Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dentistry procedure that removes stains and discoloration on the teeth. It is a quick treatment that provides a smile transformation to the patient.
Types of Teeth Whitening
There are two main options for professional teeth whitening: in-office teeth whitening and at-home teeth whitening.
In-office teeth whitening involves applying a powerful bleaching gel to your teeth and then using specialized light to accelerate the whitening process. In-office whitening is the best option if you want dramatic results right away.
At-home teeth whitening involves custom teeth whitening trays filled with a bleaching gel. The trays are worn for a certain amount of time each day to produce gradual results.
While at-home whitening may take a little longer to produce results, it’s much less expensive than in-office whitening. It’s also a good option for people with sensitive teeth.
Benefits of Whitening the teeth
There are many benefits to having your teeth whitened. The most noticeable benefit is an improved smile. However, teeth whitening can also improve the color of your teeth. This can enhance the appearance of your smile, allowing you to feel more confident in the appearance of your teeth.
Procedure for Teeth Whitening
The dentist initiates the teeth whitening procedure through a complete dental examination of the patient. It helps to understand if the patient has any artificial prosthesis in their mouth as it can't be whitened in the treatment. Some patients may require a dental cleaning session before the appointment to remove the excess buildup of plaque on their teeth.
A generous layer of whitening gel that contains hydrogen peroxide is applied to the teeth and left on for 15 minutes. Some patients speed the action of the gel on the teeth using laser light. The gel is removed to analyze the change of color. If required, the process is repeated to obtain the desired result.
How Often Should I Whiten My Teeth?
Some people need to whiten as often as every six months. Others can get away with whitening whenever they feel they need it. The best way to determine when to whiten is to talk to your dentist. They can examine your teeth and tell you how often you’ll need to whiten them.
If you are interested in learning more about our services, call Smyrna Dental Group in Smyrna, TN, at (615) 355-6800 to schedule an appointment with our dentists or request an appointment online.