When you make an appointment for teeth whitening, you may be wondering what the process entails. Dentists use a simple and straightforward bleaching procedure to brighten smiles. They can whiten your teeth in their office in less than two hours. Here’s what to expect.

How Dentists Professionally Whiten Teeth

1. Protect Gums

Before applying a whitening bleach to the teeth, your dentist will create a dental dam with a gel or a rubber shield to protect your gums from the peroxide in the whitener. The gel, which hardens after exposure to light, creates a barrier that shields gums from the bleaching solution.

2. Apply Whitening Agent

After protecting your gums, the dentist applies the whitener. Your dentist will have previously discussed with you which teeth will be bleached. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), teeth with yellow discoloration are the easiest to treat. Teeth with caps, veneers, fillings, or crowns are not always suitable candidates for teeth whitening.

A peroxide gel is applied to each tooth individually. Depending on the whitening solution being used, it may be left on for up to 90 minutes. Throughout the session whitener will be reapplied as often as needed.

3. Clean Teeth

After 90 minutes or so, the dentist suctions off the whitener and thoroughly cleans teeth. Although patients typically experience some sensitivity, any discomfort is mild and usually lasts only one to two days.

After matching your newly whitened shade to a scale to demonstrate the immediate effects of the treatment, your dentist will then review after-care treatment and address any questions you may have. Since whitening dehydrates your teeth, they may darken slightly over the next day as they rehydrate.

For professional teeth whitening, contact the team at Coulee Family Dental in La Crosse, WI. Centrally located at the edge of downtown, they provide comprehensive general dental services as well as cosmetic dentistry procedures. Visit their website to learn more about the services they perform, or contact them at (608) 782-3102 to schedule a teeth whitening appointment.