Teeth whitening is a dental procedure that a lot of people consider when they experience staining on the surface of their teeth. Over time, the teeth are prone to staining, whether it be from heavily dyed beverages or a lack of oral hygiene. Regardless of the cause, there are ways to lift and remove these stains.
When preparing to undergo a teeth whitening procedure, it can be helpful to know what to expect. While the appointment is typically pretty straightforward, there are a few things that are worth knowing beforehand.
The following information outlines what to expect from a professional teeth whitening appointment. This information can be especially helpful to someone who may not know what these appointments are like.
When teeth whitening is done professionally by a dentist, patients should expect to be at the dental office for at least an hour. Sometimes, the dentist will want to keep the patient there for up to two hours, depending on how the whitening process is done.
For the most part, the teeth whitening solution will require a setting period, in which the dentist cures it with a UV light. Because setting is a necessary step, the patient may have to wait anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes for the solution to work. Each step of the teeth whitening process is important, which is why the patient should expect to set aside an hour or two, depending on the dentist’s recommendation.
A lot of patients that undergo professional teeth whitening report minor sensitivity during and after their appointment. Sensitivity can occur because the whitening solution is high in peroxide, a substance that strips the enamel. While enamel stripping for teeth whitening is safe, it is necessary in order to lift and remove the stains.
Sensitivity is very common and it typically lasts for a day or so. However, if the patient experiences sensitivity to hot or cold items more than a few days after the teeth whitening appointment, then it is best to visit the dentist again. A prescription rinse or toothpaste may be necessary to lower the sensation.
Aside from a semi-lengthy appointment and some minor sensitivity to hot and cold items, patients can also expect to have great results. Professional, in-office teeth whitening tends to be more effective than store-bought products. Dentists report that patients can expect their teeth to appear up to 10 shades lighter.
In some severe cases, patients may have to undergo multiple rounds of teeth whitening treatment. However, it is good to know that if multiple appointments are required, they will be spread out over a few months to avoid sensitivity and extreme stripping of the enamel, which could do long-term damage to the teeth.
Visiting a dentist for a professional teeth whitening appointment can improve years' worth of stains. Any questions or concerns about teeth whitening should be addressed by a dentist, so reach out to our office today if you're ready to get started.
Request an appointment here: https://familychoicedentistry.com or call Family Choice Dental at (505) 634-5657 for an appointment in our Albuquerque office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Teeth Whitening in Albuquerque, NM.
Teeth whitening is an important aspect of maintaining great oral hygiene as at some point in life; an individual would face the problem of discoloration or struggle to maintain white teeth. If individuals consume coffee, red wine, or tea, for example, they may develop stains over time. Discoloration can be caused using chewing or smoking…
Professional teeth whitening can restore a patient's confidence by giving them a bright, gleaming smile. There are many different teeth whitening products available for home use, but the methods used to whiten teeth by a dentist can be more effective than over-the-counter alternatives. Here is what a potential patient should know about how the process…
Various factors affect tooth color, including genetics, food and beverage choices, smoking, and medications. Stains can occur on the surface of the tooth or beneath the enamel. Surface stains are common, but stains can also occur due to changes within the tooth's material. Extrinsic stains are stains on the surface of the tooth, while intrinsic…
Teeth whitening is the practice of using certain substances, such as hydrogen peroxide, to brighten the color of a patient's teeth. Professional teeth whitening treatments can help people enjoy better results than at-home kits for a whiter and brighter smile, and with fewer side effects as well. How long the treatment lasts depends on a…