Teeth Whitening is a Popular Cosmetic Dentistry Procedure

Considering professional teeth whitening services? General dentists not only offer primary dental services, but some also offer cosmetic ones too. A popular cosmetic procedure that general dentists regularly provide is teeth whitening. 

Why choose professional whitening services

While over the counter teeth whitening options are available, these generic options are limited in their ability to whiten one’s teeth properly and safely. Because of this, visiting a general dentist for a professional treatment is considered to be optimal. Those who choose to undergo professional teeth whitening can feel confident that they will receive the personalized treatments they need to have an attractive white, bright smile. 

General dentists not only provide personalized care, but also ensure that the procedure is carried out safely and properly, thus ensuring optimal results. 

How general dentists perform cosmetic teeth whitening

The information below explains what dentists do in order to provide their patients with personalized teeth whitening treatment.

Prepping the teeth

Cleaning the teeth to remove any existing plaque or debris is necessary to prep for the teeth whitening procedure. This helps to ensure that the whitening gel reaches all areas of a tooth, allowing for effective results. Patients can choose the shade of white they want from a guide, allowing them to essentially design their new smile. The dentist will make recommendations and provide guidance. 

Placing the whitening gel

Next, a special dental tool is inserted into the patient's mouth in order to easily expose all of their teeth. A special dental resin is applied to the gums in order to protect them from any potential irritation. Then the whitening gel is applied directly to the teeth, which needs to stay on for a certain amount of time, e.g., 15 minutes, 30 minutes. Some patients will need the whitening gel reapplied throughout their whitening treatment. A special dental light will then be used to activate the whitening gel. It also improves the overall whitening process.

The last step

Once the dentist has determined that the patient has reached their ideal tooth shade, the dental tool will be removed so the patient can rinse their mouth. It tends to take a couple of days for patients to experience the full results, which can last upwards of one year.

For patients who experience any level of tooth sensitivity, it can be helpful to know that it goes away within a day or two. In the meantime, it is best to avoid any foods and drinks that are either hot or cold in order to keep sensitivity at a minimum while waiting for their new white smile to set in.

Learn more about teeth whitening

Interested in signing up for professional teeth whitening services? Now that the above information has been read, it should be understood that a general dentist can provide patients with safe and long-term teeth whitening results through cosmetic dentistry practices. To find out more or to set up an appointment, reach out today. 

Are you considering undergoing teeth whitening services in the Bowie area? Get more information at https://www.gatewaydental.org.

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