Even with proper oral hygiene, your teeth are bound to develop stains over time. The good news is that you don’t have to live with the discoloration forever. With the help of a trusted dentist and advanced bleaching methods, your smile can go from dull to vibrant in a flash. If you’re new to the process of professional whitening, you may have a few questions about the treatment. To help clear up any confusion about the process, the specialists at New Horizon Dental in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, provide this guide about teeth whitening.

4 FAQ About Teeth Whitening

1. Can’t I Just Whiten My Teeth at Home?

Over-the-counter methods can gradually improve discoloration by one or two shades and require weeks of ongoing application. By contrast, professional solutions are designed to enhance your smile by at least three shades. In addition to better results, dentist-provided bleaching delivers longer-lasting results and can be completed in a single session.

2. How Does Professional Teeth Whitening Work?

Professional teeth whitening is a simple in-office treatment that is typically completed in an hour or less. To start the process, your dentist will apply a high-concentration bleaching agent to the enamel. This peroxide-based solution opens up pores in the enamel, allowing the whitening agents to effectively remove stains. For amplified results, a specialized light is often used to further activate whitening compounds in the bleaching formula.

3. How Long Do Results Last?

Most people who receive teeth whitening can expect their results to last about six months to a year. Patients who avoid consuming things that stain enamel — such as red wine, coffee, and barriers — can often extend the life of their vibrant, healthy smile. Once the brightness starts to fade, a dentist can perform a touch-up session to maintain results.

4. Will Teeth Whitening Hurt?

When provided by an experienced dentist, teeth whitening is a completely safe treatment. However, it’s important to note that some individuals may experience temporary sensitivity after their visit. If this happens to you, it can help to avoid cold and hot beverages — as well as sweets — until enamel pores close up. When you have particularly sensitive teeth, you can avoid discomfort by using desensitizing toothpaste or breaking up treatment into two sessions.  

This treatment is a wonderful opportunity to restore confidence in your smile. If you’re ready to boost the brightness of your teeth, turn to the experienced team at New Horizons Dental for state-of-the-art teeth whitening in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. This community dentist is proud to provide the safest and most effective form of bleaching in the industry so that you can experience optimal results in a comfortable, convenient fashion. To learn more about this and other cosmetic dentistry services they offer, visit the clinic online. For appointments, call a friendly staff member at (715) 424-7810.