Teeth Whitening Options
To ensure both effectiveness and safety, it's imperative to entrust this dental procedure to a professional dentist.
While there are various methods available, including do-it-yourself at-home teeth whitening products, it's crucial to bear in mind that teeth whitening results are not permanent, requiring periodic touch-ups.
Teeth whitening has many benefits for individuals with discolored teeth, whether they're stained due to dietary choices or affected by other factors.
If you're looking to brighten your smile, consider scheduling a teeth whitening appointment with Cooley Smiles Bellevue.
Types of Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening options encompass in-office treatments, professionally dispensed take-home kits, and over-the-counter solutions.
In the case of in-office teeth whitening, a high-concentration peroxide gel is applied to your teeth by the dentist. Before application, a protective rubber dam is used to shield your gums.
The gel remains on your teeth for approximately 25 minutes to an hour before being rinsed off, often followed by a fluoride treatment to mitigate sensitivity.
Professionally dispensed take-home kits feature a lower-concentration peroxide gel that you apply to your teeth using custom-made whitening trays. These trays are designed to fit your teeth perfectly.
Due to the lower peroxide concentration, the gel is typically left on your teeth for longer, often overnight, to achieve the desired results.
For those seeking an alternative teeth whitening approach, over-the-counter options are available.
These kits can be purchased at stores or pharmacies and typically contain a bleaching gel with a slightly lower concentration than professionally dispensed kits. They often include one-size-fits-all strips, trays, or paint-on applicators for convenient use.
Teeth Whitening Process
The process for teeth whitening at our dental office begins with a consultation. During this initial appointment, you can discuss your goals for teeth whitening and any concerns you may have.
The dentist will assess your oral health to determine if you are a suitable candidate for teeth whitening and which whitening method is best for you.
We may take photographs of your teeth and record the current shade of your teeth. This serves as a baseline to track the progress of your whitening treatment.
Before whitening, the dentist or dental hygienist may clean your teeth to remove any surface stains and plaque. This ensures that the whitening agent can work effectively on your tooth enamel.
To protect your gums and oral tissues from the whitening gel, we will apply a protective barrier or use a rubber dam.This prevents the gel from coming into contact with sensitive areas.
There are different methods for applying the whitening gel, depending on the specific whitening system used. In many cases, a professional-strength hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide gel is applied to your teeth.
Sometimes, a special light or laser may be used to activate the gel and enhance its effectiveness.
The whitening gel is usually applied in multiple sessions, with each session lasting around 15 to 30 minutes.
The number of sessions may vary based on the desired level of whitening and the whitening system used. During the whitening process, the dentist will monitor your teeth to ensure they are responding well to the treatment.
We may take occasional shade measurements to track the improvement.
After completing the whitening sessions, we will evaluate the results to determine if additional sessions are needed or if the desired level of whitening has been achieved.
We will provide post-whitening care instructions, which may include dietary guidelines to avoid staining foods and beverages, as well as tips on maintaining good oral hygiene.
You may have follow-up tooth whitening appointments with us to assess the longevity of the whitening results and discuss any touch-up treatments if necessary.
Why Choose Cooley Smiles Bellevue
It's important to note that the specific details of the teeth whitening procedure may vary based on the whitening system used.
Professional teeth whitening at a dental office is typically more potent and efficient than over-the-counter options and provides a safer and more controlled environment for the treatment.
We will customize the procedure to meet your specific needs and preferences.
Teeth Whitening Bellevue
Still have questions about teeth whitening? Contact our Bellevue office today at (425) 998-6998 to speak to our friendly team or schedule an appointment!
