Want a brighter smile? Smiling is one of the most powerful forms of human expression, and teeth whitening can have a huge impact on your interpersonal relationships, as well as your own confidence.
While DIY whitening kits promise quick results, they can cause permanent damage and are ultimately unreliable. That is why a professional teeth whitening appointment is better. Let’s see what to expect during your treatment!
Teeth Whitening Basics
Virtually all teeth whitening applications, both professional and DIY, rely on bleaching the teeth with hydrogen peroxide-based solutions. Exposure to these bleaching solutions, as well as the concentration of peroxide, affect the final result.
However, too much peroxide or too long exposure can dehydrate the teeth and make them more brittle, damage the oral epithelium, and cause several other health issues.
Most professional teeth whitening treatments use light or laser-activated peroxide solutions. Your dentist will combine the peroxide solution with heat or exposure to light in order to achieve a more balanced effect without overexposure to peroxide.
A Typical Professional Teeth Whitening Appointment
A teeth whitening appointment typically lasts up to two hours (ZOOM system) but can be broken down to several shorter visits.
The appointment begins with a brief exam of your teeth to make sure you are ready. Then, your dentist will apply gauzes and a lip retractor to keep your mouth open without straining your jaw muscles.
Next, your dentist will take steps to protect your gum tissues, your inner cheeks, and your lips. They do so with a combination of dental dams, barriers, and protectant gels.
Now you are ready for your teeth whitening treatment to begin! Your dentist will apply the activated gel directly on your teeth. Then, they will activate the gel by pointing strong light or a special laser directly at the gel.
Then you just have to wait for the activated gel to reach and remove any teeth coloration you might have. The time you have to wait varies depending on the type of treatment and can vary from 30 to 60 minutes.
This procedure may be repeated several times, depending on the type of treatment. Some treatments may require you to schedule further appointments to repeat the procedure.
Modern solutions, like Philips’ ZOOM system, work faster and may give the desired result with a single treatment.
Professional Teeth Whitening in the National Capital Region
Here at Dupont Dental Associates, we are committed to excellence in dental services. Whether it’s a routine check, professional teeth whitening, or a dental emergency, we strive to provide top-tier services in a positive environment.
With more than 30 years of experience and countless success stories, Dr. Gary Seiden is one of the most sought-after dental practitioners in Washington D.C.
At Dupont Dental Associates, we believe dental visits should be a thing you look forward to, so we go out of our way to make your experience a pleasant one. Contact us to schedule your appointment today!