Are you looking for a quick and effective way to whiten your teeth and feel confident in your smile again? Professional teeth whitening services is the way to go.

It's performed under the guidance of a dentist. It has become increasingly popular among people tired of OTC whitening products. Or they don't want the hassle of an at-home whitening kit.

There are both advantages and disadvantages to teeth whitening. It's best to consult your dentist before trying an at-home teeth whitening kit to ensure you make the right decision.

Dentistry teeth whitening can help you get brighter teeth faster. The whitening solution used in a professional whitening kit is typically much stronger than the bleaching solution used in at-home kits. Heat, light, or a combination of both can speed up and intensify the process.

Here, we'll walk through what to expect when you allow dentists in Largo, FL, to perform your teeth whitening treatment. Keep reading to learn more.

Preparing For Your Teeth Whitening Services

Before you get your teeth whitened, it's important to take a few steps to make sure your gums and teeth are in good shape. Visit the dentist if you haven't had an appointment in at least six months. You also want to let the dentist's office know you want to regain your healthy and beautiful smile.

Like any other dental procedure, you must ensure your mouth and gums are healthy before whitening your teeth. Going to the dentist for a check-up can help your dentist spot and treat issues early.

Eating and Flossing

When getting your teeth whitened, it's recommended that you not eat prior to the appointment. If you must eat, make sure you do so 30 minutes or more before your appointment because eating can soften your enamel.

You should also brush and floss after your meal. Remember, whether you're getting your teeth whitened or getting another cosmetic dentistry procedure, you should prioritize brushing and flossing every day. 

Prior Dental Restoration Treatment

If you've had dental restorations, like a crown or a veneer, discuss any implications that teeth whitening treatments can cause. Discuss with your dentist whether your veneer or crown will change colors.

Your purpose for having the teeth whitening treatment could be because your teeth have gotten yellow since you got them. You aim to bring them back to the same shade as your restorations.

In case your restorations match the shade of your current teeth, or if you want to whiten them more than that shade, you should plan to replace them after you whiten your teeth. That way, your restorations won't look like an odd yellow tooth compared to your new bright teeth.

If you have any questions or concerns about picking a shade or what your restorations will look like in your mouth after your whitening treatment, don't hesitate to talk to your dentist.

How Does Professional Teeth Whitening Work? 

Getting your teeth whitened in the dentist's office isn't too complicated. The benefit of professional teeth whitening is it provides the skill necessary to avoid damaging the gingival area.  Plus, they have the right equipment to get the job done.

The process usually takes between an hour and an hour and a half.

Before the Process Starts

The dentist will take a picture of your teeth to track their appearance. Then, they'll polish your teeth with a grainy pumice material to remove any plaque.

Your mouth will be kept dry with gauze, and you may need a retractor to keep your lips, tongue, and cheeks away from the solution. After that, a barrier will be put along your gumline to keep it from being exposed to the solution.

Applying the Teeth Whitening Treatment

Finally, you'll be given a whitening solution that's only on the front surface of your teeth. The solution will stay on your teeth for 30-60 minutes, depending on the brand. Depending on how the teeth respond to the treatment, it may need to be reapplied to gain the intended results.

You'll rinse your teeth once you've reached the shade you want. You can also use a fluoride application to help reduce sensitivity, which is usually a side effect.

You may need to return if the initial treatment didn't reach the desired shade. This does not mean the process was ineffective. Results often reflect the level of discoloration on the teeth's surface and the cause.

What Happens Next?

After the teeth whitening appointment, make sure you don't eat or drink anything with a lot of pigments in it for at least a day. Foods with pigment that can disrupt the process include the following:

• Coffee
• Tea
• Tomato sauce
• Tomato juice
• Yellow mustard
• Beets
• Black grapes
• Candy
• White and red wine
• Sports drinks

You'll also want to avoid smoking and using tobacco products. 

It's important to note that over time tobacco stains can erode the enamel on the hard outer layer of your teeth. The erosion can cause the dentin, which is the softer layer under the enamel, to show through and make your teeth look more yellow. Eventually, these stains can also cause gum disease if the problem isn't addressed.

Going Forward

Teeth whitening isn't a one-and-done treatment. You'll need to invest in touch-up teeth whitening treatments for the ultimate effect. Continued care offers a better chance of keeping your teeth white.

How often you need to schedule whitening appointments depends on your lifestyle and how fast your teeth begin to show new discolorations. Generally, getting a whitening treatment at least once a year is suggested.

By sticking to these tips, you'll be able to keep your teeth white for a long time instead of just a couple of months.

Do You Need Cosmetic Dentistry?

Pinellas County residents needing teeth whitening services can find some of the best dental professionals in Largo, FL. Bardmoor Family Dental is a family dentist practice offering services from simple check-ups to oral surgery.

We're accepting new patients. When you call, let us know if you need professional teeth whitening or other cosmetic dentistry.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment.