Professional Teeth Whitening Basics

Teeth change color due to a variety of factors which can include certain medications, tobacco use, your age, and the foods you regularly consume. Regardless, people often turn to professional whitening procedures out of dissatisfaction with nonprescription, home whitening kits.  These are much less expensive than professional service, but also tend to have results of lower quality.

If you decide to go with professional whitening at your dentist’s office, understanding these professional teeth whitening basics will help you know what you can expect.

Professional In-Office Whitening

Teeth whitening performed in a dental office is commonly called chairside bleaching. Though it is a relatively simple procedure that can be done in a single visit, it requires skill and the use of expensive equipment. Chairside teeth whitening entails several steps, which are described below.

Preparation

The dentist will begin by recording the current color shade of your teeth. Your teeth will then be polished to remove any plaque on their surfaces. Gauze will be inserted to keep your teeth dry while retracting implements will be used to keep your cheeks, lips, and tongue away from any of the whitening solution. In addition, an extra barrier may be placed along your gums to further prevent any contact with the solution.

Procedure

In this next stage, whitening solution will be applied to the front surfaces of your teeth. The active bleaching ingredient in the solution is usually either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Most whitening products require the use of a curing light or laser for peroxide activation. Whitening solution will be left on your teeth from 30 minutes to an hour.  During that time, reapplications may be performed, depending on the brand. Once your teeth have obtained the best possible shade, they will be rinsed. Because tooth sensitivity is a common side effect, fluoride be may be applied. Once completed, you will be advised to refrain from consuming any highly pigmented foods or beverages for at least 24 hours. And that’s all there is to it! One full day later you will have a bright new smile.  

Water Flossing

Teeth whitening is no substitute for teeth brushing and flossing.  Proper oral hygiene must be maintained continually. In addition to keeping up a strong at-home, oral care routine and, regular dental cleanings, you can further optimize your oral health with the use of a water flosser. Water flossing easily cleans and massages gums, while adjustable streams of water wash away food from between teeth and gums. It also efficiently removes plaque from tooth and gum surfaces. The highly recommended Aquapick AQ-230 and the AQ-350 offer powerful and effective cleaning in a rechargeable, portable model or space-saving, countertop model. Both water flossers possess the same Aquapick ergonomic design and IPX7 waterproofing, which makes them convenient and safe to use in wet areas.

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