Teeth whitening is one of most common cosmetic dental procedures because it improves the appearance of your teeth. The procedure clears stains and discoloration off the teeth to give it a lighter look. If you have been scheduled for teeth whitening with the dentist, you need to know what it entails.
The presence of other dental issues such a teeth cavities can affect the teeth whitening procedure. In some cases, the dentist may take photographs of your teeth or perform an x-ray. You will also answer some questions to determine the cause of the stain or discoloration. If you have veneers or porcelain crowns on your teeth, the procedure will not work for you.
If the dentist detects signs of tooth decay or receding gums, he or she may not proceed with the process since it may cause teeth sensitivity.
The dentist will proceed to clean your teeth to clear up food debris, bacteria film, or other substances that accumulate on your teeth to cause a stain. When teeth are thoroughly clean, then the whitening procedure can start.
The whitening procedure has two main options: Non-vital whitening for teeth without live nerves, caused by previous root-canal treatment, and Vital whitening for teeth with live nerves.
This option is the most common type of tooth whitening. The dentist first covers the gums around your teeth with a substance to shield them from the whitening process. They will then apply a powerful whitening gel containing a type of hydrogen peroxide on the teeth. Afterward, a special light or laser triggers the gel to hasten the bleaching process.
The procedure typically takes between 30 to 90 minutes. Depending on the nature and severity of the stain, the method used and the level of whiteness you want, the number of appointments you would require varies from one to three. Different stains react differently to the treatment.
If you have had root canal treatment, then the dentist will use a procedure that whitens your teeth from the inside. They will apply the whitening agent inside the tooth and cover it with a temporary filling. The tooth will be in this state for some days. This is because the stains are produced from the inside.
You can have this treatment done once or repeatedly, depending on the shade you want.
Although the teeth whitening procedure poses no significant risk, it may cause teeth sensitivity for a while. You may also experience irritation on your gums. This should typically disappear after a few days. If the soreness continues, reach out to the dentist to ask questions.
Understand that the procedure does not offer a permanent solution. If you smoke, drink coffee, or eat a lot of teeth-staining foods, the whiteness may start to fade after a month or two. Usually, if you follow your dentist’s recommendations, you should need another teeth whitening procedure for another 6 to 12 months.
Request a dental appointment here: https://www.arcdentistry.com or call Arc Advanced Dentistry & Cosmetics at (516) 301-9038 for an appointment in our Long Beach dental office.
Laser teeth whitening, also known as laser teeth bleaching, is a popular option for dentist-supervised teeth whitening. Patients can whiten their teeth using at-home trays or by choosing to undergo an in-office whitening procedure. In-office whitening procedures sometimes use dental lasers, whitening teeth faster and more efficiently.Teeth whitening is popular because it enhances the way…
Learn why in-office teeth whitening procedures are preferred over at-home treatment and over-the-counter options. Since a dentist supervises the procedure, a stronger bleaching solution can be used than what is found in at-home kits. This allows for longer-lasting results, which can persist for as long as two years.Considering choosing a dental professional for in-office teeth…
Making a teeth whitening choice requires one to be very strategic, as there are many different types of options to decide between. The fact that some over the counter whitening products are not as safe as one may think, makes it essential for anyone who wants whiter teeth to make an educated decision. Ready to…
Everyone experiences teeth stains and yellowing, and teeth whitening can help. Regardless of the cause (injuries, genetics or discoloration from food and drinks), the truth is that staining occurs with time. Yellowing also happens as part of the aging process, even if you have a perfect oral hygiene routine.Although teeth whitening procedures can reverse yellowing…
An infected tooth is a very serious dental emergency, and you should have it treated…
Dental crowns, also called dental caps, are dental restorations that are placed over existing teeth…
Understanding the difference between dental bonding and teeth whitening and how the treatment process works…
Undergoing routine dental cleanings is necessary to prevent the accumulation of harmful bacteria responsible for…
Family dentists typically focus on preventive care to stop big problems while they are still…
The right cosmetic dentist can improve your smile and dental function at the same time.