So, you’ve read a lot of articles prior to this one, about the teeth whitening process at the dentist. Perhaps, that’s what brings you here! What did you learn from them? Did you find the exact steps that are involved in professional teeth whitening? Were the steps easily navigable? Well, don’t worry! You’ve landed on the right destination if you want to know how teeth are whitened at the dentist, step-by-step.
First things first, your teeth have pores. Over the years, some microscopic materials from the food that you’ve eaten, have found their ways into these pores, resulting in deep stains that can’t be removed no matter how hard you brush! So how does a professional teeth whiteningsession give you perfectly white teeth?
Steps involved in professional teeth whitening
Checking the shade
The dentist will first record the shade of your teeth. This is to get an idea about the degree to which your teeth have to be whitened. It will also help the dentist to figure out howconcentrated the whitening solution has to be to get that shade.
Cleaning and polishing
The dentist will then use pumice to clean and polish your teeth. The whitening agent is best absorbed by a dry surface, and thus, your dentist may even keep a gauze pad in your mouth for some while.
Cleaning your teeth also helps in getting rid of any existing plaque from your teeth, before whitening. The dentist will then use retractors to keep your gums, tongue, and lips from interfering with the whitening agent.
Coating with the whitening agent
Hydrogen peroxide solution, which is the best bleaching agent known for teeth whitening will be used to coat your teeth. The frontal side of your teeth will be coated, while the posterior side will be left out. This is because the purpose of whitening your teeth is just to improve the aesthetics of your smile, and the backside of your teeth doesn’t show no matter how wide you smile!
The solution temporarily opens up the pores in your teeth, penetrating them and fighting off the stains from within to whiten your teeth. The coating would stay on your teeth for nearly half an hour before the dentist decides to proceed to the next step.
Rinsing
Your mouth will then be rinsed, thoroughly. This is to get rid of any residue of the solution. Do not be surprised if the dentist decides to brush your teeth as well. This is probably because the next step involves fluoride treatment!
The fluoride treatment
Your teeth will finally be brushed with fluoride varnish. Fluoride is given to keep the shine of your teeth and sustain the whiteness you’ve just achieved. Besides, fluoride also helps in getting rid of any existing plaque in your mouth, since they work as a catalyst in staining your teeth!And that’s all with the whitening process! The ADA warns that there might be a little bit of temporary tooth sensitivityafter teeth whitening. However, it goes away in no time!
Want to sustain that whiteness for a long time to come? Generally, it doesn’t last longer than 6 months. However, keep away from coffee, smoking, and starchy foods, just to name a few to elongate the life of the whiteness in your teeth!
Author: Village Family Dental
Dr. Paul Hung of Village Family Dental - Dentist in Duncanville has been serving in and around Dallas for more than a few years now. Read more View all posts by Village Family Dental
FAQs
A dentist starts by making a record of the current teeth shade. Then, the tooth is polished using a pumice. The dentist uses gauze to isolate the moth and keep the teeth dry. Retractors may be used to protect the tongue, lips, and cheeks from the whitening solution.
What is the sequence in office whitening of teeth procedure? ›
A dentist starts by making a record of the current teeth shade. Then, the tooth is polished using a pumice. The dentist uses gauze to isolate the moth and keep the teeth dry. Retractors may be used to protect the tongue, lips, and cheeks from the whitening solution.
What is the best method for professional teeth whitening? ›
Laser Teeth Whitening. Currently, the preferred choice of tooth-whitening treatment is Philips' Zoom! laser teeth whitening. For laser teeth whitening, a patient will typically come in for an hour-long session and then use formulated take-home teeth-whitening trays for lasting results.
What is the process of whitening? ›
Teeth whitening treatment is a dental procedure that helps transform discolored or stained teeth into stunning white, bright teeth by utilizing teeth whitening technology, the LED Light System, and high-quality bleaching products to stimulate the disintegration of the whitening gel, which help turn discolored teeth ...
How long does it take to whiten teeth professionally? ›
The length of professional teeth whitening depends on the dentist you choose, how many shades the patients want to lighten their smile, and other factors. In general, it typically takes anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes. The following is a review of professional teeth whitening and how long the process takes.
Can yellow teeth become white again? ›
Fortunately, there are ways of making your yellow teeth white, from improving your oral hygiene and diet to visiting the dentist and having them professionally whitened. There's no need to feel ashamed of your smile anymore.
What is the number 1 recommended teeth whitening? ›
The Crest Whitening Emulsion with LED Light stands out as the best overall teeth whitening product due to its ease of use, effectiveness, and comfort. Its simple, straightforward process, coupled with the ability to carry on with normal activities during treatment, makes it highly convenient and user-friendly.
What is the longest lasting teeth whitening? ›
White strips are the most effective over-the-counter whitening treatment you can use without a dentist's supervision. At-home gel trays that are customized to fit your mouth by your dentist and chairside whitening provide the longest-lasting whitening.
What is the fastest results for teeth whitening? ›
Professional teeth whiteners are usually administered by dentists or certified teeth whitening professionals. This teeth whitening method involves high-powered bleaching agents such as carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide, which can significantly lighten teeth in a single session.
Do you brush teeth after whitening? ›
As for whether you should brush your teeth after using whitening strips, there is no definitive answer. While some experts recommend brushing immediately after removing the strips to ensure all residue is removed, others advise waiting for 30 minutes to allow the enamel to rehydrate and minimize potential abrasion.
When choosing in-office teeth whitening, patients often only require one visit annually (at most) to maintain consistently white teeth. Depending on the patient's objectives and the intensity of the stains, the dentist may use multiple applications of the bleaching solution during each session.
How white will my teeth get after whitening? ›
The treatment can get your teeth between 8 to 15 shades whiter. This is the benefit that you can get in just one treatment. Depending on the shade of your teeth and your aesthetic goals, you may need to get more than one treatment.
Do you brush your teeth before or after using whitening? ›
It's safe to brush your teeth after applying whitening strips. Just be sure to do it gently to avoid irritating your gums. Another option is to brush your teeth before using whitening strips. This is ideal for removing plaque, which can get stuck beneath the strips.
Do I brush my teeth before or after teeth whitening? ›
Brushing before applying Whitestrips can help remove surface stains and improve product adherence. Yet, it's equally essential to follow up with a gentle post-treatment brushing to eliminate residual gel and maintain oral hygiene. The ideal sequence can vary depending on personal preferences and product instructions.
Do I brush teeth after whitening? ›
As for whether you should brush your teeth after using whitening strips, there is no definitive answer. While some experts recommend brushing immediately after removing the strips to ensure all residue is removed, others advise waiting for 30 minutes to allow the enamel to rehydrate and minimize potential abrasion.
Do you brush teeth after using teeth whitening? ›
Brushing quickly after whitening can help remove any residual gel or substance from your teeth, keeping it from remaining on the enamel and potentially causing irritation or damage. Brushing after whitening can also help eliminate any tiny stains or discolorations that were lifted during the whitening process.
