The professional teeth whitening process at a dentist typically takes about 60 to 90 minutes and can make teeth three to eight shades brighter in a single visit. Unlike over-the-counter kits, dentists use high-concentration peroxide gels (up to 43%) that often require light or laser activation for faster results.
The WHITENING Process
- Step 1: Consultation & Cleaning: Your dentist first checks for cavities or gum disease, as the bleaching agent can cause pain if it leaks into damaged areas. A professional scale and polish is often performed to remove surface plaque and ensure even whitening.
- Step 2: Preparation: To protect your mouth from the strong chemicals, the dentist applies a liquid dam or rubber shield to your gums and uses retractors to keep your lips and cheeks away from your teeth.
- Step 3: Gel Application: A high-concentration peroxide gel is applied directly to the front surface of your teeth.
- Step 4: Light Activation: An LED, UV, or laser light is often shone on the teeth for 15-minute intervals to accelerate the chemical reaction and deepen stain removal.
- Step 5: Rinse & Evaluate: After several rounds of gel application and light exposure, the dentist suctions off the gel and rinses your mouth to reveal the final shade.
What to Expect After Treatment…
- Sensitivity: You may experience temporary “zingers” or sensitivity to hot and cold for 24 to 48 hours.
- The “White Diet”: For the first 24 to 48 hours, you must avoid dark-pigmented foods and drinks like coffee, red wine, tea, and soy sauce while your enamel pores are still open.
- Maintenance: Many dentists provide a custom take-home kit with trays and a lower-strength gel to maintain the brightness over time.
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