A bright, white smile can significantly impact your self-confidence, but achieving it can be difficult. If you’ve been considering whitening your teeth, you might be considering visiting your dentist for this service. Professional teeth whitening is a great way to achieve the smile of your dreams. However, you may have some questions about this service.
At Jenson Dental, we understand just how much cosmetic dentistry services can change your smile for the better. But we also understand that you might not know enough about them to make the leap to schedule these services. If you have been on the fence about whether professional whitening is right for you, keep reading to learn more about the service.
1. What is Professional Teeth Whitening?
Professional teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure. This treatment is designed to lighten the color of your teeth. It is typically performed in a dental office using a high-concentration bleaching agent. While the amount of lightening you will experience when you seek professional whitening services will vary, you should expect your teeth to become 6 to 8 shades lighter.
2. Are There Side Effects?
If you’ve ever used at-home teeth whitening products, you’ve likely experienced the irritation and sensitivity that comes with it, and worry that you may experience this with professional whitening as well. If you schedule professional teeth whitening, you may notice some sensitivity to extreme food and drink temperatures, and irritation. However, there are some measures your dentist can take to help alleviate these side effects.
3. How Does It Compare to Over-the-Counter Products?
While over-the-counter teeth whitening products may be strong enough to lighten your teeth a few shades, they are nothing compared to professional whitening services. Professional teeth whitening is generally regarded as a far more effective treatment. It is capable of providing faster, longer-lasting results compared to over-the-counter products. The efficiency of the treatment is due to the use of stronger bleaching agents and supervision from a dentist.
4. Can Anyone Get Their Teeth Professionally Whitened?
Many patients are good candidates for professional whitening services. However, it isn’t a suitable service for everyone. If you are currently dealing with tooth decay, periodontal disease, or hypersensitive teeth, you will need to address these problems before seeking whitening services. It may also not work well for certain types of discoloration, such as those caused by medications or traumatic injury.
5. Can Teeth Whitening Damage My Enamel?
Because you cannot restore your enamel, it is not uncommon for dental patients to worry about the effect a treatment may have on it. When performed under proper supervision, professional teeth whitening services should not damage your enamel. The products used in professional whitening services are designed to be safe for your tooth enamel, and you shouldn’t worry about it damaging your smile.
6. Are There Different Types of Professional Teeth Whitening?
Yes, there are several different types of professional whitening services. These services include:
- In-Office Bleaching: This service is performed in your dentist’s office using a high-concentration bleaching gel.
- Take-Home Kits: Take-home kits are provided by your dentist and include custom-made trays and a lower-concentration bleaching gel.
- Laser Whitening: Laser whitening services or lasers may be used to accelerate the whitening process.
7. How Can I Maintain My Whitened Teeth?
Once you’ve achieved a whiter smile, there are several things you can do to maintain this appearance. It is important to start by remembering to brush and floss twice a day. You should also visit your dentist for regular dental cleanings and checkups. Also, it is best to avoid foods and drinks that can stain your teeth, including coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco.
8. What Should I Do to Prepare for My Teeth Whitening?
Before professional teeth whitening services, it is best to schedule a dental cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup, which can affect the efficiency of the whitening service. Your dentist may also recommend treating any dental issues you’re dealing with before you begin the procedure. If your teeth are clean and healthy, you are likely ready for teeth whitening services.
9. How Long Does the Whitening Take?
The length of your teeth whitening services will vary greatly depending on your current discoloration and desired level of whiteness. A typical in-office teeth whitening service takes between 60 and 90 minutes. However, you may need to return to the office for repeat whitening appointments to achieve the level of whitening you’re looking for.
10. How Long Do the Results Last?
The results of your teeth whitening will vary greatly depending on how you care for your teeth. In many cases, it is typical for professional teeth whitening to last from several months to two years. However, if you consume staining foods and drinks, you may notice your teeth yellowing more quickly. If you use tobacco products, your teeth may begin to yellow as well.
Achieve Your Dream Smile at Jenson Dental
Whether you’re looking for professional teeth whitening services or you’re interested in other cosmetic dentistry services, it is essential that you work with a team you can trust through the process. If you’re looking for a reliable dentist to help with these services in the Brigham City, Utah, area, turn to our team at Jenson Dental.
Our team has provided reliable dental services to patients across the Wasatch Front for over 35 years. No matter what services you need, we work hard to not only meet your needs but exceed them. If you would like to schedule teeth whitening with us or you have any questions about the services we provide, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
