With professional teeth whitening, you can boost your smile's appearance, as well as your confidence. However, before committing to the treatment, you should know what it entails and whether maintaining the results will require any long-term changes to your lifestyle. Here is a brief guide to what you can expect during the whitening process.

What Does the Process Involve?

Professional teeth whitening involves multiple short procedures to ensure the best results. At the first appointment, a dentist will determine the current shade of your teeth and discuss your expectations of how much lighter your smile should be. They will then polish the teeth, removing any plaque to make the treatment more effective.

After the initial appointment, you will revisit the dentist to get a highly concentrated hydrogen peroxide gel applied to your teeth. Your mouth will remain open throughout this process to prevent the whitening agent from reaching the gum tissue. 

This gel will stay on the teeth for up to an hour. High-intensity light can also be applied simultaneously from outside your mouth to speed up the procedure.

How Can You Maintain Results?

Immediately following a whitening procedure, the surface of your teeth is more porous than usual. As a result, it's more vulnerable to blemishes. To prevent stains, avoid foods and drinks that are dark or brightly colored for about 48 hours, including coffee, soda, wine, and artificially colored snacks like cheese puffs. 

After the initial 48 hours, if you wish to drink dark beverages, consume them using a straw to prevent staining over time. You should also add vegetables and fruits, such as apples and celery, to your diet. These foods help clean your teeth. 

Practicing proper dental care will also help maintain the whitening results. Therefore, brush twice daily and floss at least once a day. If your teeth aren't as white as you'd like after a week, ask the dentist about a follow-up procedure. They can recommend another in-office treatment or at-home customized trays with a whitening solution.

If you're interested in professional teeth whitening, visit Waterstone Family Dentistry in Fuquay Varina, NC. With over 15 years of industry experience, you can count on them to provide reliable dentistry services, from surface stain removal to dental crowns and bridges. This modern practice offers cutting-edge technology to ensure the best results, all while in a warm and comforting environment. Visit their website to learn more about their services, and call (919) 557-5250 to schedule an appointment.