How Does Teeth Whitening Work in a Dental Office?

Teeth can become stained over time for many different reasons. Yet, having a smile you can feel good about is so important for your confidence and overall quality of life. 

Thankfully, a professional teeth whitening treatment done at the dentist’s office can help you achieve brighter, whiter teeth in the shortest amount of time. 

How does it work? What can you expect? Let’s take a closer look. 

Benefits of In-Office Teeth Whitening

While over-the-counter teeth whitening treatments are widely available, they are not always the best option. In-office, professional whitening, on the other hand, comes with many benefits. You will see that the results are— 

• Fast. Teeth whitening treatments in your dentist’s office can be completed in just one visit that lasts about an hour. And there are usually no follow-up treatments either. You get the best results in the shortest amount of time. 

• Dramatic. Your teeth will be several shades lighter with just one visit. 

• Even and Clean. Trying to whiten your teeth yourself can lead to crooked, uneven whitening. You may even miss a tooth entirely. With professional in-office treatment, you can feel confident that it is thorough enough to yield even, beautiful results. 

• Customized. Whitening treatments work best when tailored to meet the patient's needs. Because you will be under the supervision and care of your dental team, you can expect customized treatment. 

What’s more, with in-office whitening, you can lower your risk of irritation when it comes to the gums.  

The Process of Teeth Whitening in a Dental Office

So, if you take advantage of all these benefits, what can you expect at your teeth whitening appointment? Below is a very general overview of the process. 

Protecting the gums during these treatments is very important as the bleaching agents can be very harsh and damaging. For that reason, you can expect your dental team to either rub a protective gel over the gums or cover them with a rubber shield before beginning. 

Next, carbamide peroxide is carefully applied to the teeth as the bleaching agent. This careful application is what helps you achieve clean, even results. A specialized light is then used to enhance the whitening power and accelerate the process. 

You will then rinse away the gel and your dentist will assess the outcome. Remember, all of this can usually be done in just one visit. 

Finally, before heading out, your dentist is sure to discuss how to address tooth sensitivity and any post-whitening care that will help you extend the longevity of your results. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Teeth Whitening 

Will professional teeth whitening results last forever? 

Unfortunately, no. You can extend your teeth whitening by developing exceptional oral hygiene habits and avoiding those things that may cause discoloration.

Is it normal for teeth to feel sensitive after whitening treatments? 

Yes, it is very normal for teeth to feel sensitive after whitening treatments. This is temporary and should dissipate within a few days. 

Teeth Whitening at El Paso Family Dental

At El Paso Family Dental, we offer two options for teeth whitening — in-office and at-home bleaching. Both help to enhance your smile so that you can feel more confident. 

To learn more about the options or find out which one may work best for you, contact us today at 915-585-2020. Or, schedule your visit online.