What Everyone Should Know About Professional Teeth Whitening Treatments

These days, the look that’s most sought after is a perfect set of pearly whites. Nothing makes you look fresher, brighter or healthier, and it can be a great way to improve your appearance. Teeth whitening doesn’t have to be that complicated either, so here’s a quick overview of what’s involved in this popular cosmetic dentistry treatment.

The process of teeth whitening involves the removal of any stains and discolouration from the teeth, using bleach to make them look whiter than ever before. The treatment is usually a two-step procedure that starts with an in-office bleaching and laser treatment followed by the application of at-home whitening kits to improve the appearance of teeth further.

Both use bleach made of a peroxide compound, usually between 3 percent to 30 percent peroxide, with the stronger the concentration the more marked the effects. However, the stronger it is the more likely it is to damage the gums and lips, so it’s always advisable to discuss the concentration with your cosmetic dentist and never undergo such treatments without proper supervision.

The in-surgery treatment will use a high concentration of peroxide, but the dentist will use a protective material so as not to burn the surrounding soft tissue. At-home kits, however, usually have a much lower concentration of peroxide so they’re completely safe for home use. The combination of the immediate effects of the in-surgery treatment along with the more long-term effects of at-home kits offer the perfect solution, allowing you to have immediate effects that last.

The only side-effects from teeth whitening seem to be a slight sensitivity of the teeth following the procedure, but this usually subsides within 48 hours. The dentist may offer you a gel or mousse to help with this or you may not experience any at all, but the results you can get will surely be worth it. A lot of people respond incredibly well to teeth whitening and the results can be dramatic, but it won’t be the same for everyone so it’s worth discussing the possible results with your dentist.

As you can see, the teeth whitening process is an incredibly quick and painless treatment that, if done correctly, can lead to a huge improvement in your smile. It’s well worth considering if you want that little boost.

For more information on teeth whitening and other cosmetic dentistry procedures such as porcelain crowns, porcelain bridges, and porcelain veneers, please contact our cosmetic dentistry office serving Houston and Harris County.