How Professional Teeth Whitening Is Done

Professional teeth whitening produces excellent results in a relatively short period of time. This method of whitening, performed under the supervision of a dentist, has gained popularity among those who are either dissatisfied with over-the-counter (OTC) products or don’t want all of the fuss and bother of a professional at-home kit. When comparing teeth whitening options, the main differentiator is price. Most OTC kits cost between $40 and $100 on average, whereas a professional at-home model can cost between $100 and $400.

What to expect when visiting a teeth whitening dentist

Although in-office teeth whitening is not a difficult procedure, it does necessitate skill to avoid injury to the gingival (gum) area. Furthermore, costly equipment may be required to prepare for and complete the procedure. Overall, the procedure can take between 60 and 90 minutes to complete. Here’s what to expect from the procedure:

1. Before beginning, your dentist will take note of the current colour of your teeth. 
2. The surface of your teeth would then be polished with pumice, a grainy material used to remove plaque. 
3. Your mouth will be gauze-wrapped to keep your teeth dry. You’ll have what’s called retractors to keep your cheeks, lips, and tongue away from the whitening solution. 
4. Following that, a barrier would be placed along the gumline to protect it from further exposure to the solution. 
5. The teeth would then be coated with a whitening solution only on the front surface. As a bleaching agent, the solution typically contains either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. 
6. To activate the peroxide in many whitening products, a curing light or laser is required. Depending on the brand, the solution would be left on the teeth for 30 to 60 minutes before being reapplied. 
7. The teeth would be rinsed once the optimal shade was achieved (or the maximum time had passed). A fluoride application can help relieve tooth sensitivity, which is a common side effect. 
8. Additional visits should be planned until the desired shade is achieved.

Following completion, you should avoid foods or beverages containing a high level of pigment for at least 24 hours. Coffee, tea, tomato sauce, tomato juice, yellow mustard, beets, black grapes, candies, and red wine are among them. Smoking and other forms of tobacco should also be avoided.

If you’re looking for a dentist in nashua to whiten your teeth then you’ve come to the right place. Below are some of the most common questions we’re asked about professional teeth whitening.

Does it hurt?

No. Neither tooth whitening systems cause any pain, though some patients may have increased tooth sensitivity that typically lasts for 1-3 days following the in-office procedure.

Am I the right fit to use these systems?

All patients interested in the tooth whitening systems will be assessed prior to any procedure to determine whether or not they are right for the systems. Additionally, we do not recommend tooth whitening for children under the age of 13 nor pregnant women.

How do these systems work?

The whitening gel used in these systems contains hydrogen peroxide. As it is broken down, oxygen enters the enamel and dentin, which bleaches any colored substance. But don’t worry! This chemical reaction does not change the structure of the tooth in any way.