Professional Tooth Whitening: What to Know

We all want a whiter smile, but for many, factors outside their control make naturally white tooth difficult to attain. Thankfully, professional tooth whitening procedures can get you closer to that bright smile you’re looking for. The team at Peak Family Dental Care offers a variety of cosmetic dentistry services, including tooth whitening. We proudly treat patients in Flagstaff, Cottonwood, and Sedona, AZ with top-tier treatments like these. Here’s what to know about the procedure and what you should expect from a typical tooth whitening before and after.

How Does Professional Tooth Whitening Work?

During a whitening session, your dentist will usually apply a specialized gel to your tooth, which breaks down deep-set stains. Sometimes, a special light or laser is used to activate the gel and accelerate the process. The entire treatment only takes about 60 to 90 minutes, and patients can see tooth brighten by several shades in just one session.

Am I a Good Candidate for Professional Tooth Whitening?

If your tooth are in generally good health and you are looking to remove surface stains caused by food, drinks, or smoking, professional whitening could be perfect for you. However, people with dental restorations like crowns or veneers, untreated cavities, or gum disease should consult their dentist first, as whitening may not be suitable in all cases.

Before Your Whitening Appointment

Preparing for a professional tooth whitening session can ensure you get the best results while minimizing any discomfort. Here are the first steps to getting your very own dental whitening before and after photos:

• Schedule a Dental Cleaning—For best results, it’s a good idea to schedule a professional cleaning prior to your whitening session. A cleaning removes plaque and tartar, allowing the whitening agent to penetrate evenly across your tooth.
• Address Any Dental Issues—If you have cavities, gum sensitivity, or other oral health problems, talk to your dentist first. Whitening can irritate sensitive tooth or gums, so addressing these issues beforehand is crucial.
• Avoid Stain-Causing Foods and Drinks—Leading up to your appointment, stay away from coffee, tea, dark wine, and other highly pigmented foods that can cause further discoloration.
• Discuss Desired Results—Not all whitening treatments deliver the same level of brightness. Some patients aim for a more natural improvement, while others want their tooth as white as possible.
• Prepare for Potential Sensitivity—It’s common for tooth to feel mildly sensitive after whitening. We may recommend using a desensitizing toothpaste in the days leading up to your appointment to help reduce this.

What to Know About Tooth Whitening Results

One of the biggest advantages of professional tooth whitening is the noticeable improvement you’ll see right after the session. On average, tooth can brighten by three to eight shades, depending on the product used and your tooth’s condition. At Peak Family Dental Care, we use some of the best whitening solutions available today, and with proper care, patients can sometimes see results up to 14 shades brighter!

Limitations of Whitening

While professional whitening is highly effective, it’s important to set realistic expectations. For example, the treatment works best on surface stains and natural enamel. Stains beneath the enamel or from medications may not see as much improvement. Dental restorations such as crowns or fillings won’t lighten, so you’ll need to factor those into your cosmetic dentistry goals.

Duration of Results

Results can last anywhere from several months to a few years, depending on your lifestyle and commitment to maintenance. Frequent exposure to staining foods, drinks, or smoking can mean your results will fade away faster.

Maximize Results With Post-Whitening Care

To make the most of your whitening treatment, proper aftercare is essential. Do your best to avoid stain-inducing foods and drinks, especially in the first 48 hours after treatment. Your tooth are more porous immediately after whitening, and they’ll be more likely to absorb stains. Other ways to maximize your results include:

• Use a Straw—When drinking beverages like iced coffee or soda, use a straw to minimize contact with tooth.
• Maintain Good Oral Hygiene—Brush your tooth gently with fluoride toothpaste twice a day, floss daily, and consider using an electric toothbrush for a deeper clean. Proper dental hygiene helps prevent future discoloration.
• Consider Touch-Up Treatments—Over time, your white smile may begin to fade despite your best efforts. Ask about touch-up sessions to help you maintain your results.

Smile Brighter With Peak Family Dental Care

Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you, so it only makes sense to prioritize it. You’ve likely seen tooth whitening results and before and after pictures and wondered if a similar treatment would work for you. The dentists at Peak Family Dental Care are always here to evaluate your dental needs and offer cosmetic solutions if necessary. Request your appointment today to see if tooth whitening could benefit you.