Professional teeth whitening can enhance your appearance and confidence. When performed by a teeth whitening San Jose dentist, this simple procedure is comfortable, fast, and provides instantaneous results.
However, it’s not uncommon for new patients to have many questions for their teeth whitening dentist before the procedure begins.
Is professional teeth whitening safe? Does professional teeth whitening hurt? And how long does professional teeth whitening last?
If you want to give your smile an extra layer of brilliance but aren’t certain if professional teeth whitening treatment is right for you, read on to uncover the answers to these common questions.
What is Professional Teeth Whitening?
Professional teeth whitening is a specialized cosmetic procedure that uses a variety of tools and modern technologies to brighten teeth in a single visit to the dentist’s office.
The precise process and methodology are often dependent on the type of stains.
Furthermore, there are three main types that dictate the procedure to follow:
- Extrinsic stains are exterior discolorations on the teeth caused by ingesting various foods or exposure to certain elements. Tobacco use, coffee, wine consumption, or routine exposure to metal salts like copper and iron can result in extrinsic stains.
- Intrinsic stains stem from the internal condition of the teeth. These stains can be caused by genetic factors, natural aging, fluorosis, or even certain antibiotics used during childhood when the teeth were developing.
- Combination Type Stains. Many patients don’t just have extrinsic or intrinsic stains, and it’s common for a mixture of combination-type stains to occur.
Select the Best Teeth Whitening Treatment for Your Smile
A teeth whitening dentist selects the best treatment for each patient. They typically use advanced whitening gels with LED lighting or laser technology. This approach can erase years – even decades– of stains in just 15 to 60 minutes. How does professional whitening compare to over-the-counter teeth whitening options?
Professional whitening is both more effective and safer than over-the-counter options. In addition, professional treatments use high concentrations of chemicals and whitening agents like hydrogen peroxide under the care and supervision of a highly trained dental specialist.
Therefore, professional whitening is best recommended for patients looking for significant, long-lasting results. On the other hand, over-the-counter treatments are well suited for subtle whitening results or maintenance and minor touch-ups between professional treatments.
Professional whitening treatments can cost anywhere from $150 to $1,000 or more, depending on the type of treatment and the complexity of the individualized procedure.
A breakdown of options when it comes to teeth whitening is as follows:
- In-office whitening – performed by a dental professional, is the safest and most effective whitening option, can cost an estimated $300 or more.
- Take-home whitening kits – A dentist can also recommend and provide take-home whitening kits for patients, which have a similar and sometimes lower price point than in-office whitening but can be conducted at a patient’s convenience.
- Over-the-counter strips and trays – Though noticeably less expensive, over-the-counter strips and trays must be used much longer to achieve the desired results, so the cost can add up over time. In addition, repeated use can lead to enamel damage, gum irritation and damage, increased tooth sensitivity, and ineffective and uneven results. In other words, over-the-counter options are cost-effective for short-term use but should not be considered long-term options for prolonged and significant teeth whitening.
How Long Does Professional Teeth Whitening Last?
Professional teeth whitening can last from six months to three years or more, with several factors influencing the treatment’s lifespan.
- Diet – Regular consumption of teeth-staining foods like coffee, tea, and red wine can cause more rapid fading.
- Oral hygiene habits – Daily habits like brushing and flossing will naturally prolong your whiter smile, as will regular check-ups and professional cleanings at the dentist’s office.
- Type of treatment – In-office whitening treatments, which use higher concentrations of advanced whitening agents, offer longer-lasting results than other options like an at-home whitening kit.
- Adherence to aftercare recommendations – Your teeth whitening dentist will likely have recommendations to preserve your smile immediately after the procedure, like avoiding certain foods and drinks.
Is Professional Teeth Whitening Safe?
Professional teeth whitening is perfectly safe when performed by a licensed dental professional who uses whitening products and technologies that have ADA Seal of Acceptance. Professional teeth whitening is much safer than common treatments that can be purchased online or at the drug store. These treatments may not have undergone the same ADA scrutiny and can be easily misused accidentally.
Does Professional Teeth Whitening Hurt?
Professional teeth whitening is a comfortable and noninvasive procedure. However, patients may experience temporary tooth sensitivity or gum irritation immediately after the procedure.
The good news is that professional teeth whitening has no long-term side effects, unlike over the counter treatments. These inexpensive and at-home treatments can be linked to gum and tooth enamel damage, especially when used regularly and/or for an extended period of time.
Where Can I Find the Best Teeth Whitening Near Me?
When you conduct an online search for “teeth whitening near me,” you’ll be flooded with options. Search results will include some gimmicky at-home kits for dentists located miles away from your home.
Your best resource for finding exceptional teeth whitening treatments is to start with the best and connect with the dedicated team at Pannu Dental Group.
We specialize in all kinds of advanced medical and cosmetic dental treatments, which certainly include multiple options for in-office teeth whitening with exceptional results.
Achieve a Radiant Smile with Pannu Dental Group
Teeth whitening can be a safe and highly effective procedure, resulting in a beautiful, brighter smile lasting for months and even years. Conversely, if teeth whitening is done improperly with substandard whitening agents or without supervision, permanent damage can occur that can be difficult to reverse.
Connect with the caring and expert team at Pannu Dental Group and discover a simple and comfortable treatment that will allow your confidence and smile to shine.
Brighten your smile with expert teeth whitening in San Jose and the Bay Area.
Schedule your appointment today!
Dr. Dalvir S. Pannu has been a practicing dentist since 1995. In 1996 he opened his first dental practice in India, where he gained invaluable experience and acumen. In October of 1997 he was invited by the American Dental Association (ADA) to present the table clinic on Endodontics, at their annual session held in Washington, D.C. At this time he fell in love with the United States and became passionate about practicing dentistry in California. He became particularly enamored of the San Francisco Bay area, and soon took up residence and work here.