How often should I get a touch-up treatment after professional whitening?

Most people need a touch-up 6 to 12 months after the initial whitening treatment, but your dentist can advise you based on the condition of your teeth. Avoiding foods and drinks that stain teeth can allow you to go longer between touch-ups.

Are at-home whitening strips effective for touch-ups?

Teeth whitening strips may help maintain some brightness but aren’t as effective as professional touch-ups. They also only whiten surface stains. For significant discoloration, professional touch-ups are best.

How do I know if whitening toothpaste is safe?

Look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance on the packaging. The American Dental Association rigorously tests toothpaste before awarding their seal, so this ensures the toothpaste meets their safety and effectiveness standards. Check for abrasiveness rating, which measures the abrasive content. The lower the rating, the less abrasive and more gentle it is on your enamel. Avoid toothpaste with high abrasive ratings. You can also ask your dentist which specific brands or formulas they recommend based on your dental needs.

Types of Professional Teeth Whitening

Customizing Your Teeth Whitening Experience

A bright and healthy-looking smile can have a significant impact on an individual’s self-confidence and overall appearance. While there are many over-the-counter teeth whitening products available, professional teeth whitening treatments are the most effective way to achieve a brighter, whiter smile. Teeth whitening treatments are available in a variety of types and can be performed either in-office or at home depending on your dentist’s services.

To learn more about our teeth whitening methods at our Urbandale, IA dental office, contact our cosmetic dentists today by calling (515) 276-4981 to schedule an appointment.

In-Office Teeth Whitening

In-office teeth whitening is the most common type of professional teeth whitening treatment. It’s performed in a dental office and involves the use of a strong bleaching agent that’s applied to the teeth. The bleaching agent is activated using a special light or laser, which speeds up the whitening process.

In-office whitening treatments usually take about an hour to complete and can provide dramatic results in a single session. A professional teeth whitening procedure is ideal for individuals who want fast, dramatic results or who have deep stains that can’t be effectively treated with at-home whitening kits.

Depending on your dentist, you may undergo teeth whitening with:

ZOOM! Teeth Whitening Systems
Deep Bleaching
Opalescence Boost
Brite Smile
KöR Whitening
Laser Teeth Whitening

If you’re ready to learn more about the teeth whitening process, contact our Urbandale, IA dentists today to achieve whiter teeth.

At-Home Teeth Whitening

At-home teeth whitening can be performed at home using custom-made whitening trays and a professional-strength whitening gel. The teeth whitening trays are made from impressions of the patient’s teeth, which ensures a comfortable and precise fit.

At-home professional teeth whitening kits are typically less expensive than professional teeth whitening treatments and can provide excellent results over time. These treatments may take longer to achieve the desired results, but they can be a convenient and effective option for individuals who prefer to whiten their teeth at home.

Whitening Treatment for Sensitive Teeth

Professional teeth whitening treatments can sometimes cause tooth sensitivity and gum irritation. This sensitivity may occur due to the whitening agent used in the treatment or by the trays used to hold the gel in place.

If you have tooth sensitivity, there are several options and considerations to keep in mind:

Choose a dentist who’s experienced in treating sensitive teeth: A dentist who’s experienced in treating sensitive teeth will be able to identify potential problems and adjust the treatment plan accordingly.
Use a lower-strength bleaching agent: A lower-strength bleaching agent can be used to minimize the risk of sensitivity. This may require more frequent treatments to achieve the desired results.
Use desensitizing agents: Desensitizing agents can be applied to the teeth before or after the whitening treatment to reduce sensitivity.
Consider at-home teeth whitening: At-home treatments can be a good option for individuals with sensitive teeth, as they can be used at a slower pace to minimize sensitivity.
Avoid over-the-counter teeth whitening products: Over-the-counter products, such as teeth whitening strips or teeth whitening toothpaste, can cause tooth sensitivity. Contact your dentist for a professional office whitening treatment.

Young woman smiling and pointing to her teeth

Frequently Asked Questions

While professional teeth whitening treatments can effectively remove many types of surface stains, they may not be able to remove all types of stains. Deep, intrinsic stains caused by medication, trauma, or genetics may require additional treatments or cosmetic procedures, such as porcelain veneers or dental bonding, to effectively improve the appearance of the teeth.

Professional teeth whitening treatments are most effective on natural teeth and may not produce the same results on dental restorations, such as fillings, crowns, or veneers. It’s important to discuss any dental restorations with your dentist before undergoing a professional teeth whitening treatment to determine the best course of action.

Professional teeth whitening treatments aren’t recommended for individuals with braces as the bleaching agent can’t penetrate the brackets and wires. However, once the braces are removed, a professional teeth whitening treatment can be performed to achieve a brighter, more even smile.

The frequency of professional teeth whitening treatments will depend on the individual’s oral hygiene habits and lifestyle choices. Most dentists recommend waiting at least six months between treatments to avoid over-bleaching the teeth and causing sensitivity.

Discover a Brighter Smile at Hickman Family Dental With Teeth Whitening!

Do you want whiter teeth? Contact our dentist today to learn more about professional teeth whitening treatments and see which option is best for you. Don’t let stained or discolored teeth hold you back from feeling confident and proud of your smile. Get your teeth whitened today!

Contact our Urbandale, IA dentist’s office by calling (515) 276-4981 to schedule your teeth whitening consultation.

Teeth Whitening Aftercare in Urbandale, IA