When it comes to cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening is one of the most popular procedures for those who want to restore the original brightness of their smile. If you’ve never undergone this treatment before, you may be curious about what it involves before you visit your dentist. Take a look at what this procedure involves in the guide below.

What Does Teeth Whitening Involve?

1. Color-Matching

The process begins with an initial consultation where your dentist will examine your teeth to ensure they’re suitable for whitening. Then, they’ll determine the exact shade of your teeth in order to understand to what degree they should be whitened. This information is important for deciding how concentrated the whitening solution should be.

2. Cleaning and Polishing

Next, the dentist will clean and polish the teeth to remove any plaque, tartar, or excess moisture. Whitening agents usually work best when applied to dry tooth enamel, so they may also wipe your teeth with sterile gauze before proceeding.

3. Applying Whitener

After placing retractors to keep the gums, tongue, and lips out of the way, your dentist will apply a hydrogen peroxide solution to the front surface of your teeth. This coating must remain in place for at least half an hour in order for it to break up stains in the tooth enamel. Multiple coats of teeth whitening solution may be needed during the session.

4. Fluoride Treatment

Next, your teeth will be rinsed and brushed with fluoride to help your teeth shine and to protect the enamel while it recovers. You may experience some tooth sensitivity for up to two days after the treatment, but this will quickly pass, leaving you with a gleaming smile.

When you’re ready to book your next teeth whitening appointment, get in touch with Ronald W. Ristow, D.D.S., LLC in Oconto Falls, WI. Since 1994, this dental practice has served patients from across the Oconto County area. In addition to cosmetic dentistry treatments, they offer a full range of basic dental care services for patients of all ages. Call  (920) 846-3163 to schedule an appointment, or visit them online to learn more about how they can help.