Teeth whitening is the
most popular cosmetic dental procedure
out there - and with good reason!
Most of us, whether we admit it or not, would love to have a beautiful set of pearly white teeth that we can happily flash at anyone who cares to look. It's a great aesthetic, but what do you have to go through to get it?
We're here to take the mystery of out professional teeth bleaching by taking you on a journey through the procedure from start to finish.
So read on and discover exactly what to expect during a professional teeth bleaching treatment.
First Step: Consultation
The first step is to meet with the team and have a consultation.
As professional teeth bleaching involves the application of strong chemicals to the teeth, they will want to check that your teeth are suitable for the procedure. The following conditions may prevent you from having your teeth bleached:
● Cavities
● Very worn enamel
● Gingivitis (gum disease)
● Exposed roots of teeth
If you have your cavities filled prior to bleaching then it should be possible to go ahead with the treatment.
Some people are allergic to the ingredients used in teeth bleaching. Most commonly, your dentist will apply a gel containing a strong solution of hydrogen peroxide. If you are allergic to this, then do not go ahead with teeth bleaching.
You also need to think about previous dental work. The bleach will not work on crowns and veneers, so it is not recommended to try to whiten them in this way.
Also, young people and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid tooth whitening procedures.
If none of these applies to you, then your dentist will inform you that you can safely go ahead with the procedure. On to step two.
Step Two: Preparing the Mouth
During a professional teeth bleaching treatment, it's very important to protect the gums from the bleaching agent.
A
rubber dental dam
or bespoke molded gum protector does this job perfectly. This might not be the prettiest thing to wear, but it sure is effective at making sure that only the desired area comes into contact with the treatment.
Some dentists use cheek retractors, as it's important that the cheeks and lips do not come into contact with the bleaching treatment. Once all this is in place, the treatment is ready for application.
Step Three: Applying the Bleaching Treatment
The best teeth whitening products that are available for home use on the market generally have a hydrogen peroxide content of around 5-14%.
The whitening gel applied at a dentist's office is much stronger. Many are in the
15-43% range
, meaning that they get results much faster. This is carefully applied to the teeth and then the timer begins.
Step Four: Laser Beams Ready!
If you want to know how to get whiter teeth faster, the answer is lasers.
Some dentist treatments simply apply the bleaching agent. Others add in an accelerant - laser beams.
Once the whitening treatment has been applied, you'll be kitted out with a pair of protective glasses. Then the lasers are directed at the teeth.
All teeth whitening procedures work by releasing oxygen, which starts to shift the stains. The laser works bygenerating heat. This speeds up the whitening process considerably.
Once the hour is up, the machine emitting the laser beams is removed, and all the protective kit fitted into your mouth is carefully extracted. All you need to do now is ask for a mirror so that you can check out your new brighter smile!
How Well Does It Work?
A laser session can last up to one hour and the effects can be quite amazing. It's possible for your teeth to appear up to14 shades whiter after just a single treatment!
Remember though that the goal is not to set records. You want to achieve a smile that looks healthy and natural for you. Speak to your dentist about your expectations, and how you can achieve a look that will suit you.
This is considerably faster than home treatments. These often require multiple sessions using specially molded trays that keep the gel in contact with the teeth. As there is no heat involved, the whitening effect is not speeded up and the lower concentrations of bleach mean results don't come as quickly.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Many people worry about the potential side effects of having professional teeth bleaching. However, when performed by a
well-qualified and experienced team
,it is a very safe procedure with no long lasting side effects.
Some people may experience a little sensitivity immediately after the treatment. However, this is usually temporary, only lasting for an hour or so.
How Long Does It Last?
Everybody wants a pearly white smile that lasts and lasts.
The great thing about professional teeth bleaching is that the results usually last between one year and 18 months. Of course, lifestyle factors come into play. People who smoke, drink lots of coffee or red wine may see discoloration begin earlier than this.
However, if you take great care of your teeth, your bright white smile could last even longer!
One in-office visit
is all it takes to say goodbye to the stains and hello to a bright white smile and you'll be happy to flash.
If you notice your teeth are beginning to discolor again, a brief follow-up treatment may be all that's required to restore them to their very best.
In Summary: What Happens During a Professional Teeth Bleaching?
A professional teeth bleaching session is not painful, only lasts around an hour and can revolutionize your smile!
While there are many home options on the market, there is still nothing to beat the quick and long-lasting results of a chairside treatment. You can also rest assured that you're in the hands of people who know what they are doing.
Ready to have your own professional teeth bleaching treatment?
Click here
to make an appointment to see our friendly team today!
