From waxing to face masks, there are a number of beauty treatments you can perform at home. However, when it comes to teeth whitening, it's best to head to a professional dentist. If you've been craving a brighter smile but aren't sure it's worth an in-person visit, consider the following answers to these frequently asked questions. 

Questions About Teeth Whitening, Answered

How does in-office whitening work?

Unlike at-home whitening kits, you won’t have to deal with those flimsy, sticky strips at the dentist’s office. Instead, your dentist will apply a gel across your teeth, which contains the lightening chemical, peroxide. The solution works similar to bleach without the harsh, irritating side effects. Then, they'll hold a UV light up to your teeth to activate the gel and speed up the whitening process. 

How long does it last?

The length of the procedure may vary depending on the starting shade of your teeth and the whitening products used. However, you can expect to be in and out of the dentist’s office within an hour.

Depending on your oral hygiene habits and the color of the foods you eat, the effects will last anywhere from one month to a year. You can always come back to the dentist’s office for a touch-up as soon as you start to notice the stains reappearing.

Does it effectively take stains out?

In-office teeth whitening procedures are used to get out a wide range of stains from food and beverages. You can talk to your dentist about how white you’d like your teeth to be, ranging from a natural off-white to a brilliant pearl. However, not all teeth whitening treatments will remove stains from tobacco products.

How can I make it last longer?

To retain your bright smile, avoid highly pigmented foods and beverages such as raspberries, coffee, and red wine. You should also brush at least twice a day, floss nightly, and use a fluoride mouthwash. If you smoke or use tobacco products, quitting can also extend the length of your results.

If you’ve been hoping for a brighter smile, turn to John P. Belbas, DDS of Lakeville, NY, for a teeth whitening treatment. Since 1987, he has been caring for the smiles of families throughout the area. Whether you need a checkup, a cleaning, or a root canal, this dental office offers a broad range of cosmetic, general, and restorative services. Schedule an appointment by calling (585) 346-5220. You can learn more about their dental offerings by visiting their website.