Everyone wants a bright, vibrant smile, which is why teeth whitening is so popular. But if you want something more effective than a whitening toothpaste from the grocery store, you’ll need to visit the dentist. Thankfully, this non-invasive process can be completed quickly and easily, allowing you to have a whiter smile in as little as an hour.

3 Steps in Teeth Whitening

1. Consultation

Before scheduling teeth whitening, consult with your dentist to see if this service is right for you. Professional whitening uses a specialty bleaching treatment that lightens tooth enamel. However, it doesn’t affect fillings or crowns, which may result in an odd look if you’ve had significant dental work done in the past. It’s also not as effective on gray or brown discoloration.

2. Mouth Preparation

Peroxide whiteners can be highly irritating to your lips, gums, and tongue. To avoid this problem, your dentist will place a lip retractor in your mouth to keep your lips away from your teeth. They’ll also apply a specialty gel that forms a protective barrier after curing for a few minutes to shield your gums.

3. Whitener Application

Once everything is ready, your dentist will apply a special gel to your teeth. This gel may contain as much as 35% hydrogen peroxide to eliminate stains. Several layers of gel are applied and removed during a single session for maximum effectiveness.

Your dentist will compare shades before and after the treatment to determine how well it went and if additional sessions might be needed.

Whether you need teeth whitening or wisdom teeth removal, you can expect reliable results from Family First Dentistry in Anchorage, AK. With flexible financing, CAD/CAM crown fittings, and services for children and adults, their friendly team will help the entire family enjoy good oral health. To learn more about their services,  visit them online, or call (907) 562-2820 to schedule an appointment.