Professional teeth whitening treatments are monitored by dental professionals, ensuring the procedure is as safe as it can possibly be. While there are some potential side effects, most patients do not experience any notable discomfort or harmful side effects after professional teeth whitening from a licensed dentist.
There are different types of teeth whitening. There are store-bought kits, although they often prove unsafe or ineffective. For professional teeth whitening, dentists can provide either a take-home kit or perform an in-office professional teeth whitening procedure. Visiting a dentist for treatment is the safest and most effective way to brighten your smile.
For in-office whitening, the process involves using a lip retractor and dental dam to isolate the visible enamel. A whitening gel is placed over the visible enamel and a dental light that activates the whitening gel is placed over the teeth. It is left there for approximately twenty minutes before the whitening gel is removed. If the desired results are not achieved, then the dental professional can reapply the whitening gel until the patient is satisfied with the new color shade of their teeth.
Teeth whitening is a safe and non-invasive procedure. However, there are always potential side effects with any form of treatment. The potential side effects of professional teeth whitening are increased teeth sensitivity and gum irritation. This is most notably reported in patients that have weakened dental enamel or that use at-home whitening kits rather than choosing an in-office teeth whitening procedure.
Most patients that have extrinsic teeth stains are eligible for teeth whitening. This refers to stains that do not extend to the deeper layers of the tooth. Also, patients should have realistic expectations about the results they can achieve from professional teeth whitening. The ideal candidate is also willing to care for their smile after treatment.
Patients that have weakened or eroded enamel may not be eligible for professional teeth whitening. Also, patients that have intrinsic teeth stains (rather than extrinsic) are also not ideal candidates for treatment. This occurs when the stains extend deeper past the enamel and stain other layers of the tooth. The best way to treat these stains is through dental veneers, dental bonding, or dental crowns.
The best way to minimize the risk of complications is to choose a reputable dentist for treatment. They can ensure optimal safety and quality of treatment by dealing with any potential concerns that could increase the risk of side effects.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Teeth Whitening in McLean, VA
Are you ready to improve your smile by removing discoloration and achieving a whiter shade? If so, then connect with our friendly and professional dental team today to schedule a teeth whitening consultation. We ensure optimal safety for the whitening treatment and can answer any questions you have along your journey to a brighter smile.
Request an appointment or call Oak Tree Dental at 703-763-5239 for an appointment in our McLean office.
Though it is possible to find teeth whitening products at major retailers and pharmacies, whitening will be more successful when done by a professional dentist. There are a number of things on the market, such as strips, trays, pens, and more, and though these are affordable at-home services, the results are drastically different from professional…
Teeth whitening treatments get you whiter teeth in as little as 60 minutes. These treatments are performed under the supervision of a dentist, and the American Academy for Cosmetic Dentistry states a treatment session can improve the color of a person’s teeth by up to eight shades.Over-the-counter teeth whitening alternatives typically provide a cheaper alternative,…
Teeth whitening treatments can get you the pearly set of white teeth you have always wanted. It is an effective way to get rid of most types of stains and discoloration like those caused by the coloring agents in the things you eat and drink, habits like smoking, and the yellowing effect of aging on…
A missing tooth due to an accident or gum disease can lead to embarrassment and oral health challenges. A partial denture for one missing tooth is an excellent option for anyone who wants a fast and affordable way to fill a gap between teeth. Unfortunately, misinformation about partial dentures can prevent dental patients from making…
While it might not seem that common, receiving a partial denture for one missing tooth is a solution that is well-known among dental professionals. According to the American Dental Association, the average person between 20 and 64 years of age has three or more missing teeth. This can happen for reasons such as serious decay,…