Quick Guide to Professional Teeth Bleaching

Looking for teeth bleaching options? There are multiple ways in which you can whiten your teeth and revive your beautiful smile. Before you choose one way to do this, it is helpful to review the different methods available. You can achieve the appearance you have been looking for and have it last for years to come.

Teeth bleaching choices

Over time, teeth can change from their natural white color and become stained with gray, yellow, or brown. Dentists can provide the treatment that patients need to eliminate these stains quickly and for the long term. There are both in-office and take-home hydrogen peroxide gels to accomplish this.

Similar to keeping a car clean, the teeth whitening process does not end with one appointment. In many cases, patients benefit more from a combination of in-office and at-home teeth whitening treatments, including check-ups from a professional.

The in-office process

Patients like to do teeth bleaching in the dentist’s office because the procedure only requires one or two visits. The dentist applies a concentrated solution of hydrogen peroxide to the patient’s teeth. The chemical will sit on the teeth for about an hour, and light or heat activates it.

During this time, the hydrogen peroxide breaks down the stains, making the teeth appear whiter. While the in-office process can produce results, a combination of this with at-home care can help create a set of whiter teeth that remain that way for a longer period of time.

Take-home trays

Patients can also choose professional teeth bleaching at home. With this treatment, the dentist will take impressions of the person’s mouth. This allows the dentist to custom-make a mouthpiece in which the patient will place teeth-whitening gel. This gel will stay on the teeth longer than it would in the office, but it contains a lower amount of hydrogen peroxide. The person will put the trays in overnight and wear them for several weeks or months. Teeth will gradually become whiter with consistent application of the treatment.

Store-bought products

Other teeth bleaching methods do not require a trip to the dentist’s office. The most common include toothpaste products and whitening strips. There are also mouthwashes available. Results will generally come more slowly with these options and are not as long-lasting. Consulting with a dentist can help to learn which teeth whitening option is the most effective option for the patient's needs.

The right decision

The visible effects of teeth bleaching will be different for everyone. Whiteness may depend on how badly discolored the patient’s teeth were and how many shades of white the teeth need to change. For take-home trays to work well, the patient must diligently wear the trays at night. Continual brushing and flossing are also critical.

In-office professional whitening will not occur as frequently to help keep the teeth shade noticeably whiter. Thus, we recommend receiving in-office teeth whitening treatment while also using a take-home whitening kit. With this combination, results can be faster and last longer. Patients should consult their dentist about what treatment makes the most sense. The dentist will explain the process and address any questions or concerns the person has.

It is time for whiter teeth

If you are tired of looking in the mirror and seeing discolored teeth, do something about these issues. You may need to improve your brushing habits, but this might not be enough. Teeth bleaching can help you have the smile you have always wanted. With just one or two visits to the dentist’s office, your stained teeth could be a thing of the past.

Request an appointment here: https://www.casasadobesdentistry.com or call Casas Adobes Dentistry at (520) 365-0559 for an appointment in our Tucson office.