Professional teeth whitening is the use of professional-grade bleaching agents to remove years of stains from the tooth enamel and dentin layers of the teeth, giving them a whiter and brighter appearance. Having teeth whitening performed in a dental office produces better results than over-the-counter products, and can be done in a much quicker amount of time, in many cases in as little as a single visit.
Did You Know?
Foods and beverages contain different colored pigments. Since tooth enamel is highly porous, or absorbent, this means that it absorbs these colored pigments and becomes stained over time.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Am I a candidate for teeth whitening?
You may be a candidate for teeth whitening if your teeth are dull, yellowish, or otherwise stained. However, ideal candidates for teeth whitening procedures also have generally healthy teeth and gums. Individuals who are pregnant, who smoke, or who are sensitive to bleaching agents, on the other hand, may not be an ideal candidate. To determine if you are an ideal candidate, schedule a consultation with one of our dentists at Jowett & Lewis Family Dentistry today.
What can I expect when having my teeth professionally whitened at Jowett & Lewis Family Dentistry?
During your teeth whitening procedure, our dentist will first ensure that your mouth is in generally good health. Any tooth decay must be treated before applying the bleaching agent to your teeth and your gums must not be showing signs of irritation. Once this has been done, your teeth will then be cleaned to remove plaque and tartar, in order to create a smooth foundation for the whitening agent to be applied.
Then, the bleaching agents are applied to the surface of the teeth and left in place for several minutes so that they can be absorbed by the enamel and dentin layers. After about 20-25 minutes have passed, the whitening agent will be thoroughly rinsed from your teeth with water or a specialized mouthwash designed for whitening procedures.
What can I expect after having my teeth whitened at Jowett & Lewis Family Dentistry?
You may experience some mild side effects after having your teeth whitened, including temporary tooth sensitivity and/or mild gum irritation. These effects are usually very minor, however, and can quickly resolve themselves.
After about 48 hours, your teeth will appear whiter and brighter than they were before you had the procedure. Typically, patients find that their teeth remain about three to four shades lighter than before for up to five years on average.
