cosmetic dentistry

In-Office Teeth Bleaching: What to Expect During Your Appointment

by Dr. Sahota

21 January 2025

A bright smile is more than just an aesthetic enhancement. It is actually your first step towards optimal oral health. Clean teeth are the cornerstone of impeccable oral hygiene, which has a considerable impact on one's physical health. Plaque buildup does not only dull your smile but also leads to serious issues like gum disease, cavities, and even systemic issues like heart disease and diabetes. So, it is not wrong to say bleaching your teeth is equivalent to preventing harmful bacteria from entering your bloodstream.

Teeth bleaching is a popular cosmetic dental procedure for people who want to lighten the shade of their teeth. It helps them get rid of discoloration and stains that are the result of some food, beverages, smoking, or even aging. It is an ideal dental solution for you if you feel self-conscious about yellowed or stained teeth and want a non-invasive way to improve their appearance. Most people get their teeth bleached before a specific event, while for some, it is a way to enhance their everyday look.

Teeth Whitening Products vs. In-Office Dental Bleaching

Typically, toothpaste is one of the products that can lighten your dull teeth, but that might not always give you the desired results. That is when over-the-counter products, like whitening strips, jump in. These store-bought products can clean the stains of coffee, tobacco, or wine, but only from the surface. Such 'whitening' treatments are effective, no doubt, but they do not penetrate deep into your enamel or give you lasting results. Therefore, they are only good for situations where you are in a hurry and do not have time to visit the dentist.

However, you might want to consult a dentist for a fool-proof bleaching and chemical and laser treatment. The products used for in-office teeth bleaching are much stronger and more potent compared to the ones you use at home. That is why they require expert-level dental care and multiple visits to the dental clinic.

Understanding the Cause of Your Stains

By knowing the reason behind your discolored teeth, you will know better if you need a whitening product or in-office teeth bleaching would do the job. The stains can be both intrinsic and extrinsic. The intrinsic stains occur due to genes, age, or some medical condition. So, whitening products do not work for them. On the other hand, extrinsic stains are due to lifestyle or eating habits. They might or might not need in-office dental bleaching. However, some stains, like gray, purple, or tetracycline stains, are stubborn and do not go away. For that, your dentist might suggest alternative dental solutions. Permanently discolored teeth may require dental veneers (Lumineers).

In-Office Teeth Bleaching

Everything You Must Know About In-Office Teeth Bleaching

Is bleaching a safe dental procedure?

Yes, dental bleaching is a safe procedure performed by dental hygienists. The products used for whitening your teeth are unharmful. However, it can lead to irritation in teeth or gums when done incorrectly. Therefore, it is necessary to choose the right dental professional for your smile.

How long do the results last?

The results of professional teeth bleaching can last up to months with proper care. The care may involve careful dietary choices and adequate hygiene practices. Your dentist will suggest maintenance products, toothpaste, and protective measures to extend the lifetime of your white smile.

Can anyone get teeth bleaching?

Generally, dental bleaching is a safe solution for all adults except expecting women and breastfeeding mothers. Your oral health practitioner will take a detailed look at your teeth to check them for sensitivity or other underlying issues. People with tooth sensitivity, decay, or gum conditions might have to undergo additional procedures prior to teeth bleaching.

Can severely discolored teeth become white again?

The improvement in your tooth discoloration depends on the reason behind the dullness. In most cases, in-office teeth bleaching can make your teeth look bright again. However, if your stains have become permanent, your dentist will guide you about other procedures to restore your smile.

Do teeth whitening or bleaching hurt?

Generally, teeth bleaching is a painless process of getting lighter teeth. Some people might feel numbness in their teeth or gums after their appointment, but that goes away in a couple of hours. It means you can resume your routine right after stepping out of the dentist's chair.

Taking Care of Your Smile

Maintaining the radiance of your smile requires consistent care to prolong the results. Brush and floss your teeth with products recommended by your dentist. Regularly removing buildup helps with the prevention of forming new stains. Also, you might want to limit the consumption of foods or habits that can easily stain your teeth. If you happen to eat them, rinse your mouth before the stains become permanent. Consult your dentist about touch-ups and maintenance treatments.

"The color of your teeth is influenced by dentin, a layer beneath the enamel. Naturally yellow, dentin's hue is masked by the enamel's bright appearance. Genetics significantly affect the natural shade of your teeth, with your tooth tone largely determined before you're even born."
—Sharon Huang, DDS

In-Office Professional Teeth Bleaching Explained

If you have decided to go for teeth bleaching but do not know what to expect from the procedure, this is what it typically looks like:

Preparing Your Mouth: The process of in-office dental bleaching begins with the dental hygienist inserting a cheek retractor to expose the teeth's surface. To protect the rest of the area from the bleaching gel, a liquid rubber or hardening resin will be applied.

Application of Bleaching Gel: The bleaching gel contains hydrogen peroxide, which stays on your teeth for several minutes. Then, your dental professional will rinse it off and reapply the gel for another 15 to 20 minutes.

Light Activation (Optional): Some dental bleaching gels need light to be activated. In such cases, your dentist will use a specialized light to activate the bleaching agents.

Assessment of the Progress: The dental hygienist will evaluate the progress between the applications. It helps them identify if the gel needs to sit on your teeth for any longer to achieve desired results.

Post-Treatment: Once the dentist is satisfied with the results, they will remove your check retractors and ask you to rinse your mouth. The initial post-treatment brightness is two to eight shades due to dehydration during the procedure. Do not panic if it is 'too light' than you expected because it will settle within a few days.

Final Word

Your smile is a major part of your personality, and it can impact your confidence to a great extent. If you are one of those people who do not like to socialize due to dull teeth, you have now got a solution. Professional teeth bleaching will leave you with a radiant smile that restores your confidence. You will notice a considerable change in your interactions, from night out with friends to professional meetings. Best of all — you will fall in love with your fresh smile every morning.

Important Notice: Teeth bleaching is a professional process that requires expert-level service only. If one use of store products has not worked for you, try not to 'overuse' them. They can be harsh and irritate your teeth and gums. Your dentist will conduct a detailed examination to tell you what your teeth need.

Contact your dentist today in Oakland, Dr. Sahota, at One Dental Livermore, to learn more about in-office teeth bleaching.

Disclaimer

*This media/content or any other on this website does not prescribe, recommend, or prevent any treatment or procedure. Therefore, we highly recommend that you get the advice of a qualified dentist or other medical practitioners regarding your specific dental condition. *

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