How long do the results of teeth whitening last?

Professional teeth whitening results can last up to three years with proper care and maintenance. However, certain factors may play a role in maintaining your bright smile following your treatment. Your genetics, eating and drinking habits, tobacco use, or medications can all affect the timeframe of your professional whitening results. Maintaining excellent oral health with regular brushing, flossing, and visits to the dentist can help keep your teeth brilliant following professional teeth whitening. Touch-ups are also an easy way to ensure your stunning results last.

Will teeth whitening cause sensitivity or pain?

A common side effect of teeth whitening with Opalescence is teeth sensitivity. However, this feeling doesn’t indicate any damage to your teeth or enamel. Talk to your dentist about receiving sensitivity treatment after whitening your teeth.

How many teeth whitening treatments will I need?

The amount of whitening treatments needed will depend on two factors: the shade of your teeth at the beginning of your session and your desired brightness level. You can, thankfully, repeat the whitening process over several sessions to work up to your dream shade of whiteness.

Can everyone get their teeth whitened?

Professional teeth whitening is the ideal method of lifting the shade of your teeth. However, you should note that crowns, bridges, fillings, and veneers will not change color during the whitening process. If you have gum disease, worn enamel, cavities, or exposed roots, you may not be a suitable candidate for teeth whitening. Patients should always consult with a dentist before starting any whitening treatment so they can recommend the best option for their needs.

Professional Teeth Whitening Procedure

What To Expect at Your Teeth Whitening Session

A bright and healthy smile is something that many people aspire to have. However, despite regular brushing and flossing, our teeth can become stained or discolored over time due to various factors such as age, smoking, certain medications, and dietary habits. Fortunately, professional teeth whitening, which commonly uses hydrogen peroxide as a whitening agent, can help remove stubborn stains and restore the natural color of teeth. The whitening agent works by breaking down to release oxygen into the enamel, effectively breaking down stains and lightening the tooth color.

Learn what to expect when you undergo a teeth whitening treatment at our Waxahachie dental office. Contact our Waxahachie cosmetic dentists today at (972) 885-3335 to set up your cosmetic dentistry consultation.

The Day Before Your Tooth Whitening Appointment

The day before your teeth whitening appointment is a crucial time for preparation. Things you can do to make sure you’re ready for your procedure include:

Avoid foods and drinks that can stain your teeth: To get the best results from your teeth whitening treatment, avoid foods and drinks that can stain your teeth. This includes things like coffee, tea, red wine, and berries. Stick to light-colored foods and beverages instead.
Brush and floss thoroughly: Make sure to brush and floss your teeth thoroughly the night before your appointment. This will help remove any surface stains and ensure your teeth are clean and ready for the whitening treatment.
Get plenty of rest: Getting a good night’s sleep can help you feel more relaxed and comfortable during your teeth whitening appointment. Try to get at least seven to eight hours of sleep the night before your appointment.

The Day of Your Tooth Whitening Appointment

The day of your teeth whitening appointment can be exciting, but it’s important to take a few precautions to ensure everything goes smoothly. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Don’t eat or drink before your appointment: To ensure the best results from your teeth whitening treatment, you should avoid eating or drinking anything for at least one hour before your appointment. This will help your teeth stay dry and make it easier for the whitening gel to adhere to your teeth.
Arrive on time: Make sure to arrive on time for your appointment so that you have plenty of time to fill out any necessary paperwork and ask questions you may have.
Wear comfortable clothing: You may be sitting in a dental chair for an extended period, so make sure to wear comfortable clothing that won’t make you feel too hot or cold.
Bring headphones or music: If you’re feeling nervous or anxious about the procedure, bring some headphones or music to help you relax.

By following these tips, you can help ensure a successful teeth whitening treatment and achieve a brighter, more confident smile.

In-Office Professional Teeth Whitening Process

In-office teeth whitening, also known as chairside tooth bleaching, is a quick and effective way to brighten your smile. During in-office treatments, our dentist applies a high-concentration bleaching gel, often containing carbamide peroxide, to your teeth and uses a special light or laser to activate the gel. The carbamide peroxide breaks down to release oxygen, which then lightens the enamel on the teeth, making the tooth color lighter. The process typically takes about an hour, and the results can be seen immediately.

One of the benefits of in-office teeth whitening is that it’s performed by our Waxahachie dentist who can monitor the progress and ensure that the treatment is safe and effective. Additionally, the high concentration of the bleaching agent or gel used in this process means that it can remove even the most stubborn stains. However, this whitening process is effective only on natural teeth and doesn’t affect dental restorations like crowns or veneers.

At-Home Professional Teeth Whitening Process

At-home teeth whitening is another popular option for those who want to whiten their teeth. This process involves whitening teeth using custom-made take-home trays that are filled with a lower concentration of bleaching gel and worn for a specified amount of time each day. Various tooth whitening products are available for at-home use, including over-the-counter systems and dentist-supervised at-home products. The length of treatment can vary depending on the severity of the stains and the desired level of whitening.

One of the advantages of at-home teeth whitening is that it’s more convenient and cost-effective than in-office whitening. However, it may take longer to see results and may not be as effective as an in-office treatment for stubborn stains.

The Opalescence Process at Waxahachie Family Dentistry

The Opalescence teeth whitening process involves several steps:

Initial Consultation

Dr. Clinton examines your teeth and discusses your whitening goals. He assesses your current tooth color, the cause of any discoloration, and your oral health to determine if you’re a good candidate for whitening.

Treatment Planning

Based on your needs and preferences, Dr. Clinton recommends either take-home or in-office whitening. He explains the pros and cons of each option and helps you make an informed decision.

Custom Tray Fitting

If you choose take-home whitening, Dr. Clinton takes impressions of your teeth to create custom-fitted trays. These trays will be ready for pickup in a few days.

Whitening Treatment

For take-home whitening, Dr. Clinton provides detailed instructions on how to use your kit. For in-office treatments, you relax in the dental chair while the whitening process takes place.

Follow-Up and Maintenance

Dr. Clinton schedules a follow-up appointment to check your results and address any concerns. He also provides advice on maintaining your newly whitened smile and may recommend touch-up treatments as needed.

The actual whitening occurs when the Opalescence gel, containing either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide, is applied to the teeth. These active ingredients break down into oxygen molecules, which penetrate the tooth enamel and break up staining compounds, resulting in whiter teeth.

Potential Side Effects and Tooth Sensitivity After The Procedure

Like any dental procedure, teeth whitening can cause some side effects. The most common side effects include increased tooth sensitivity, gum irritation, and mild discomfort. These side effects are usually temporary and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers or desensitizing toothpaste.

In rare cases, teeth whitening can cause more severe side effects such as chemical burns or damage to the tooth enamel. This is why it’s important to have teeth whitening done under the supervision of an experienced dentist.

Caring for Your Teeth After Procedure

After teeth whitening, you’ll want to make sure to maintain good oral hygiene to prevent new stains from forming. Consider the following:

Avoid Dark-Colored Foods and Drinks: For at least 48 hours post-treatment, steer clear of coffee, tea, red wine, cola, berries, and any other foods or drinks that may cause tooth discoloration.
No Tobacco: Smoking or using any tobacco products can stain teeth, decreasing the effectiveness of a teeth whitening treatment.
Use a Sensitivity Toothpaste: Teeth might become sensitive after a whitening session. Using toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth can help alleviate discomfort.
Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Your teeth may be sensitive to hot or cold temperatures after whitening. Try consuming foods and drinks at a moderate temperature to avoid discomfort.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Floss daily and use an antiseptic mouthwash to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Limit Acidic Foods and Drinks: Acidic foods and beverages, like citrus fruits and sodas, can weaken enamel, causing possible tooth staining. Consume them in moderation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is teeth whitening painful?

Teeth whitening is generally not painful, but some people may experience sensitivity or discomfort during or after the procedure. Your dental professional can recommend ways to manage any discomfort you may experience.

Will teeth whitening damage my enamel?

Teeth whitening, when done correctly, should not damage your enamel. However, overuse or misuse of teeth whitening products can lead to damage to the tooth enamel and cause sensitivity or even tooth decay.

Can anyone get their teeth whitened?

In general, most people can get their teeth whitened. However, teeth whitening treatments may not be recommended for individuals with certain dental conditions, such as cavities or gum disease. Consult with a dental professional before undergoing any teeth whitening procedure.

How long does teeth whitening take?

On average, most patients can expect professional teeth whitening to last between 30 and 60 minutes. The length of your treatment will depend on your dentist, how many shades you want to lighten your smile to, and other factors.

Renew Your Smile With Waxahachie Family Dentistry!

Ready to learn more about our cosmetic treatments? If you’re interested in getting professional teeth whitening, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with our dental professionals to learn more about your options. A brighter smile can be just a few steps away!

Contact our Waxahachie dentist’s office today by calling (972) 885-3335. Our teeth whitening treatments can be customized to meet your smile goals!