When it comes to improving the appearance of your smile, nothing offers results quite as stunning as professional in-office teeth whitening. It’s a quick treatment that rejuvenates teeth in just one appointment. Your Castle Rock WA dentist is happy to offer this treatment to patients who are dealing with dark, dingy teeth — but how does in-office teeth whitening work? And how can you make teeth whitening last? Keep reading to find the answers to these and other important questions from the team at Cowlitz River Dental!
How Does In-Office Teeth Whitening Work?
Because it provides incredible results in just one visit to the dentist, professional in-office teeth whitening is often the preferred choice for adults who are preparing for a big upcoming event — like a wedding or reunion. To perform the whitening treatment, your dentist will apply a special covering to protect your gums, lips, cheeks, and tongue during the procedure. Then, the powerful gel will be mixed and applied to your teeth. After a timed exposure, the gel and covering barrier are rinsed away and the procedure is complete. Your smile has never looked more fantastic!
What About Professional At-Home Teeth Whitening?
Another great way to whiten your teeth is at home with professional appliances and liquid. This option is often the preferred choice for those who want a more gentle method and have plenty of time to get their teeth their whitest. With this method, you place a few drops of whitening liquid in professionally fitted appliances (trays) and wear them for half of an hour to an hour daily for as many days as you wish. This gives you control over how white you want your teeth to be. Another important advantage is that you can easily whiten again whenever you feel you need a little “touch up.” Professional at-home whitening has become the most popular option at Cowlitz River Dental in Castle Rock, WA.
Does Teeth Whitening Increase My Tooth Sensitivity?
It is important to be aware of the possibility of tooth sensitivity. The great thing about professional teeth whitening is that when you complete the treatment under the careful watch of your dentist, we can keep sensitivity in mind. Just let us know when you experience any discomfort and we’ll discontinue the whitening process immediately. Or, elect to bleach at home and simply stop for a few days at the first sign of sensitivity. But the good news is that today’s options with professional teeth whitening are associated with less sensitivity than ever before.
How Can I Make My Teeth Whitening Last?
After you’ve seen how great your smile looks with teeth whitening, we know you’ll want to maximize your results for as long as possible. How can you do that? By watching what you expose your teeth to, for one thing. Avoid highly pigmented foods and beverages, like coffee, red wine, and ripe berries. Rinse your mouth with water or bite into something crunchy (like a fresh apple or piece of celery) after consuming anything you think can lead to staining.
We can also provide you with custom appliances and bleaching liquid to use at home whenever you feel you need a “touch up.”
Isn’t Over-the-Counter Whitening Just As Good?
We know there are a multitude of teeth whitening options available over-the-counter — but when it comes to your smile, it’s always best to trust a professional. Nothing offers results as bright as what you’ll receive with a professional whitening treatment, and your smile is anything but one-size-fits-all. For the best, safest, most effective whitening, choose a professional treatment.
How Can I Get Started With Teeth Whitening?
Are you ready to reveal your brightest, whitest smile? Don’t wait to get in touch with Cowlitz River Dental in Castle Rock, WA. Request your appointment online today!