Professional teeth whitening is a dental procedure that brightens the color of your teeth. It uses a powerful bleaching agent to remove stains and discoloration from teeth. Unlike over-the-counter teeth whitening products, professional teeth whitening procedures are performed under the supervision of a dentist and are more effective.
There are two main types of professional teeth whitening procedures that dentists typically offer:
- In-office teeth whitening is a more concentrated and powerful treatment that takes place in a dental office.
- At-home teeth whitening involves using a custom-made whitening tray you wear at home for a certain period.
Over-the-counter teeth whitening products, such as whitening toothpaste, whitening strips, or a teeth whitening pen, don’t offer the same results as professional treatments. They can also cause harm to your teeth. If you’re considering a whitening solution, consulting with our Madison dental professional at (256) 772-2626 is advisable.
Benefits of Teeth Whitening at Madison Dental Care
Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental procedure that allows patients to experience many benefits. At Madison Dental Care, our patients experience advantages, including:
- Improved appearance
- Affordable treatment
- Minimally invasive
- Enhanced self-esteem
- Safe procedure
- Quick results
- Versatile options
- Customizable
- Reduced tooth surface stains
The Teeth Whitening Treatment Process at Madison Dental Care
When you visit our Madison dental office for teeth whitening treatments, here’s what you can anticipate during the whitening process:
Initial Consultation
You will have the opportunity to meet with one of our experienced dentists—Dr. Burgess, Dr. Roth, or Dr. Randall—who will conduct a thorough evaluation of your oral health. During this assessment, they will carefully examine your teeth and gums, discuss your dental history, and consider any existing conditions. Based on this comprehensive evaluation, they will determine whether tooth whitening is a suitable and safe option for you.
Teeth Cleaning
Before proceeding with the teeth whitening procedure, our skilled dental professionals will conduct a comprehensive cleaning of your teeth. This meticulous cleaning process involves the removal of plaque, tartar, and surface stains, ensuring that your teeth are in optimal condition for the whitening treatment. By thoroughly preparing your teeth, we help to maximize the effectiveness of the whitening agents, leading to a brighter and more radiant smile.
Protection
To ensure optimal protection during the tooth whitening process, we will carefully place a barrier, typically using a rubber dam or a specialized protective gel, around the gums. This barrier serves to shield the delicate gum tissue from the potentially irritating effects of tooth-whitening agents, safeguarding against sensitivity and chemical exposure.
Whitening Agent Application
A high-concentration peroxide gel is then meticulously applied to the teeth during the whitening procedure. This specialized whitening gel contains a significantly higher percentage of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide compared to over-the-counter whitening products, such as common teeth whitening strips. These professional-strength gels are formulated to penetrate the enamel and effectively break down deep-set stains, resulting in a more noticeable and dramatic whitening effect.
Activation
Certain whitening systems utilize advanced technologies, such as a specialized light or laser, to activate the peroxide gel applied to the teeth. This activation process significantly amplifies the gel’s bleaching effect, allowing for a more effective and expedited whitening experience. The light or laser works by penetrating the enamel, effectively breaking down the peroxide molecules and facilitating a deeper and more uniform whitening of the tooth surface.
Rinse
After the desired shade is achieved, or once the maximum time has been reached, our dentist will rinse off the gel. Caring for your newly whitened teeth is essential to maintain results.
Maintaining Your Teeth Whitening Results
After your professional teeth whitening treatment, you’ll want to take extra care of your teeth to support long-lasting results. Our dentists at Madison Dental Care may advise the following:
- Avoid Staining Foods and Beverages: Stay away from coffee, tea, red wine, and other substances that can cause discoloration, especially in the first 48 hours.
- Avoid Acidic Foods and Drinks: Acids can weaken tooth enamel, making it more prone to stains.
- No Smoking: Smoking is a major cause of tooth staining.
- Brush Gently: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid damaging enamel.
- Rinse with Water After Meals: This helps remove food particles and acids.
- Limit Alcohol Consumption: Some alcoholic beverages can contribute to staining.
- Use a Straw: When drinking staining beverages, use a straw to minimize contact with your teeth.
- Consider Touch-Up Whitening Treatments: Periodic touch-up treatments can help maintain your bright smile.
- Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brush twice a day and floss daily.
- Schedule Regular Dental Visits: Routine checkups and dental cleanings are essential for oral health.
