Teeth whitening has become a very popular way to brighten and improve the appearance of teeth, even if they’re not damaged or discolored by other factors. In fact, it’s such a common procedure that many people wonder how long it lasts and what you should do to keep your new smile as attractive as possible.
Tooth whitening can be a great choice if you’re looking to improve your smile, but it’s not for everyone. If you want whiter teeth, but don’t want or need veneers or crowns, tooth whitening could be a great option. But like all things cosmetic, there are some important details to understand before choosing whether or not to get it done. Here are some of our most frequently asked questions about professional teeth whitening
Is the Process Harmful to My Teeth?
With professional teeth whitening, your enamel and gum are protected by cotton, cotton strips and protective gel—and it’s used during each appointment.
By using a low concentration of hydrogen peroxide (which reaches deeper layers of tooth enamel than over-the-counter bleaching products), tooth whiteners can also prevent sensitivity issues that sometimes occur when teeth are bleached in dentist offices or at home. As long as you follow instructions carefully, professional teeth whitening is safe for all types of people, smokers and patients with implant-supported dentures.
Who should consider professional teeth whitening?
There are several people who can benefit from professional teeth whitening. People that have yellowed, stained, uneven or discolored teeth will benefit from having them professionally whitened. Other than for cosmetic reasons, yellow and discolored teeth can be an indicator of a problem with your gums or even your oral health in general.
If you notice something is not right, there is no harm in getting it checked out by a dentist. The process of professional teeth whitening takes roughly 90 minutes per session and depending on how yellow or discolored your teeth are will determine how many sessions you need.
How long will the results last?
Professional teeth whitening can produce results that last up to a year, but it’s important to note that you may begin to see fading after a few months. Because of tooth sensitivity, not everyone can use whiteners over long periods of time. Be sure you know your options so you can decide which whitener is best for your needs and lifestyle. Also remember that bleaching trays are more expensive than many other whiteners on the market, so you’ll want to choose something that will provide results without breaking your budget.
Where do I get professional teeth whitening?
Get started by booking an appointment with a local dentist who offers teeth whitening. While there, ask about any potential side effects, how long it will take and how much it will cost. If you’re not comfortable with your dentist’s answers, look for someone else to provide your service. Asking questions isn’t a hassle—in fact, it’s one of the most important steps in getting what you want from professional teeth whitening.
How Can I Maintain White Teeth?
Brushing, flossing and even eating healthy are key to maintaining white teeth. Your dentist will tell you if there is a certain toothpaste that works best for you. He or she may also suggest using dental tools called interdental brushes, which clean in between your teeth. They can be particularly useful if your teeth have small spaces or fillings that a brush can’t reach.
And of course, regular visits to your dentist for cleanings are important as well. That way he or she can keep an eye on any cavities forming, before they turn into larger problems that require drilling or filling. In some cases, it might be worth seeing a different dentist if yours isn’t able to take proper care of your pearly whites!
Is Professional Teeth Whitening Painful?
It may be surprising, but professional teeth whitening is actually a comfortable process. In fact, many people find it more enjoyable than at-home teeth whitening kits because we can use stronger bleaching agents while they’re in our care.
That said, there are some considerations to take into account before getting your smile professionally bleached. First of all, if you’ve never had any type of dental work done before—or if you have sensitive gums or teeth—we recommend getting your teeth and gums checked out by a dentist before beginning bleaching treatments. This helps ensure that your oral health is in good shape (and not damaged) so that our bleaching agents don’t cause damage.
