The Teeth Whitening Process Can Be Summarized In Three Main Steps:

Step 1: Consultation and Preparation

Before you begin the whitening process, you will have a meeting with your dentist. During this appointment:

– Your dentist evaluates your oral health to determine whether you are a suitable candidate for teeth whitening.
– Provides information about your goals, expectations, and possible risks or side effects.
– A shade guide is used to assess the current shade of your teeth and photographs may be taken to compare results.
– If necessary, problems such as cavities or gum disease are treated before starting the whitening process.

Step 2: Applying the Whitening Process

Whitening can be done in-clinic or at home, depending on the method chosen. Treatments performed in a clinical setting usually include the following steps:

– Preparation: Your teeth are polished to remove surface stains. A mouth expander is placed to keep your lips and cheeks away from your teeth.
– Gum Protection: A gum barrier is applied to prevent the whitening agent from damaging the gums.
– Whitening Gel Application: A hydrogen peroxide-based gel is applied to the teeth. This gel can be activated with a special light or laser to increase its effectiveness. The gel can be applied multiple times, each lasting 8-15 minutes, depending on the desired results.

Step 3: Post-Treatment Care and Evaluation

After the whitening process is completed:

– Your dentist will clean the whitening gel and gum barrier and rinse your mouth.
– The initial color is compared with the final color to evaluate the results.
– You may be instructed to avoid certain foods and beverages (such as coffee, tea, red wine) for 24-48 hours to preserve your whitened teeth.
– For patients who wish, a care kit that you can continue at home can also be provided.

With proper care, teeth whitening results can last from several months to several years, depending on individual habits and oral hygiene.