In-office teeth bleaching, also commonly known as chairside bleaching, is a popular cosmetic dental procedure. It often takes place under carefully monitored conditions. This allows for the controlled use of a relatively high concentration of bleaching gel. It often yields results that are visible immediately.
In-office teeth bleaching
When it comes to teeth-whitening procedures, many people opt for in-office teeth bleaching. Both chairside bleaching and at-home bleaching involve the use of peroxide-based bleaching agents. In-office systems often contain a higher percentage of peroxide. The longer a stronger whitening solution is kept on the teeth, the whiter they become. But if the solution has a higher percentage of peroxide, it should be applied for a shorter duration.
Keeping the gel on longer can have a negative impact. It can increase tooth sensitivity and even dehydrate the tooth. Even though the details of the in-office bleaching procedure may vary, a fairly standard routine is often followed. Here is what the procedure involves.
The in-office bleaching procedure
A cheek retractor will be inserted in the patient’s mouth. It will help expose all the teeth that are visible when a person smiles. A liquid rubber dam or hardening resin will be painted onto the gum tissue. This is meant to protect against any irritation that can be caused by the bleaching gel. A bleaching gel that contains hydrogen peroxide will be applied to the teeth. It will be kept on for a couple of minutes.
The bleaching gel will be washed off or suctioned. Fresh gel will then be applied for one or more additional periods of about 15 to 30 minutes. Some teeth-whitening treatments involve the use of intense light. It is often focused on the teeth in order to enhance or activate the bleaching process. Between gel applications, the patient’s teeth are checked to determine how well they have whitened. This will also help the oral health care provider to decide if more bleach needs to be applied.
The cheek retractors will be removed after the final gel application. The patient will then rinse before the immediate post-treatment shade change is measured. The patient’s teeth may end up whitening by two to three shades or as many as eight shades. Part of the whitening effect is attributed to dehydration during the bleaching process. This can make the teeth look whiter than their true new color.
That color will emerge after a few days. If the desired level of whitening is not achieved, the dentist will suggest follow-up in-office teeth bleaching. This will be at a future date. The dentist may also recommend a regimen of take-home bleaching trays.
Takeaway
Teeth whitening done by an oral health care provider can brighten teeth faster. The bleaching solution is often stronger compared to at-home kits. Light, heat or a combination of the two can also intensify and speed up the whitening process. If you have any questions about in-office teeth bleaching as well as the other options, talk to your dentist. You should also inquire about the cost. This is important because costs vary from one dentist to another.
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FAQs
During an in-office whitening procedure, we will apply either a protective gel to your gums or a rubber shield to protect your oral soft tissues. A whitening agent is then applied to your teeth, and a special light may be used to enhance the action of the agent.
How does a dentist whiten teeth in-office? ›
The front surface of the tooth is coated with a whitening solution. The solution contains a bleaching agent, typically hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. A laser or curing light is usually used to activate the peroxide. After applying the solution, we leave it for about 30 to 60 minutes.
Is in-office teeth whitening bad for your teeth? ›
We all want a white brighter smile. But this begs the question “does teeth whitening damage the enamel?” The answer is no. While there may sometimes be side effects, whitening treatment is safe on tooth enamel. The process of tooth whitening is essentially the tooth will become dehydrated, meaning dried out.
What is the best in-office teeth whitening system? ›
Over 10,000 dental professionals are already using Sinsational Smile - the ONLY Green Certified teeth whitening system in the world. Sinsational Smile is rated 4+ by The Dental Advisors with a 91% clinical rating, making it the top in-office teeth whitening system in the US.
What is the teeth bleaching procedure? ›
Some common methods include: Tooth whitening strips and gels. Applied directly to the teeth with a brush or a thin strip, these peroxide-based tooth bleaching products usually need to be applied once or twice a day for 10 to 14 days. They can lighten your teeth by a shade or two.
How long does teeth whitening last in dental office? ›
Chairside bleaching (in-office tooth whitening)
If you maintain good oral hygiene, a chairside (or in-office) procedure should provide long-lasting results for 1 to 3 years. This procedure is done in your dentist's office. It usually requires only one visit.
Is dental office whitening better? ›
Whiter Teeth
Last but not least, in-office whitening is the most effective choice. Even though the treatment is quick, it is powerful. At-home kits and whitening toothpaste cannot compete with professional results.
What is the bad side of teeth whitening? ›
The potential side effects of teeth whitening include teeth sensitivity, gum irritation, and ineffective results. However, most patients do not experience any notable side effects from professional teeth whitening, as the dentist can monitor the process and perform treatment in a way that minimizes risk.
Why do dentists not recommend teeth whitening? ›
One of the most common side effects is tooth sensitivity, which can occur during or after treatment. Overuse or misuse of teeth whitening products can also lead to enamel damage, gum irritation, and discoloration. Additionally, some types of tooth discoloration may not respond well to teeth whitening treatments.
How damaging is teeth whitening? ›
“Generally speaking, whitening kits are not harmful to your teeth,” explains Dr. Greg Scheier, DDS of Scheier Dental Group. “There are, however, potential temporary sensitivities, both in the teeth and gums, that may result from the use of both over-the-counter and dentist-administered whitening kits.” Dr.
The Crest Whitening Emulsion with LED Light stands out as the best overall teeth whitening product due to its ease of use, effectiveness, and comfort.
Why is in-office teeth whitening so expensive? ›
The cost difference mainly exists due to the lesser efficacy of whitening from at-home products. These products tend to contain lower concentrations of bleaching agents and do not work as good or fast as in-office teeth whitening.
Where is best to get your teeth whitened? ›
The advantages of working with your dentist
First, they know your gums and teeth better than anyone and can recommend the best whitening procedure for you. Second, if you have cavities or another dental disease, they can treat it before the whitening process begins.
What is the procedure of in-office bleaching? ›
A bleaching gel that contains hydrogen peroxide will be applied to the teeth. It will be kept on for a couple of minutes. The bleaching gel will be washed off or suctioned. Fresh gel will then be applied for one or more additional periods of about 15 to 30 minutes.
What's the difference between teeth whitening and bleaching? ›
Teeth whitening removes stains on the surfaces of teeth. It restores the natural color of teeth. Teeth bleaching goes a step higher. It uses chemical agents to lighten the color of the enamel layer.
Can yellow teeth become white again? ›
If you want to know how to whiten yellow teeth, the most effective option is an in-office whitening treatment with your dentist. In-office whitening treatments have become very popular because you can see results in a single visit or a few visits. The effects last longer than any product you find on the shelves.
Is it worth getting your teeth whitened at the dentist? ›
Professional teeth whitening is probably your best bet if you're looking for fast, dramatic results. If you're working with a tight budget or are simply interested in trying out a teeth whitening method, then an at-home kit may be a better option.
How long does it take to whiten teeth professionally? ›
The answer is somewhere around one hour. This is a minimal amount of time for someone to expect professional whitening results, especially when considering that professional in-office whitening can last upwards of two years.
Is professional teeth whitening painful? ›
The good news is, for the most part, teeth whitening doesn't hurt. However, there are a few things you should know before getting started. If you're interested in getting a professional teeth whitening treatment and you want to know if the treatment process hurts, continue reading our blog post to find out.
What is involved in teeth whitening at the dentist? ›
Laser whitening, also known as power whitening, is another type of teeth whitening system that a dentist can provide. A bleaching product is painted onto your teeth and then a light or laser is shone on them to activate the whitening. Laser whitening takes about an hour.
