While most people associate sparkling white smiles with beauty, some associate them with confidence and high self-esteem. For these reasons, many people, whether old or young, look for different ways to whiten their teeth. Due to the rise in people yearning for white smiles, teeth whitening has become among the most common dental procedures.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening dental procedure refers to bleaching teeth to make them whiter. This procedure is ideal for individuals with discolored teeth due to lifestyle and health conditions that affect teeth color. This procedure can brighten white teeth by several shades and also whiten colored teeth.
Due to the increased demand for white teeth, different teeth-whitening products have been invented, including advanced toothpaste and other home-care products. Nevertheless, while these products also whiten teeth to some extent, having your teeth brightened in a healthcare facility by professional dentists is advisable.
These professionals are trained and experienced in performing such procedures without risking your dental health. Besides dental clinics, teeth whitening can be done at dental cosmetic facilities. If you’re in Columbia and looking forward to whitening your teeth, consider researching reputable cosmetic dentistry in Columbia, MO and have the procedure done by a professional for positive results.
Having stated that teeth whitening is among the most common dental procedures, it’s more likely that many people are currently considering having their teeth whitened. However, most people are unaware of what to expect during the procedure. For this reason, this article further discusses everything you might want to know about teeth whitening. Continue reading to understand what you should expect.
Step One: Consultation
Before the teeth whitening procedure begins, you must first consult your dentist. It’s vital to note that professional teeth whitening procedures use strong chemicals that can aggravate any underlying dental conditions. For this reason, your dentist will check your oral health to determine if you’re fit for the procedure.
Among the conditions that can prevent you from having dental bleaching treatment are worn enamel, cavities, gingivitis, and exposed teeth roots. Nevertheless, if your cavities are filled before the bleaching, you can proceed with the procedure.
It’s vital to mention that some people are allergic to ingredients in teeth-bleaching chemicals. Mainly, teeth-bleaching solutions contain hydrogen peroxide. Therefore, your dentist will determine if you’re allergic to it before commencing the treatment. If you’re allergic to this chemical, you might be unable to whiten your teeth through bleaching.
Step Two: Mouth Preparation
As already stated, teeth bleaching uses chemicals that can harm your gums. Therefore, the gums must be protected before the procedure begins.
A dentist will use a bespoke or rubber dental dam to protect your gums against the chemicals. While this tool might feel uncomfortable, it ensures no chemical accesses areas it shouldn’t.
Also, your dentist might use cheek retractors to prevent your cheeks and lips from contacting the bleaching solution. Once the areas that shouldn’t come into contact with the bleaching agents are restricted, the treatment is ready to begin.
Step Three: Bleaching Solution Application
While teeth whitening products for home use are readily available on the market, they comprise 5 to 14% hydrogen peroxide. However, the teeth whitening gel used by dentists consists of about 15 to 43% hydrogen peroxide. Therefore, the gel provides quick results compared to home-use products. Once the gel is applied to the teeth, the dentist sets the timer.
Step Four: Laser Beam Use
After the whitening gel is applied to the teeth, the dentist will provide you with protective glasses before directing a laser beam toward your teeth to whiten them faster. The laser generates heat, speeding up the whitening procedure.
After an hour, the laser beams are redirected from your teeth, and the protective equipment is removed from your mouth. At this point, the procedure is done, and your dentist will allow you to see the results in the mirror.
Conclusion
While teeth whitening is among the most common dental procedures, many people worry about the side effects. However, if the treatment is done by a professional dentist experienced in such treatments, the procedure is safe and doesn’t have prolonged side effects. The only common side effect following teeth whitening treatment is sensitivity. You’re more likely to experience this effect immediately after treatment, and it’s likely to last for only an hour.
After the professional teeth whitening procedure, the results are more likely to last for a year to 18 months. The procedure can also whiten your teeth with up to 14 shades after a single treatment, meaning you’ll come out of the dentist’s office with a brighter smile than you might have expected. While the results might not be as instant as with professional teeth whitening, home remedies can also whiten your teeth and improve your smile.
John Davis is a passionate content writer with a knack for crafting engaging narratives across various subjects. With a keen eye for detail and a love for storytelling, John brings ideas to life through the power of words. His dedication to delivering high-quality and informative content has made him a trusted voice in the digital realm. When he’s not at his desk, you’ll find John exploring new hobbies and seeking inspiration in the world around him.
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