Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. When you have a brighter smile you give the impression of health. Teeth whitening is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to brighten your smile.
Your teeth can become stained, yellowed, or darkened for a variety of reasons – from the foods you eat or drink, smoking, an injury you received, or by aging. While there are plenty of inexpensive over-the-counter tooth-whitening kits available, there are several advantages to an in-office tooth-whitening procedure, including:
- Professional supervision of the tooth whitening procedure
- Results that are more rapid
- Results that are longer lasting
- Less sensitivity issues
An in-office tooth-whitening procedure is designed to make your teeth up to seven shades brighter, depending on your age and coloring. In-office procedures use a thicker peroxide gel that stays on your teeth and doesn’t soak into the deeper layers of your teeth or into your gums. They contain desensitizers that minimize any side effects like tooth sensitivity often found with over-the-counter tooth whitening products.
The In-office Tooth Whitening Procedure
Your in-office tooth whitening will involve a series of appointments at your dentist’s office. Your teeth will be examined and cleaned to make sure that you don’t have any cavities, loose fillings or problems with your gums. This is to make sure that you don’t have any issues with the bleaching process. Your gums will be covered to lessen sensitivity.
The in-office tooth whitening procedure can be performed using several different techniques and methods of application. Some of them include:
- Laser or Light Treatment
A whitening solution is applied to your teeth and a special light or laser is used to accelerate the bleaching process - Custom Mouth Trays
A tray is created, customized to your mouth, and you are provided with a peroxide-based whitening solution to use at home
Regardless of what method is used for in-office tooth whitening, you will need to be monitored by your dentist for the results.
In-office tooth whitening procedures are effective but not permanent. The results may fade over time. You should avoid foods and drinks that may stain or darken your teeth in order to maintain your results.