’s why.
Dental Professionals Use Stronger, More Effective Whitening Agents
Dentists have access to whitening treatments that have a higher concentration of the active agents necessary to whiten your teeth, and you’ll get results more quickly than if you use at-home kits of whitening strips. And be aware that toothpastes and rinses that claim to have whitening properties are not any more effective than ones that aren’t marketed for whitening use.
You Can Get a Customized Whitening Treatment From Your Dentist
Dentists use trays that are made to fit precisely over your teeth and along your gums. The strips that are sold in stores are one-size-fits-all. Plus, your custom tray will hold the exact amount of the active ingredients needed and keep it from getting on your gums and irritating them.
At-Home Treatments are Difficult to Use and Don’t Whiten All of Your Teeth
Those whitening strips cover only the front teeth on the top and bottom of your mouth, and trying to get them to adhere properly to evenly distribute the gel is extremely challenging. Also, if you leave them on for too long, you could end up making your teeth look worse than before you started.
DIY Whitening Kits Can Be Harmful
If you keep the strips on for too long – or use them for more than the recommended number of days – you could develop tooth sensitivity, gum irritation, or even tooth damage. And although ingesting a small amount of the peroxide whitening gel should be okay, if you swallow a large amount, it could cause nausea and vomiting.
Reasons for Teeth Whitening
If you’re on the fence about getting your teeth whitened, consider these three big advantages.
- It will boost your self-esteem and confidence – When you feel better about yourself, you’ll have more confidence to pursue your personal or professional goals and you’re likely to treat others in your life with more kindness and respect.
- You’ll take better care of your teeth and gums – When you like what you see in the mirror every day, you’ll be more motivated to care for and preserve your oral health. You’re likely to see the dentist more regularly and make a daily habit of brushing and flossing your teeth.
- You’ll Look Younger – Aging is a natural process and we should all be more open to accepting the many changes that occur as we get older. But we still live in a society that values youth. Besides giving you a brighter smile, whitening your teeth can distract from those wrinkles that seem to mysteriously appear after you reach a certain age.
What Can I Expect During A Professional Teeth Whitening Procedure?
- The dentist will note the current shade of your teeth so that you can detect the difference when the treatment is completed.
- Next, your teeth will be cleaned with a grainy material called pumice. This helps to remove any surface plaque.
- The dentist will then use gauze and retractors to keep your teeth dry and your lips, tongue, and cheeks from coming into contact with the whitening agent.
- Your gums also need to be protected from the whitening ingredients, so the dentist will place a barrier against them.
- Now, the actual whitening process begins. The dentist will coat the front surface of your teeth with a solution that uses either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide for bleaching. Some whitening procedures require that a curing lamp be used to activate the bleaching ingredients.
- You’ll keep the solution on your teeth for thirty minutes to an hour, and then the dentist will rinse your teeth.
- The dentist may also decide to apply a fluoride treatment, which can help alleviate sensitivity caused by the bleaching agent.
How Can I Care For My Teeth After A Professional Teeth Whitening Treatment?
For the first 24 hours after the treatment, avoid food and drinks that are highly pigmented (coffee, tea, dark cola, dark berries, red wine, dark sauces, yellow mustard, etc.). You should also avoid smoking, which can quickly stain your teeth as well as cause many other oral health problems.
You won’t have to be as cautious after the first 24 hours have passed, but it’s still recommended that you limit your intake of foods and beverages that can easily stain your teeth.
Plus, to keep your newly white teeth healthy, make sure to brush a floss twice daily and see your dentist every six months.
Teeth Whitening In Osseo & Nearby
- Anoka
- Brooklyn Park
- Champlin
- Coon Rapids
- Maple Grove
- Osseo
- Plymouth
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Teeth Whitening hurt?
Teeth whitening is not typically painful, but some people may experience mild sensitivity or discomfort during or after the procedure.
What if I don’t get any results?
In some cases, teeth whitening may not produce the desired results due to factors such as the type and severity of the discoloration, or the individual’s oral health. However, Osseo Family Dental will evaluate your teeth and suggest the best option for you.
How old do you have to be to get your teeth whitened?
There is no specific age limit for teeth whitening, but it is generally recommended for adults. Children and teenagers who are still developing their adult teeth should consult with a dentist before undergoing the procedure.
What happens after?
After the teeth whitening procedure, your teeth may be sensitive for a few days. We will give you instructions on how to care for your teeth, including avoiding certain foods and beverages that may stain your teeth.
How many shades whiter can you get my teeth?
The number of shades your teeth can be whitened will vary depending on the individual and the type of discoloration. Osseo Family Dental can give you an estimate based on the initial examination of your teeth.
How often can I get my teeth whitened?
The frequency at which you can get your teeth whitened will depend on the type of whitening treatment you receive, as well as your oral health. In-office treatments may be repeated every few years, while take-home treatments may be repeated more frequently. It is best to consult with your dental provider to determine the appropriate schedule for you.