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There's nothing more confidence-boosting than a bright, healthy smile. After awhile, stains from coffee, tea, and other beverages and foods can begin to impact the appearance of your teeth. Luckily, teeth whitening isn’t just for special occasions. If you’d like to know more about the in-office treatment process, this guide gives you a behind-the-scenes look at what to expect.

5 Steps to Whiter Teeth

1. Consultation & Shade Match

teeth whitening

The dentist will review your oral health history to see if teeth whitening could be the right treatment for you. A good candidate for this treatment is someone who doesn’t have large fillings or crowns on their front teeth, as the bleaching agent will only whiten the natural teeth and not dental veneers or implants made of porcelain or other materials.

After the consultation, the dentist will compare your smile’s original shade with the shade you'd like. Typically, this is done using a shade chart comprised of artificial teeth. From there, the dentist will determine the right concentration for the whitening agent. They’ll also place a lip retractor in your mouth to keep your lips out of the way during treatment. 

2. Treatment Prep

Cleaning and polishing the teeth ensures the whitening agent can be absorbed properly. The presence of plaque can affect your results, so your dentist will need to remove all traces of buildup. Before administering the whitening treatment, the dentist will also dry the surface of your teeth by using gauze or air to remove the presence of any saliva. 

3. Whitening

Next, the dentist will apply a hydrogen peroxide solution to your teeth. This bleaching agent will temporarily open the pores in your teeth and penetrate the outer layer of enamel to target stain compounds – a process called oxidation. 

4. Cleanup

Once enough time has passed, the dentist will rinse the whitening agent out of your mouth. You’ll be handed a mirror for a final reveal to ensure that you're satisfied with the results, and then you are free to leave.

5. Aftercare

After your treatment, it's not uncommon to experience some teeth or gum sensitivity for a few days. Avoid eating very hot or cold foods to minimize sensitivity. 

The effects of this teeth whitening treatment can last for up to three years. You can ensure your smile retains its whiteness for as long as possible by avoiding staining foods and drinks. Coffee, tea, wine, and fruit juice high in tannins are a few culprits that can cause toothstains. Use a straw when consuming your daily cup of coffee or tea, and swap out fruits high in tannin for fruits like strawberries that actually promote white teeth. 

 

Are you ready for a confident, healthy smile? Schedule a teeth whitening appointment with Nizich Family Dental in Juneau, AK. As members of the American Association of Dentistry, this dental clinic will eliminate stains without compromising the integrity of your oral health. Contact them online or call (907) 789-7001 to schedule a teeth whitening appointment today.

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