What To Expect During A Professional Teeth Whitening Treatment
While there are a number of over-the-counter teeth whitening products, such as strips, gels, toothpastes, and mouthwashes, when you want the brightest smile in the shortest amount of time, your best bet is to visit your dentist for professional teeth whitening. Many people have considered professional teeth whitening, but don't know what it entails. Continue reading to learn more about what you can expect during a professional teeth whitening treatment at your dentist's office:
Mouth Prep
Once you're in the dental chair, your mouth will need to be prepped before the teeth whitening treatment begins. Your dental hygienist will place a rectractor in your mouth which will keep your lips pressed back and your mouth open. You will be asked to bite down on the back section to help relax your jaw muscles. After the retractor is in place, the hygienist will paint on a rubber dam over your gums to protect the tissue. A protective gel will also be applied to your lips and the inside of your cheeks.
Bleaching
A professional teeth whitening begins with your dentist applying a bleaching gel to your teeth. Typically, a peroxide bleaching gel is used. Your dentist will carefully apply the bleaching gel with a small brush, ensuring that the surface of all of your teeth are properly coated. The majority of people do not have any problems with the bleaching gel, but if you have very sensitive teeth and experience any discomfort or sensitivity, let your dentist know.
High Intensity Light
The peroxide bleaching gel is activated by a high intensity light. Your dentist will aim the high intensity light on your teeth for a set amount of time. As the light activates the peroxide gel, the gel will penetrate the enamel and attack colored pigments. Oxidation will continue, and as the pigments vaporize the color of the teeth will become whiter and brighter.
Repeat
In most cases, people want the whitest teeth possible after a professional teeth whitening treatment, which requires applying the bleaching gel, using the high intensity light, removing the old bleaching gel, and starting the process all over for a couple of rounds. Luckily, the whole process can be completed in a single afternoon and doesn't take more than a couple of hours. When you leave your dentist's office, you can count on your teeth being several shades whiter and much brighter-- just make sure to follow your dentist's maintenance tips to keep your newly whitened teeth as white as possible.
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