The purpose of cosmetic dentistry is to help patients achieve a smile that they can feel proud to show off. Perhaps the most common cosmetic dentistry procedure is in-office, professional teeth whitening. This article discusses what teeth whitening is and when it may be recommended as a part of a cosmetic dentistry treatment plan.
The following is everything to know about teeth whitening to reach your cosmetic dentistry goals, including what it is exactly, what takes place during a procedure, how professional treatment compares to store-bought kits, and how to keep teeth white after each whitening procedure.
Teeth whitening is a non-invasive and effective way to brighten teeth by up to eight shades. In-office whitening is performed by a dental professional to minimize the risk of any damage to tooth enamel or gums.
A teeth whitening procedure takes place comfortably in the dentist's office. The patient sits in the dental chair and after the teeth are cleaned and rinsed, the dentist or hygienist protects the gums and applies a whitening agent. The whitening agent is left on the surface of teeth for approximately half an hour. If necessary, the dentist may recommend repeating the treatment process until the desired results are achieved.
A frequently asked question dentists receive is how in-office whitening compares to store-bought whitening kits. The fact is the results for professional, in-office teeth whitening are much more reliable and long-lasting than those from store-bought whitening kits. Professional whitening can brighten teeth by as much as eight shades, and the results typically last for more than a year, whereas the results of store-bought kits are less effective and only last a couple of months in most cases.
Dentists recommend teeth whitening for patients that have healthy enamel but have mild to moderate stains. For severe stains, the dentist may recommend veneers, depending on the patient’s preferences and budget. However, many patients are able to achieve their desired results with in-office teeth whitening.
The results of teeth whitening should last for more than a year. However, the duration of the results depends largely on how well the patient cares for their teeth. Regular dental cleaning visits every four to six months are a great way to keep teeth stain-free. Additionally, it is important to brush, floss, and use mouthwash properly between dental visits as well, along with making smart dietary choices and avoiding dental trauma.
It can help to have as much information as possible before proceeding with a cosmetic dentistry treatment plan that includes professional, in-office teeth whitening. The following are three common questions that dentists receive about professional teeth whitening for a brighter and more attractive smile.
Teeth whitening, along with other procedures that are primarily for cosmetic purposes, is not usually covered by dental insurance policies because it is not deemed medically necessary the same way repairing a broken tooth would be. With that said, professional, in-office teeth whitening is typically a more affordable procedure, and the results should last for more than a year.
Dental cavities are not necessarily a disqualifier for professional teeth whitening. However, most cosmetic dentists will recommend treating the cavities before proceeding with professional teeth whitening. During the first visit, the dentist and the patient can arrange a schedule that addresses all oral health needs as well as the patient’s cosmetic goals.
Professional teeth whitening can brighten the patient’s smile by as much as 10 shades in certain cases. This means that teeth whitening may work for even some of the more severe cases of dental stains. However, there are instances where teeth whitening can not adequately help the patient reach their goals if the stains are too severe. In this case, dental veneers may be a more appropriate treatment solution.
You can schedule a visit for teeth whitening by calling our office today. We believe everyone should have a smile that makes them feel confident, and we are here to help all of our patients meet their goals as well as maintain good oral health.
Request an appointment here: https://www.simplysmilesdentist.com or call Simply Smiles Dentistry at (520) 368-3351 for an appointment in our Tucson office.
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