If you want a brighter, whiter smile, you have two options to achieve your goal—an at-home kit or a dentist. It may be tempting to buy a convenient drugstore whitening kit, but dentists offer safer and more effective options. Modern Smiles shares why dentists are a better alternative to over-the-counter whitening kits and what to expect during and after your whitening session.
WHY ARE DENTISTS A BETTER OPTION FOR TEETH WHITENING? 
Dentists offer faster, more reliable results than OTC kits and strips by using stronger ingredients. Your dentist will monitor your progress to ensure your teeth lighten to your desired level, which is hard to achieve on your own. If you accidentally over-whiten your teeth or leave OTC products on too long, you can damage your enamel. Your dentist can also properly protect your gums. With an at-home kit, you risk burning or bleaching your gums.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING A WHITENING SESSION?
A whitening session will last roughly 60 to 90 minutes. To prepare for the whitening treatment, your dentist will polish your teeth to remove any surface plaque. Then your dentist will keep your teeth dry with gauze and use a retractor to keep your lips and tongue away from the solution. To protect your gums, your dentist will place a barrier along the gum line. Once the whitening solution is applied, it will stay on for 30 minutes to an hour, and some products will require a light or laser. Your dentist will rinse the product off once your teeth have reached your desired shade of white or the solution has sat for the maximum amount of time allowed. If your teeth are not as white as you’d like, you will schedule a follow-up appointment.
DO I NEED TO DO ANYTHING TO PREPARE FOR MY TEETH WHITENING?
Keeping your mouth clean and healthy is the best way to prepare for your whitening appointment because the treatments work best on tartar and plaque-free teeth. If you suffer from tooth sensitivity, your dentist may have you use special toothpaste for two weeks before your appointment.
WHAT IS IN THE SOLUTION USED TO WHITEN MY TEETH?
There are several whitening solutions on the market. Your dentist may use a treatment with Carbamide Peroxide, Potassium Nitrate Fluoride, or Hydrogen Peroxide.
WILL WHITENING CAUSE TOOTH OR GUM PAIN?
Whitening can cause sensitivity to your teeth and gums, but the amount of sensitivity varies from person to person. An over-the-counter pain reliever will usually help with any pain or discomfort you may experience. Talk to your dentist before your procedure about ways to avoid sensitivity. If you’re prone to sensitivity, your dentist will adjust the strength of the solution and the amount of time it sits on your teeth.
WHAT SHOULD I DO AFTER MY APPOINTMENT?
For at least 24 hours, avoid foods and drinks that can stain your teeth, such as spaghetti, coffee, and wine. Also, do not use any tobacco products during that time.
HOW LONG WILL THE WHITENING TREATMENT LAST?
Results can last for several months to a year, depending on your diet and lifestyle. Dentists only recommend in-office whitening once a year to protect your enamel. In between visits, it’s up to you to maintain good dental care habits and avoid staining foods and tobacco.
If you would like to have the beautiful, white smile of your dreams, contact Modern Smiles. Let one of our outstanding cosmetic dentists work with you to find the perfect option to whiten your teeth. Schedule your appointment today!