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Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental procedure that can significantly enhance the appearance of your smile. Over time, factors such as diet, age, genetics, and lifestyle habits like smoking can lead to tooth discoloration. Teeth whitening treatments work by penetrating the enamel, or the hard outer layer of teeth, and breaking up the compounds causing the stains.

There are many ways to whiten your teeth, including using whitening toothpaste and over-the-counter kits. However, for quicker and more dramatic results, in-office teeth whitening performed by a dentist is often the best option.

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During an in-office teeth whitening appointment, the following steps typically occur:

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1. Assessment: The dentist will record your pre-treatment tooth color to help track the effectiveness of the treatment.

2. Protection: Your lips, tongue, and gums will be protected from the whitening agent using a rubber dam or a liquid that hardens and can later be removed. A cheek retractor is also used to expose your teeth and keep them away from your lips and cheeks.

3. Whitening: The peroxide whitening gel is applied to your teeth in a few 15- to 30-minute cycles. The dentist will check the progress between each application. The entire appointment usually lasts approximately one to one and a half hours.

4. Follow-Up: After the treatment, the dentist will note your post-treatment tooth color and determine how many shades it changed. If necessary, you may receive a set of take-home whitening trays to maintain your new smile's color.

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Custom whitening trays are made specifically for your teeth, ensuring a comfortable fit and more even coverage of the whitening gel. This personalized approach can help to prevent the common issues associated with store-bought kits, such as leakage of the whitening gel and gum irritation.

However, not everyone is a good candidate for take-home teeth whitening. Certain types of discoloration, such as those caused by root canals or stains on crowns, veneers, or bonded teeth, may not respond to whitening treatments. In such cases, other cosmetic dentistry procedures may be considered.

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The procedure for obtaining and using custom whitening trays typically involves:

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1. Impressions: The dentist will make a mold of your teeth using a special putty. These impressions are then sent to a dental lab where your custom trays are made.

2. Fitting: Once the trays are ready, you'll return to the dentist to ensure they fit properly. The dentist will also provide you with a peroxide whitening gel, the strength of which will be chosen based on your specific needs and goals.

3. At-Home Whitening: You'll fill the trays with the provided gel and wear them for a specified amount of time each day, usually between two to four hours. This treatment typically lasts for two to four weeks, with many patients noticing whiter teeth within the first two weeks.

4. Follow-Up: If you experience any side effects such as tooth sensitivity or gum irritation, it's important to stop the treatment and contact your dentist.

 

Remember, before starting any teeth whitening treatment, it's important to have any necessary dental procedures, such as cleanings or fillings, completed. Your dentist can provide further guidance on whether teeth whitening is suitable for you.