If years of drinking coffee, tea, red wine, or smoking have left you with dull, yellowed teeth, you may be considering professional teeth whitening to restore your smile. If you’ve only ever used over-the-counter whitening products, the professional in-office treatment process is probably a mystery. Knowing what to expect before you go can relieve anxiety and reservations, which ensures a stress-free appointment and successful results. Here’s what you can expect before, during, and after teeth whitening from your dentist. 

Before: Evaluation & Preparation

Prior to performing any cosmetic procedure, your dentist will evaluate your teeth to ensure you’re a good candidate for treatment. Conditions like cavities and gum disease must be treated before teeth whitening can be performed. They’ll also look at the degree of staining and will work with you to select a whiter but natural shade to achieve.

If your dentist determines you’re eligible for the procedure, they will begin by preparing your teeth and gums. This may involve brief teeth cleaning before covering the gums with a rubber dam or gel. This protects the gums from irritation caused by the bleaching gel.

During Teeth Whitening

Once your teeth and gums are prepped, the professional strength bleaching solution is applied to the teeth. A UV light is then focused on the teeth to activate the gel and accelerate the results. The gel remains in place for a set period of time, which is usually 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the degree of dental staining and your desired shade of whiteness.

At the end of the treatment, the dentist will rinse the whitening gel from your teeth and remove the rubber dam from your gums. Your smile will be several shades lighter and close, if not an exact match, to your desired shade.

Aftercare & Maintenance

Your teeth may feel more sensitive than usual. This is common, but your teeth should return to their normal level of sensitivity in a day or two. For the first 24 hours, avoid eating or drinking anything that could stain your teeth, as they’re more prone to stains immediately following treatment. It’s also a good idea to limit your consumption of these foods and beverages to maintain your results long-term.

To help with maintenance, your dentist may provide an at-home teeth whitening kit, which can be used periodically. At-home kits typically consist of custom- or pre-made trays and a whitening gel. The trays are worn for as little as 15 minutes a day as needed.

Not only is professional, in-office teeth whitening more effective than store-bought products, but it’s also safer. If you’re looking for a dentist to entrust your cosmetic dental needs, turn to Kathleen Kujiraoka, DDS in Kaneohe, HI. If you have stains resistant to teeth whitening, Dr. Kujiraoka also offers dental veneers and crowns to conceal those deep stains. Visit the practice online for more information, or call (808) 235-2121 to schedule an appointment.