How Long Does Teeth Whitening Take?

Teeth whitening (in-office/by a dentist) usually takes 30 to 90 minutes. Furthermore, approximately one to three appointments (three to four weeks) are required to whiten your teeth completely.

However, the exact teeth whitening time depends on the severity of stains on your teeth. 

What Does In-office Teeth Whitening Procedure Involve?

Here’s an overview of what you can expect during a professional teeth whitening procedure –

1. Dental Examination:

Before undergoing any teeth whitening procedure, your dentist will examine your teeth and gums (it may include an X-ray) to ensure they are healthy and suitable for the treatment. 

2. Pre-treatment Cleaning:

Your dentist will clean your teeth to remove any plaque, tartar, or debris that may interfere with the whitening process.

3. Shade Matching:

The dentist may use a shade guide to determine the current color of your teeth and establish a baseline for comparison after the treatment.

4. Protection for Soft Tissues:

To protect your gums, lips, and other soft tissues in your mouth, a barrier or gel will be applied. It prevents the whitening agent from contacting these areas.

5. Application of Whitening Agent:

The dentist will apply a professional-grade whitening agent to your teeth. The whitening agent usually incorporates carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide, which help break down stains and discoloration.

6. Activation of Whitening Agent:

Depending on the type of whitening system being used, a special light or laser may be used to activate the whitening agent and enhance its effectiveness. Alternatively, some systems use whitening trays that are custom-fit to your teeth and can be worn for a specific period.

7. Multiple Sessions:

In some cases, the whitening agent may need to be reapplied and activated several times during the same appointment to achieve the desired results. Each session typically lasts around 15-20 minutes.

8. Post-treatment Evaluation:

Once the desired level of whitening has been achieved, the dentist will evaluate the results. They may compare the current shade of your teeth with the baseline shade recorded earlier.

Your dentist will provide you with post-treatment care instructions at the end. It may include avoiding certain foods and beverages that can stain the teeth, maintaining good oral hygiene practices, and scheduling regular dental check-ups.

What Causes Teeth to Become Discolored or Stained?

There are various reasons why teeth can become discolored or stained. Some common causes are –

• Consuming stain causing foods and drinks, such as coffee, tea, or red wine.
• Smoking or using tobacco products.
• Poor dental hygiene and inadequate brushing and flossing.
• Aging, as teeth naturally darken over time.
• Certain medications, such as tetracycline antibiotics or antihistamines.
• Excessive fluoride intake during tooth development.
• Dental trauma or injury to the teeth.
• Genetic factors or certain medical conditions.
• Enamel erosion due to acidic foods and beverages.

These factors can significantly affect the appearance of teeth. Expert teeth whitening by Plano dentists in a clinic may help whiten your teeth up to some extent irrespective of the causes. 

Contact Us Today To Brighten And Whiten Your Smile-

Say goodbye to stained teeth and hello to a brighter, more confident smile. Get professional teeth whitening at Pinnacle Dental Plano. Our expert dentist is here to help you achieve your desired aesthetics. Call Us Today to get a smile that radiates beauty and confidence.