Ask a Cosmetic Dentist: How Does an In-Office Teeth Whitening Procedure Work?

Having an in-office teeth whitening procedure is a great way to achieve a brighter smile. It can boost your self-esteem, but you might wonder how it works. Understanding it can help you make a more informed decision. Keep reading to learn more about the process.

Cleaning the teeth to prepare for teeth whitening

Having teeth whitening during an in-office procedure often offers faster results. The patient will want to prepare for the process ahead of time. That might include cleaning the teeth at home and putting on lip balm to prevent drying out. Of course, it is not possible to remove tartar at home. That is why the dentist will clean the teeth before starting. The whitening solution will not move through the plaque or tartar to the teeth. That means every area with these substances will not become whiter. That leads to uneven results. Instead, the dentist will remove it and polish the teeth first. That can also remove some stains. It lets the whitening solution move through the patient’s enamel. It is also essential to see if the teeth need any restorations, such as crowns. If that is the case, the patient will need to have the restoration placed after the whitening process. Otherwise, the repair would be a different color than the whitened teeth. The dentist can help the patient decide.

Understanding the procedure

There will be some differences in how the procedure works depending on the patient. However, the primary process is the same, with only a few differences. First, the dentist will look at the shade of the teeth before the procedure. That way, the dentist can compare the color of the teeth to a chart. It allows the dentist to see how much the teeth have improved after the procedure. Next, the dentist will use pumice to polish the patient’s teeth. Then the patient will have a device placed to hold the cheeks away from the teeth. The patient might have the lips and gums protected as well with a hardening liquid over the area. Only the teeth are exposed to the dentist at that point. The dentist can then apply the whitening gel to the patient’s teeth. It has peroxide in it, which helps bleach out the stains. The patients might need to sit for around 15 to 20 minutes to allow the solution to penetrate fully into the teeth. Sometimes, the dentist might use light or heat to activate the solution further. Then the dentist will remove the layer and help the patient rinse with water to remove the rest of the solution. If needed, the patient might have the teeth polished with some more pumice.

Choose the right teeth whitening today

There is a range of processes used to whitening teeth today. Understanding them better helps patients make a more informed decision. Patients can restore their teeth with a simple in-office procedure. Making an appointment helps you learn more about what to expect.

Request an appointment here: https://www.stgeorgedentalcare.com or call St. George Dental Care at (435) 628-9099 for an appointment in our St George office. Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Teeth Whitening in St George, UT.

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