Professional teeth whitening at a dentist’s office is a highly effective and safe way to achieve a brighter, whiter smile. This cosmetic dental procedure is preferred by many patients seeking to enhance the appearance of their teeth because it can produce faster and more dramatic results compared to over-the-counter whitening products.

How effective is in-office teeth whitening?

Having a dentist whiten your teeth has several advantages and can give you the results you want after one appointment. In-office teeth whitening involves having your teeth bleached at the dentist’s office and the beautiful results will last for years to come.

If you are diligent with your oral hygiene habits and are sure to drink water after consuming food or drink that may stain your teeth, you can extend the results of your in-office teeth cleaning for as long as possible.  While there can be special instances in which in-office teeth whitening doesn’t give you the desired results, your dentist should be able to recognize these possibilities prior to the procedure and let you know of the possibility. Consulting with your dentist will help you determine the best approach for achieving the bright, white smile you desire.

What to expect from in-office teeth whitening

If you are trying to decide if in-office teeth whitening is right for you, knowing what to expect from your dentist will help calm any apprehensions about the process.

• Initial Assessment: The process usually begins with a thorough examination by your dentist. They will assess your oral health to ensure you are a suitable candidate for teeth whitening. It’s important to address any underlying dental issues, such as cavities or gum disease, before proceeding with the whitening procedure.
• Preparation: Before the whitening procedure, your dentist will take steps to protect your gums and lips. A protective barrier or gel is applied to shield your soft tissues from the whitening gel.
• Whitening Procedure: If you opt for in-office whitening, your dentist will apply the whitening gel to your teeth and activate it with a special light. You may go through multiple gel applications during the appointment. Throughout the procedure, you may experience some mild discomfort or sensitivity, but this usually subsides shortly after the treatment is completed.
• Post-Whitening Care: After the procedure, your dentist may provide instructions on post-whitening care. This may include avoiding certain foods and beverages that could stain your teeth and using desensitizing products if you experience sensitivity.

What are the benefits of in-office teeth whitening?

There are multiple ways to whiten your teeth from over-the-counter whitening strips to take home kits from your dentist. But some of the advantages that in-office whitening treatments have over other methods include:

• Time: You can walk in and out of your dental appointment with a dramatically brighter smile. Many teeth whitening appointments last between 30-60 minutes for you to achieve a whiter, more dazzling smile.
• Convenience: Many other whitening methods involve having to take a few minutes to an hour each day for a period of weeks to whiten your teeth. While the process may not be difficult, adding something to your daily routine for a few weeks may be easily forgotten.
• Your dentist will look over your teeth carefully beforehand to make sure your teeth are healthy and able to take the treatment without creating new problems.

If you are in St. Augustine, FL and are considering in-office teeth whitening treatments, give our Dental Remedies’ office a call today.