Your smile is one of the first features people notice about you. Unfortunately, many daily habits, such as drinking coffee and red wine, smoking cigarettes, and skipping routine teeth cleaning, can cause teeth to become yellow or discolored over time. If your smile has lost its luster, a professional teeth whitening session can restore its shiny state. Here, you can learn more about this cosmetic procedure, its effectiveness, and the aftercare involved.

Your Complete Guide to Teeth Whitening

The Procedure

When you arrive at your procedure, your dentist will begin by having you put on protective gear. This includes UV glasses, a bib, and a mouth guard to protect your lips and gums. Once the protective gear is on, an activated gel is applied to the surface of your teeth, and a specialized light is placed directly over your mouth. The light works together with the gel to remove deep, set-in stains and brighten the color of your teeth. Depending on the teeth whitening procedure your dental office offers, this process can take one to two hours.

Side Effects

Side effects from teeth whitening procedures are mild. Most patients experience some tooth and gum sensitivity in the days immediately following the procedure; however, this subsides within a few days. Some patients also experience lip and gum irritation, which also dissipates within a day or two. If you have sensitivity or irritation that continues for more than a week after your procedure, contact your dental care provider as this may be a sign of a more serious complication.

How Long Do Results Last?

With appropriate care, the results of your whitening can last two to five years. Avoiding teeth-staining foods and beverages such as coffee, wine, and citrus foods can retain the results for longer. You should also practice routine dental care during this time, including brushing and flossing daily and visiting your dentist for bi-yearly checkups.

Am I a Good Candidate?

Teeth whitening is not for everyone. Patients who have crowns, dental implants, or veneers will not be able to whiten the treated teeth. Additionally, if your stains are grayish or are deeply set in, it may take multiple sessions to achieve the desired results.

If you are interested in scheduling a teeth whitening procedure, contact Nicholas J. Hurley D.D.S., P.A. Located in Thomasville, NC, Dr. Hurley and his team specialize in providing dental care for the whole family. For more information on teeth whitening and other cosmetic procedures offered by this dental practice, visit their website. Call (336) 476-1109 today to schedule your appointment.