9 Frequently Asked Questions About Professional Teeth Whitening (Answered by a Dallas Teeth Whitening Dentist)

Welcome back to the DDS Dental blog, where Dallas dentist Dr. Juan Diaz discusses topics relating to oral health.

This post is all about addressing the common questions on professional teeth whitening.

Over 45 million Americans (roughly 14% of the U.S. population) have had their teeth professionally whitened, making teeth whitening services one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures in the United States. With so many people seeking out these services, you, too, might be interested in setting up a consultation.  

But teeth whitening has its fair share of critics, since some whitening methods can be damaging for your teeth and gums, especially if not done by a licensed professional. In this article, Dallas teeth whitening expert, Dr. Juan Diaz DDS, discusses available options and answers some common questions about in-office professional teeth whitening services.  

1. How do you get your teeth white?

There are several things you can do to achieve whiter teeth, but they each have their pros and cons. While you can use toothpaste and other over-the-counter goods, these products can be abrasive and harm your teeth over time.

At home whitening kits contain similar chemicals to professional teeth whitening services, but they are in much lower concentrations, because without a custom-tailored tray, the chemicals can burn your gums.

Finally, there is professional teeth whitening services, where a course of treatment is assessed by your health professional.

2. Does professional teeth whitening work any better than at home kits?

Yes! In fact, the best advantage of professional teeth whitening versus at home whitening has everything to do with the results you get. While over-the-counter kits use similar ingredients to whiten your teeth, the products are not personalized enough to guarantee that the material will not make contact with your gums. Since the materials can burn your gums, these over-the-counter kits contain a much weaker concentration of active whitening ingredients.

Professional teeth whitening, on the other hand, employs methods, like custom rubber dams, to make sure that the active ingredient only make contact with your teeth.  Unlike whitening toothpastes, which use more abrasive ingredients that can damage your teeth over time, professional whitening services use ingredients that are much healthier on your teeth.   

Even if you aren’t getting results with at home teeth whitening kits, you will get results with professional teeth whitening because the concentration of active ingredients is far higher.

3. How many shades whiter will my teeth be after professional teeth whitening?

With professional teeth whitening, you can achieve teeth up to eight times whiter, but results vary based on a number of factors, including how healthy your teeth are to begin with. Your dentist will need to look at your teeth and determine whether you’re a good candidate, as well as let you know what kind of results you should expect.

4. How long does professional teeth whitening last?

No teeth whitening treatment is permanent, largely because several foods and beverages we consume will stain our teeth over time. You may need a touch up every few months to years, depending on whether you smoke, or if you frequently consume things such as coffee or wine, which are known to stain teeth. 

5. What is the best professional teeth whitening method?

Professional teeth whitening services come in two main forms. The first is done by applying hydrogen peroxide with a professional teeth whitening gel pen or syringe. The second is by applying hydrogen peroxide in combination with a special laser. While one study found the laser to enhance the results of hydrogen peroxide treatments, other studies have shown no benefit of adding a laser treatment.

6. Does professional teeth whitening hurt?

It is normal to experience tooth sensitivity while whitening your teeth, but once the treatment period is over, the sensitivity will subside. 

7. What is the best professional teeth whitening for sensitive teeth?

Since the active ingredients used in professional teeth whitening are similar, regardless of how they are applies, the best option is to go with a quality dentist, who can assess the health of your teeth and help you determine the best way to proceed. This may involve taking a gentler approach or being flexible about your desired level of whitening.

8. How long does professional teeth whitening take?

Professional teeth whitening duration depends on your desired results, but normally takes at least two dental visits. During the initial visit, your dentist will assess the health of your teeth, discuss how many shades whiter you intend to go, and create an impression (mold) of your teeth to create custom clear plastic trays.

At the second appointment, you will make sure that the trays fit and then be given a special whitening solution that you will apply as directed for as long as your treatment period lasts.  

9. How can I find professional teeth whitening near me?

If you search for "professional teeth whitening near me" on Google, search results will probably be based primarily on your geographic location. But if you're looking for the best professional teeth whitening, then you should search for highly rated dentists offering cosmetic dental services.

Diaz Dental Studio: Your Go-To for Dallas Teeth Whitening

Dr. Diaz is a highly experienced and detail-oriented dentist who specializes in treating even the challenging dental cases. As a Dallas teeth whitening professional, he knows how to apply treatments that can give you noticeable results in just minutes.

 Call our dental office today or visit our website to schedule your consultation.

References:

Fletcher, Victoria. “Lure of the All American Super White Smile.” Raconteur. https://www.raconteur.net/healthcare/dental-health/lure-of-the-all-american-white-smile/.

Shinde, Emily. “Professional Teeth Whitening: Everything You Need to Know.” Forbes Health. https://www.forbes.com/health/body/professional-teeth-whitening-guide/.

“How Many Shades Whiter Will My Teeth Become After Teeth Whitening?” Dental Restorative Group. https://dentalrestorativegroup.com/how-many-shades-whiter-will-my-teeth-become-after-teeth-whitening/.