Teeth Whitening 101: A Comprehensive Guide to a Brighter Smile
The most popular cosmetic dentistry treatment is also the simplest: professional teeth whitening. These treatments can refresh and revitalize your smile, creating a bright and evenly toned look that makes your smile sparkle.
Teeth whitening, also sometimes referred to as "teeth bleaching", is the process of removing stains and discoloration from the tooth enamel to brighten and whiten the appearance of the teeth.
Teeth whitening comes in many forms with countless over-the-counter products (toothpaste, strips, rinses, foams, etc.) that promise to brighten and whiten the teeth in addition to a variety of powerful professional teeth whitening treatments that are only available at a dentist's office.
Teeth whitening treatments typically use either abrasive materials that break up stains or chemicals that dissolve and lift stains from the teeth.
While some over-the-counter products are effective, they do not work as quickly or effectively as professional treatments. Plus, over-the-counter products that have not been approved by the American Dental Association are not always safe for your teeth and gums.
Professional teeth whitening treatments are always safe, and they work quickly and effectively. With professional teeth whitening treatments, dentists work directly with patients to help them select a level of brightening. We help patients understand the shade of tooth enamel that they will be able to achieve and provide them with a schedule of treatments designed to reach their desired level of brightness in a safe and effective manner. In some cases, this might only require a single treatment in our office.
The treatment process of professionally whitening teeth is fairly simple. In our office, we use a laser teeth-whitening system.
First, we thoroughly clean the patient's teeth, using our dental tools to scale and polish the tooth enamel and surfaces. This ensures that all plaque and tartar have been removed so that the whitening agents can evenly coat the teeth. We then apply a special barrier to the patient's gums. This barrier protects the sensitive soft tissues inside the mouth from the whitening solution.
The whitening solution which contains professional-strength whitening peroxide is then applied to the teeth. We then use the laser light to cure and activate the whitening solution. The patient then remains with the solution, working to lift stains and brighten the teeth, for about 30 to 60 minutes. The whitening process might be repeated, depending on the patient's whitening goals.
After the desired level of whitening and brightness has been achieved, our dentist rinses the solution from the patient's teeth. While sensitivity is not usually an issue, we can then apply a fluoride treatment to help reduce any sensitivity that may arise as a result of the whitening treatment.
Teeth whitening treatments are highly effective, but they are not recommended for everyone. For example, teeth whitening is not typically recommended for patients who have porcelain restorations such as dental crowns, fillings, or veneers. The whitening agents used in teeth whitening products and treatments do not work as effectively on dental restorations which can result in an uneven appearance and undesirable results. Additionally, teeth whitening treatments are not always the best cosmetic dental solution for patients who have discoloration as a result of disease or tooth decay.
Professional teeth whitening is one of the most affordable and highly impactful cosmetic dental treatments. On average, the cost of teeth whitening ranges between about $500 to $1,000, depending on the type of treatment received and the number of whitening sessions needed. Our team can talk with you about the expected costs of whitening your teeth professionally so that you know what to anticipate before deciding whether or not professional teeth whitening is right for you.
To make the most of your professional teeth whitening results, we recommend using whitening toothpaste between professional treatments. Additionally, it is best to refrain from tobacco use of any kind while also avoiding highly pigmented foods and drinks that could stain or dull the appearance of your tooth enamel.
Professional teeth whitening is a fast, simple, and non-invasive cosmetic treatment solution for achieving a brighter, whiter, and revitalized smile.
At Grove City Smiles, we're proud to provide our patients with comprehensive dental care, including teeth whitening and other cosmetic treatments. If you think you might benefit from having your smile brightened, whitened, and evened, we welcome you to request an appointment with our dentist in Grove City today.
We look forward to meeting you. Call (614) 350-5300 or request an appointment online to set up your first visit. We’ll be in touch soon.
