Teeth whitening is a common cosmetic dental procedure. Many people suffer from dental discoloration and desire to have the condition remedied.

Here is a bit of information about professional teeth whitening and what you can expect from it.

How Does Teeth Whitening Work?

Teeth whitening is a chemical process that uses a peroxide-based product to bleach stains from the teeth. Dental staining occurs as pigments from ingested substances become trapped in the tooth enamel's pores. As the colorants accumulate, dental discoloration becomes progressively worse.

Is the Application Process Painful?

As your dentist whitens your teeth in their office, you should not experience pain or discomfort. The dentist applies a protective barrier to shield the gums and sensitive soft tissues from direct exposure to the whitening product, preventing irritation. Then, the dentist applies the teeth whitener to the tooth material.

After the product is allowed to rest on the teeth for a few minutes, the dentist rinses it away. However, the results of some whiteners are amplified when the products are exposed to ultraviolet light. Thus, the dentist may apply a bright light to your teeth while the whitener is in place.

How Soon Will You See Results From a Professional Teeth-whitening Session?

Although a patient's individualized results may vary, many people who undergo professional teeth whitening notice that their teeth are several shades whiter after the first session. Still, subsequent sessions may be necessary to achieve the highest level of whiteness.

Can Professional Whitening Products Be Used at Home?

The exact products that your dentist uses during an in-office whitening session are unlikely to be available for home use. However, your dentist may offer in-home whitening products to help you maintain the whiteness of your teeth after the in-office applications.

The in-home products may include the whitening product, an applicator, and detailed instructions.

Can Teeth-Whitening Products Be Used to Whiten All Dental Discoloration?

Some dental discoloration is permanent and cannot be removed using peroxide-based products. Only temporary stains, such as those from foods, drinks, or tobacco, can be chemically removed from the teeth.

Dental trauma, medicinal side effects, and congenital defects can cause permanent discoloration of the tooth material. To improve the appearance of teeth with permanent discoloration, your dentist must use cosmetic applications that conceal the darkened tooth color, such as veneers or crowns.

To have your teeth professionally whitened, schedule a consultation with a dentist in your local area.