What to Expect from Professional Teeth Whitening
For many people, their “New Year, New Me” means focusing on how they look. Do you want a better smile? If so, Houston cosmetic dentistry is the way to achieve this. Cosmetic dentistry isn’t as “serious” as cosmetic surgery. It can be as simple as professional teeth whitening. For a person whose teeth are the right shape and aligned correctly just not as bright as they would like for them to be, this is a wonderful idea. If you’ve never done this before, you probably have a lot of questions. That’s understandable! Are you considering getting your teeth whitened but aren’t sure what to expect? Experts in cosmetic dentistry in Houston, TX break it all down for you here:
There are several standard steps to performing an in-office whitening:
#1 The big day has arrived! Before starting, your chosen dentist will make a record of the current shade of your teeth. This will show you your progress when it’s over.
#2 Your teeth would then be polished with pumice, a grainy material used to remove any plaque on the surface. There’s no sense of whitening tartar that needs to come off anyway!
#3 It is time to prepare for the actual procedure. Your mouth will be isolated with gauze to keep your teeth dry. Retractors may be used to keep your cheeks, lips, and tongue well away from the whitening solution. This takes a bit of time, but it is very important!
#4 Similar to the reason for number three, a barrier will then be placed along the gumline to further protect it from exposure to the solution. You want your teeth bleached, not your gums!
#5 It is finally time to get the whitening solution on! Now, the teeth will be coated with a whitening solution on the front surface only. The solution typically includes either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide as the bleaching agent.
#6 The solution is on, but you are not done just yet. Most professional whitening products require a curing light or laser to activate the peroxide. Once applied, the solution will be left on the teeth for 30 to 60 minutes. Depending on the brand, it may need to be reapplied occasionally throughout this time.
#7 Once the optimum shade has been reached or the maximum time has passed, whichever is best for your unique situation, your teeth will be rinsed. A fluoride application may be used to help ease any tooth sensitivity, which is a common side effect.
#8 (Optional) If your teeth were very far from your desired shade of white, additional visits will be scheduled until the desired shade is reached.
Professional teeth whitening delivers optimum results in a relatively short amount of time. Performed under the supervision of a dentist who specializes in cosmetic dentistry in Houston, TX, this method of whitening has gained popularity among those who either are dissatisfied with over-the-counter (OTC) products or don’t want all of the fuss and bother of doing it themselves with an at-home kit. Go ahead and book your appointment!
