Shabani Dental – What to Expect During a Teeth Whitening Session

A person’s smile is one of the first things others notice about them. This is a social fact that everyone knows but no one really talks about. The end result is that people with perfect smiles tend to have more confidence than those who have stained and discolored teeth.

This used to be something you were stuck with if your genetics or lifetime habits gradually showed up in your enamel. But now, there are hundreds of whitening options available to fit any budget.

Although these products have come a long way, using the wrong whitener can damage your teeth and gums. For your safety and for the most impactful results, the best whitening treatment is found at the dentist’s office.

At Shabani Dental, our staff uses the highest quality products with innovative equipment. You could see results after one professional teeth whitening service!

When you’re ready to change your life by improving your smile, here is what you need to know about the steps in a dentist’s teeth whitening service.

First, You Need a Check-Up

Teeth bleaching at a dentist’s office is the expert-recommended way to lighten your teeth. It’s not because what we do is so much different than an at-home treatment. It’s because we are trained in what could go wrong and how to avoid it, and because our products are of the highest quality.

No matter what kind of whitening product you use, it is made from chemicals. The active ingredient in most products is a form of hydrogen peroxide. The American Dental Association approves hydrogen peroxide at certain levels as safe. But not all products are created from quality ingredients.

What We Look For Before a Whitening Treatment

You should never use a whitener without knowing what’s going on in your mouth under the surface first. The first step to a professional bleaching treatment is a regular dental exam. We’ll look for problems that might be hidden but could be aggravated by a bleaching agent, such as:

• Chips or cracks in a tooth that the chemicals could irritate
• Cavities
• The beginning signs (or more advanced) of gum disease

All of these problems need to be corrected before you put any type of harsh chemical in your mouth. You might not know they exist, but if you add a whitener to your enamel, you’ll probably feel the effects fast, and it won’t be enjoyable!

But your safety is our first goal, so as part of the teeth whitening before and after protocols, a check-up is number one. The next step is scheduling your appointment!

Getting Ready For Your Appointment

The day of your appointment shouldn’t be too much different than a typical day, except it’s more exciting! It’s the day your smile is going to become the one of your dreams, helping you radiate confidence.

Two common questions most people ask include: “Should I brush my teeth before whitening?” and “How do they whiten your teeth at the dentist?”

This short guide will answer those questions, so you know what to expect and how to prepare.

Brush and floss as you normally would, but don’t stress too much about it. Once you’re checked in, you’ll see our hygienist. There, you’ll have a regular professional tooth cleaning. This is necessary to give the bleaching agent a clean surface to work with.

The Teeth Whitening Process

Now, we get to the exciting part!

Whiteners, no matter what kind they are, work the same way. Your enamel is made of multiple layers. The layer that we work with in a teeth whitening service is called dentin. It’s the layer that determines your tooth color. To change it, the bleaching agent opens the pores in the dentin and slides into them.

Gradually, the bleach absorbs into the dentin and lightens the shade. This part is where the caution is necessary. If the whitener isn’t made from high-quality ingredients or stays on too long, it can damage your enamel and gums.

At Shabani Dental, we’re trained in this process. Between the expert knowledge our staff has and the top-of-the-line products and equipment, your mouth is safe in our hands!

To start the process, we’ll put a retractor in your mouth to keep your lips and cheeks away from the whitener. Then, we’ll use a gel over your gums to protect the area from the active ingredients in the bleaching agent.

After that, the whitener is applied. The goal is to keep the chemicals on your teeth for as minimal a time as possible. To maximize the results and limit your contact with the bleach, a special light is used. The bleach reacts to the light by opening the pores wider and absorbing into them faster.

The end result is incredibly whiter teeth in as little as one visit!

How to Keep Your Pearly Whites White

The whitening treatment is the easy part. It might take a few visits to get your teeth to the level of whiteness you’re satisfied with. This depends on how severe the discoloration was in the beginning. But once you’re happy, you’ll want to keep your white smile as long as possible!

The dentist will talk to you about the importance of watching what you eat and drink right after your teeth whitening service.

Remember how the bleaching agent enlarged the pores in your dentin to work? Those pores stay open for about 48 hours after the treatment. It’s easy to restain them and ruin the results of the treatment. To prevent that, there are some things you should avoid eating, drinking, and doing when you leave. As long as you follow the aftercare instructions, your teeth should stay white.

In the long-term, though, part of what determines the color of your teeth is how well you care for them. Follow good oral health habits, like brushing twice a day and flossing daily. Visit the dentist for your regular check-ups to take care of any problems early.

When you’re ready to enjoy life with a whiter, brighter smile, contact us at Shabani Dental. Our expert staff will get you scheduled and answer any questions you have. We’re ready to help you boost your self-esteem and see what life is like when you can dazzle the room with your grin!