One smile is a key to becoming more confident, getting a first-class impression and enjoying life more.

Professional Teeth Whitening is a widespread cosmetic dental procedure in the United States and this is logical.

There is such a variety of products, starting with toothpaste, strips up to the professional treatments. Choosing the best option for oneself is quite challenging.

Everything important about the teeth whitening – from the principle of operation, best methods, price, safety and some mistakes to be avoided. Useful tips from the experts that will help to keep your white smile for a long period of time. Regardless of the option chosen, whether it is a professional treatment or home remedy that is not too expensive, there are sensible recommendations based on the facts to help you make the right choice.

What Is Professional Teeth Whitening?

It is a cosmetic dental procedure that helps to lighten natural teeth’ color thanks to the elimination of stains and discoloration. Most of them contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, a substance which breaks down the molecules of stains without damaging the natural structure of the tooth.

Unlike veneers or crowns, it has no effect on the natural tooth enamel. It cannot discolor fillings, crowns, implants and veneers.

Reasons of the tooth discoloration. They are listed below.

Common Causes of Tooth Discoloration

• Coffee and tea
• Red wine
• Smoking
• Dark-colored soft drinks
• Ageing
• Some medications
• Poor oral hygiene
• Too much fluoride at the period of development of the teeth.

Knowing the source of the discoloration, it is possible to say if there is going to be a good result with the help of whitening.

How Does Professional Teeth Whitening works?

The most common products contain the ingredients with peroxide which passes through the enamel and breaks down the molecules of stains.

Both types of the stains are removed in the process:

The results seem to be faster when done under the dentist’s supervision because dentists apply more whitening agents during professional treatments.

Best Professional Teeth Whitening Options Available

It depends on the goal set, the sensitivity to the product, the speed of appearance of the result and, of course, the budget.

1. Professional In-Office Whitening

Professional teeth whitening can only be done by a licensed dentist and provides the quickest results.

Advantages

• Customized treatment
• Professional supervision
• Lower chance of gum irritation
• Good for difficult to clean stains.

Best for the following events: interviews, graduation, weddings and others

Potential Drawbacks

• Higher cost
• Tooth sensitivity
• Multiple episodes of extreme coloration.

2. Custom Whitening Trays

Your dentist can create a custom tray for your teeth.

The advantages are the following:

• Better distribution of the gel
• Less leakage
• Comfortable fit
• Professional strength whitening gel
• Gradual, natural looking improvement.

This method is widely used by dentists who want to get professional results at home.

3. Whitening Strips

Whitening strips became very popular OTC products.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Widely available
• Easy to use
• Easily clean up light stains.

Cons:

• May not cover all teeth simultaneously
• Sensitivity
• Require consistency

4. Whitening Toothpaste

The toothpaste for the whitening of the teeth has mild abrasive and polishing agents that can remove the surface stains.

It is suitable for:

• The preservation of the initial whitening effect
• Mild discoloration
• Prevention of daily stains
• Does not alter the natural color of teeth.

5. Whitening Pens

Whitening pens are very handy.

It is suitable for:

• Touch-ups
• Traveling
• Post-treatment care to preserve the results.

These products require more whitening gel than strips and trays and, as a result, take longer to work.

Professional Teeth Whitening vs At-Home Teeth Whitening

Many people get long-lasting results by using professional treatment and proper home maintenance.

How Much Professional Teeth Whitening Cost in the USA?

The prices will vary based on the treatment chosen and the geographical location.

Dental insurance usually considers whitening a cosmetic procedure and pays nothing for it.

Do not use any treatment without an estimate in writing.

Is Teeth Whitening Safe?

Tooth whitening is safe in case of the proper use and healthy teeth and gums. The safest method is the one provided by a licensed dentist.

The side effects are temporary:

• Tooth sensitivity
• Mild gum irritation
• Slight sensitivity to cold foods.

Most of the symptoms will disappear in several days.

People who must visit the dentist before the teeth whitening are the following:

• Pregnant women or women who breastfeed
• Untreated cavities
• People who have gum disease
• People who have cracks in their teeth
• People with many fillings or other dental work.

Common Mistakes That Reduce the Effectiveness of the Professional Teeth Whitening

Many people have wrong expectations that decrease the effect.

Here is a list of some common mistakes:

• Skipping the dental cleaning
• Plaque and tartar reduce the effectiveness of whitening.
• Use of products too frequently

Sometimes the more, the worse. You will become more sensitive with every session, but the result will not become better.

Ignoring the instruction

Not all the whitening products are the same and the longer usage does not always mean better results.

Expecting crowns to whiten

Crowns, fillings and veneers are not sensitive to whitening products.

Continuing staining habits

Whitening can easily be undone with coffee, smoking and red wine.

How to Keep Teeth Whitened Longer

• Smiling happily requires practice.
• Brush your teeth twice daily
• Use a fluoride toothpaste and replace your toothbrush.
• Limit the use of drinks that can cause stains
• Soda, coffee, tea and wine discolor the teeth.
• Using a straw helps to minimize the contact of the drink with the front teeth.

Rinse after eating

Rinsing with water protects teeth from the settling of the staining particles.

Schedule regular dental visits

Surface stains are the best for cleaning during the visit to the dentist, this is impossible to do with brushing alone.

Consider the occasional touch-ups

Many people manage to keep the results with occasional use of the teeth bleaching kits recommended by their dental professionals.

Does Professional Teeth Whitening Work for Everyone?

The discolored results will depend on the reason of discoloration.

Generally, whitening works best for:

• Yellow tones
• Surface stains
• Coffee stains
• Tea stains
• Tobacco stains

Will not be as effective for:

• Gray discoloration
• Some medication related stains
• Discoloration as a result of trauma
• Teeth with large restorations.

If whitening is not the right choice for you, your dentist will recommend you another option like bonding, veneers or crowns.

Choosing the Best Option of Professional Teeth Whitening

Consider the following before making a choice:

• Your budget
• The possibility of seeing the desired result.
• Tooth sensitivity
• Existing dental work
• Severity of staining
• Long-term maintenance requirements

When in doubt, a consultation with the licensed dentist will be helpful for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Can the Professional Teeth Whitening Results Be Seen?

It will be 6 months to 3 years depending on the whitening technique, smoking, diet and oral hygiene practices.

Which Method of Teeth Whitening Is More Effective – Professional or Store-Bought?

The professional treatments can provide quicker and better visible results and they will last longer due to the stronger whitening agents that are applied under the supervision of a dentist.

Is It Possible to Whiten Sensitive Teeth?

Yes. There are many products designed for sensitive teeth and the dentists can recommend personalized treatment to reduce the level of sensitivity.

Does the Whitening Affect the Tooth Enamel?

With the proper use in accordance with the instructions or under the professional supervision, whitening cannot damage the healthy tooth enamel.

Which Foods Should Be Avoided after Whitening?

The foods and drinks that have a tendency to discolor the teeth should be avoided during the first 24-48 hours after whitening, they are: coffee, tea, red wine, berries, tomato sauce, soy sauce and tobacco products.

Final Thoughts

Each of these is different and will require different methods of the Professional Teeth Whitening, depending on your preferences, budget and the state of the teeth. The professional treatment can give the best and the most immediate results while the good at-home product can give gradual results to many people at an affordable price. No matter which way you choose, proper oral hygiene, avoidance of foods and drinks that cause discoloration and regular visits to the dentist will help you to keep your white smile.

People who think about Professional Teeth Whitening, should visit the dentist for checking the cause of the discoloration and the best treatment for you. Personalized treatment gives the best results and contributes to the good oral health.

Read More: Best Teeth Whitening Products Sensitive Teeth