How Does Teeth Bleaching Work?
Bleaching to whiten teeth can be done either in a dentist's office or at home using a system your dentist provides. Both methods use tooth-bleaching gels that oxidize out the stain.
It's not uncommon for teeth to become slightly sensitive during the whitening process. So, be sure to ask your dentist in advance of the treatment how to deal with this sensitivity should it arise.
At-Home Whitening: This is a popular option because it combines the best of both worlds: dental office-grade solution and the convenience of doing most of the procedure at home. Another benefit is that when done under the supervision of your dentist, at-home whitening is very effective. Here's how it works:
- Your dentist takes an impression of your teeth and makes a custom-fitted tray.
- Your dental professional supplies you with a whitening gel.
- You take the custom tray and whitening gel home and use it as prescribed. Your doctor will provide instructions on properly wearing your new fitted tray and how long you should wear them.
In-Office Whitening: You might prefer to sit back and let your dental professionals do all the work – even if the process is more expensive. The benefit is that the procedure takes 30 minutes to one hour per visit, but you might have to return for several visits to achieve the desired whiteness.
According to the Consumer Guide to Dentistry, the in-office whitening procedure is a seven-step process that includes extensive safety measures, a powerful bleaching solution, an activation light, and constant monitoring.