Teeth discoloration can have many causes, from the foods you eat to the medications you take. Proper dental hygiene and over-the-counter whitening solutions can minimize staining, but they likely won’t be enough to restore that pearly glow. Fortunately, professional teeth whitening offers a reliable solution. If you’re looking for a brighter smile, here are a few things to know about this dental treatment.

How Does Professional Teeth Whitening Work?

Dentists complete most teeth whitening procedures in an hour or less. After a consultation, your provider will carefully apply a peroxide-based bleaching agent on the enamel of each tooth. The solution opens pores in the enamel, lifting stains that have penetrated the surface. During treatment, the dentist may shine a specialized blue light into your mouth to help activate compounds in the solution for a more effective brightening.

Why See a Dentist Instead of Using At-Home Kits?

Professional teeth whitening offers several advantages over at-home treatments like bleaching strips and toothpastes. First, treatment is completed in just one visit, whereas over-the-counter products take days, weeks, or months to deliver noticeable results. Dentist-provided teeth whitening services are also more effective and longer lasting. While whitening strips, toothpastes, or gels may improve color by as much as a shade, professional treatment can achieve a more dramatic improvement. Some treatments can brighten your teeth by three shades or more. With proper aftercare, dental bleaching results can last up to a year, whereas the effect of at-home solutions may fade within several weeks.

In addition to better results, professional treatment is much safer for people with tooth sensitivity. Dentists will take care to keep solution away from sensitive areas, allowing you to have a more comfortable experience than if you were to do it alone.

Am I a Candidate for Professional Teeth Whitening?

If you experience stubborn surface stains that at-home treatment can’t completely address, you may be a good candidate for professional teeth whitening. However, this cosmetic enhancement is generally recommended only to individuals with good oral health. As such, you should address any dental problems like cavities or decay before whitening. Since bleaching will only work on natural teeth, the procedure is also ineffective on stained dental implants, veneers, and crowns.

If you’re exploring professional teeth whitening, the specialists at Tri-Cities Dental can help. Using state-of-the-art Zoom!™ Whitening Treatment, this Colleyville, TX, dentist removes surface stains quickly, comfortably, and effectively. Beyond brightening teeth, this trusted team can enhance your smile with their many cosmetic dentistry services, including dental implants and veneers. Visit this clinic online to learn more about these services or call (817) 283-3427 to schedule a convenient appointment.