To improve the appearance of your teeth quickly and noticeably, there's no easier option than professional teeth whitening. A session with your dentist can take as little as half an hour and leave your teeth brighter than they've ever been before. When you go in for a whitening treatment, your dentist will usually follow these basic steps.

What Happens During Teeth Whitening

1. Polishing

Before your teeth can be whitened, they need to be cleaned and polished to remove any plaque and tartar on the surface. This will ensure effective, even results as there will not be any obstructions.

2. Mouth Guards

Your mouth will be fitted with a shield that will keep your teeth exposed and protect your gums. They will also cover your lips and tongue to prevent irritation. This way, your dentist can use powerful bleaching agents safely for fast, comfortable treatment.

3. Whitening Agent Application

The bleach used in teeth whitening is usually peroxide-based. It draws out stains from deep in the enamel, and it bleaches surface stains to reveal your smile’s natural white color.

4. UV Treatment

To help speed the action of the bleaching agent, many professional teeth whitening systems use a UV light or a laser. Otherwise, you'll wait with the bleaching agent on your teeth until your smile has reached the desired shade or until the maximum treatment time has passed.

5. Rinsing

Finally, the peroxide will be carefully rinsed from your teeth, and the shield materials will be removed from your mouth. If you're experiencing tooth sensitivity, your dentist may also offer a fluoride treatment at this time to help relieve any discomfort.

To schedule teeth whitening in Cottleville, MO, call Genovese Dental. Serving St. Charles County for over 30 years, dentist Dr. Michael P. Genovese provides personalized care, and the team is happy to accept most major insurance plans and CareCredit to help you get the tooth care you need. They also offer payment plans if needed. To make an appointment, call (636) 928-4090, and visit them online to learn more about their whitening treatments.