If you are in the least interested in whitening your smile, then you know at least more than three approaches that can help you do it. It does not mean that all the approaches are effective for realizing your dental expectations, but you have many options to choose from, should you decide to whiten your smile. The question, therefore, becomes, why would you need a dentist for teeth whitening?
It is any procedure done to change the color of teeth, making them brighter and whiter than they initially are. Teeth whitening services can either be offered in a dental facility or at home, based on individual preferences.
Various approaches to whitening teeth have been used today, including the following:
A dentist will employ a different technique for whitening your teeth than you do with alternative whitening remedies. For one, you need a dental exam before any whitening process begins. The dental exam will allow the dentist to evaluate your oral health, finding any dental issues, if any. The presence of tooth cavities, for instance, will require treatment first before you can whiten your teeth. The examination stage will also help determine whether you need to be numbed before the treatment or not. Typically, teeth whitening procedures do not require local anesthesia.
Afterward, dental cleaning is necessary. Some patients need a complete teeth cleaning experience to rid their mouth of plaque and tartar, which are primarily the cause of their dental discoloration. Other patients, however, will only need a few minutes of teeth brushing and rinsing to remove surface residues that may prevent effective teeth whitening.
The bleaching process starts when the dentist protects your gums. Usually, a special gel is applied to the gums, protecting them from the harshness of the bleaching agents. Afterward, the dentist applies the whitening product. It is usually in the form of a gel or paste. Once applied, it begins to break drown stains. The dentist will use a small hand-held laser tool to activate and speed up the bleaching process.
After a couple of seconds, the dentist wipes off the bleaching material from your teeth and observes the progress. He/she will then repeat the bleaching steps about three or four times over until the stains on your teeth are faded enough. The entire process may take a little over 45 minutes to achieve bright white teeth.