Professional Teeth Whitening to Improve Your Smile

Professional teeth whitening treatments are one of the most effective ways to improve the way your teeth look drastically. These treatments use bleaching agents like hydrogen peroxide and hydrogen carbamide to bleach stains and discoloration away from teeth.

A single whitening treatment performed by a dentist can improve the color of a person's teeth by up to eight shades. For many people, this is enough to make their teeth as white as they want them to be, but some need additional treatments to reach the desired color of white.

What to expect when getting teeth whitening treatments

Teeth are constantly bombarded with several things that can leave them discolored, like coffee and soda. However, patients can use teeth whitening treatments to restore the color of their teeth to their original white color, and they can even use them to make teeth whiter than they have ever been.

Types of stains that patients can use whitening treatments to get rid of include stains caused by foods and beverages, tobacco stains, and stains caused by aging. Dentists perform two primary teeth whitening treatments: in-office and at-home whitening kits.

In-office whitening

These treatments often involve using a customized mouth tray to apply the bleaching agent to the patient’s teeth. The tray is made in a dental lab from an impression of the patient’s teeth. It prevents the whitening product from making contact with gum tissues during the treatment, potentially causing irritation and inflammation. Therefore, dentists often recommend teeth cleaning before whitening teeth for more precise results.

The dentist will also examine the patient’s teeth before the treatment looking for issues like tooth decay and gum disease. Whitening products weaken enamel, but healthy teeth are able to re-mineralize themselves. However, when a patient’s teeth have already been damaged by decay, bleaching agents can cause permanent damage to the tooth’s structure.

The treatment starts with the dentist pouring the bleaching solution into the mouth tray and inserting it into the patient’s mouth. The patient keeps it in their mouth for up to 90 minutes before removing the tray. Next, their mouth is thoroughly rinsed to eliminate the bleaching agent, and the dentist can use fluoride treatments to re-mineralize the patient’s teeth. Finally, a laser can be used to speed up the whitening process, reducing how long the patient has to spend with the whitening product on their teeth.

At-home whitening

These are whitening kits provided by dentists. The products used are less powerful than those used for in-office whitening, but they are more powerful than the whitening products sold at grocery stores. In addition, these kits typically come with customized mouth trays for safe product application. At-home whitening kits take up to two weeks to get the same results as in-office whitening products, but the products used are gentler on the patient’s teeth.

Advantages of professional teeth whitening

Remove discoloration and stains

As people age, their teeth are more susceptible to stains or discoloration. It can also be caused by poor oral hygiene and dietary habits. Whitening products can lighten and dissolve these stains to the point where they are no longer seen. In addition, professional whitening removes deep discoloration.

Reduce bacteria

Professional teeth whitening products are often designed to kill bacteria that can cause gum disease and tooth decay. This bacteria also contribute to stains and discoloration. Getting a teeth whitening treatment on top of regular dental checkups can prevent future dental issues. 

Improved self-confidence

Often when people have yellow or dull-looking teeth, it can interfere with their self-esteem and cause them to smile less. Professional whitening can help patients smile more with renewed confidence. It also helps make them look friendlier and healthier.

Easy and convenient

Professional teeth whitening is an easy procedure. It is non-invasive and can be done either in the dental office or at home. It is also quick, with most treatments taking a few weeks to notice the desired results. In addition, patients can do touch-ups throughout the years to maintain their smile after treatment. 

Fewer side effects

Some DIY whitening kits can cause increased tooth sensitivity or gum irritation. They can even cause temporary damage. Professional treatments are designed to fit the patient's teeth, which saves them from discomfort.

Get a whiter smile

Have stained and discolored teeth? You can improve their appearance through professional teeth whitening and feel more confident in your smile. Call or visit our Marietta clinic to set up an appointment with our dentist.

Request an appointment here: https://www.mytotaldentistry.com or call McCarthy Dentistry at (740) 546-5178 for an appointment in our Marietta office.

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