Something to smile about: the teeth whitening procedure

A smile is a powerful asset and is often the first thing people notice when meeting others. For those who feel unsatisfied with their smile, it can impact their self-confidence and can prevent them from being as social as they wish to be. While not indicative of tooth health at all, unsightly teeth staining is bothersome and can be addressed with a teeth whitening procedure. Cosmetic dentist Dr Sandra Garcia Martin goes step-by-step through the teeth whitening procedure so that you know what to expect.

What is teeth whitening?

Professional teeth whitening in a dentistry office consists of the application of a high-concentration hydrogen peroxide gel solution. The oxygen molecules of the solution weaken the particles of pigment within the teeth on a molecular level, thus enhancing the whiteness of the teeth. Some procedures will combine the solution application with a high-intensity laser, UV, or LED lamp that is positioned in the mouth, which hastens and amplifies the bleaching power of the solution.

It can be a costly procedure, which is why some people may opt for at-home whitening kits, but the benefit of going to a professional means that the application is precise and even, and that the rest of your mouth is appropriately protected against the gel. Professional cosmetic dentists have access to state-of-the-art tools, powerful supplies, and extensive training to ensure a pearlescent smile.

The teeth whitening procedure:

1. A consultation with your dentist to discuss the procedure and the cause of the staining or discolouration. They will ask you about any tooth sensitivity or gum issues to assess your suitability for the procedure.
2. You and the dentist will decide on the desired shade for the teeth.
3. The dentist will polish the teeth in order to remove plaque and leave a clean surface on which to apply the whitening solution.
4. The dentist will secure the lips, tongue and gums with barriers to protect them from the solution, isolate the teeth, and keep the mouth open without strain on your part.
5. The solution is applied to the teeth and left for up to 30 minutes. If the solution calls for it, at this point the dentist may also set up a high-intensity light or laser to amplify the whitening solution and hasten the process.
6. If after this the desired shade has not been achieved, then the process is repeated and the solution is reapplied, but this may also require more sessions as to preserve the condition of the teeth.
7. After the session, your mouth is rinsed out and the dentist may apply some fluoride if you are experiencing any sensitivity.

Aftercare for teeth whitening

After a teeth whitening, you should avoid pigmented food and drink (such as turmeric powder, coffee, red wine, beets, candy, tomato products, and berries), and smoking for a couple of days as the teeth are dehydrated and are more vulnerable to staining than normal. After this time, even if adhering to the food and drink recommendations, the teeth will appear darker than when you left the dentist, but this is expected as the teeth will have rehydrated by this point. If you are still not satisfied with the results, you could talk with your dentist about possibly repeating the whitening or other options.

You may feel prolonged teeth sensitivity to hot and cold sensations, as the teeth do weaken after the whitening procedure. There could be some irritation in the gums but should not be cause of concern – however, if these symptoms persist for time or become exceptionally uncomfortable you should consult your dentist.

If you are considering a procedure to enhance your smile, Dr Sandra Garcia Martin is available for appointments via her Top Doctors profile.