It’s no wonder that teeth whitening has become so popular over the past few years. After all, whitening your teeth is one of the fastest, easiest ways to brighten your smile. There is a huge variety of over-the-counter whitening products available, but before you spend the money on any OTC product, you should know that professional whitening services provided by your dentist are much more effective than any product you can buy in a drugstore or supermarket. If you haven’t had your teeth professionally whitened before, here are a few FAQs that can help you decide whether or not it’s the right choice for you.
Q: Exactly how much whiter will my teeth look after the procedure?
A: This will vary depending on how stained your teeth are and what type of product your dentist uses, but generally speaking having your teeth professionally whitened will make a dramatic difference. Your teeth will probably be at least 4 or 5 shades whiter than they are now, and possibly much more than that. Check with your dentist for more information about what kind of results you can expect.
Q: Can the procedure be done in a single visit to the dentist?
A: Yes. No matter what whitening products your dentist uses, you can be certain that professional whitening can be completed in a single visit. The exact time required varies, but usually the procedure can be completed in between 45 and 90 minutes.
Q: Does whitening hurt?
A: Although the procedure itself does not hurt, you may experience an increased amount of sensitivity during and immediately after the procedure. This is perfectly normal and typically goes away quite soon afterwards.
Q: How often will I need to repeat the procedure to make the results last?
A: This will depend on your habits and lifestyle. If you engage in activities that easily stain your teeth – such as smoking or drinking a lot of coffee or red wine, for example – then the results won’t last as long as if you refrain from these activities. Most people elect to have their teeth professionally whitened once a year or so.
It’s important to remember that professional teeth whitening isn’t right for everyone. Whitening agents won’t work on dental restorations such as crowns and fillings, for example, so the shade of existing dental work won’t change after the procedure. If you have extremely sensitive teeth, whitening may be too uncomfortable for you. For more information about teeth whitening, and to decide whether it’s a good idea for you, talk to your dentist.
