Many dental offices across the country provide teeth whitening services for reasonable costs with little or no negative side effects. Suppose cheaper and less effective over-the-counter (OTC) teeth whitening products or the more expensive at-home professional kits are not options due to a lack of time, money, or patience. In that case, there are common teeth whitening procedures available at a dentist’s office.
Cosmetic Dental Options
In general, the different processes for cosmetic dental options can be very similar in steps and pricing. Most likely, the following steps will be taken when performing a teeth whitening procedure:
- Documenting the current coloration–This allows the dentist to establish the level of whitening necessary, how many treatments, and the duration of each treatment.
- Polishing – A gentle pumice is used to remove plaque, debris, and surface stains. This step ensures that the whitening product has the best chance to adhere to the tooth’s surface.
- Isolating the soft surfaces of the mouth – Using gauze, retractors for the cheek, tongue, and gums, and other barriers, the dentist or dental assistant will isolate the gums and soft tissues from the procedure’s potentially intense whitening agents and lights.
- The bleaching agent–Some chemicals commonly used when whitening teeth in a professional setting are hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. These will be applied to the teeth to begin the process of whitening.
- Curing and activating–A laser or LED light will be shone directly onto the teeth for thirty to sixty minutes to activate and cure the product onto the surface of the teeth. The bleaching agent may be reapplied throughout the procedure.
- Rinse–To finish the procedure, the teeth are rinsed of the bleaching and whitening agents. For some, sensitivity can be a side effect of a teeth whitening. This can be relieved with a fluoride application by the dentist or a gel for take-home use to ease sensitivity.
Some procedures provide immediate results with as little as one session. Laser whitening provides the quickest results but is more expensive and causes the greatest sensitivity. A dentist will discuss the client’s goals while prioritizing the health of teeth overall.
Alternative Whitening Options
LED whitening, sometimes called Zoom whitening, is a less intense cosmetic dental option for those seeking professional teeth whitening services. Since it is less intense, it can take more time to reach the desired effect but is less likely to cause side effects and costs less than other options. Finding a dentist who could provide a take-home application to help maintain results is possible, but this isn’t always available. Continuing a regimen of treatment until a final, bright smile is achieved is the best way to the desired results. There is no fast, cheap, one-time procedure, so weigh the costs and benefits of your options.
If the primary concern with teeth whitening is the cost, professional bleaching at-home products are available through a dentist. After meeting with the dentis to discuss needs and expectations with teeth whitening procedures, it is possible to get a whiter smile at home, either during the day or overnight. There are many kits and products that a dentist can suggest to keep teeth and gums healthy and safe while still achieving cosmetic dental goals.
Call Wambaugh Dentistry for a Brighter Smile
While there are several different types that all vary in terms of price, intensity, the time required, and outcome, it all depends on what is best for the client and the current state of their teeth. The way someone cares for their teeth before and after whitening can make a significant impact on the outcome of the teeth-whitening experience. Contact Wambaugh Dentistry at 844.508.1034 to start the journey towards a brighter smile.
