Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dentistry option because it can cause a dramatic improvement in your smile with a single visit to your dentist’s office. The process itself is straightforward with the help of a dentist. Here’s what you need to know to decide whether you want to whiten your teeth.

How It Works

Teeth whitening uses a specially formulated bleaching product to lift stains from your teeth. The whitening formula opens up small tube structures in your dental enamel and draws out the discoloration that has gotten trapped under the surface, significantly lightening your teeth.

To do this, your dentist will first apply a protective barrier to your gums to prevent irritation. Then they’ll place the teeth whitening paste on your teeth. You may be asked to sit while the bleach does its work, or a special light may be used to accelerate the process. Your dentist will monitor your time in the chair and end the treatment when your teeth reach the desired shade or when you reach the recommended time limit. Leaving bleach on your teeth too long can cause the enamel to gray, so it’s essential not to go over the recommended time. Your dentist will rinse away the bleach and give you teeth care instructions—for example, they’ll tell you how long you should wait before eating or drinking to avoid re-staining your teeth.

Benefits

Teeth whitening is the most convenient dental treatment available. A whitening treatment can take as little as half an hour, and at the end, your teeth will be noticeably brighter. You can return every three to six months to keep your teeth at their brightest.

White teeth are a major confidence boost, lending you confidence as you smile and improving your mood. Also, teeth whitening may lessen the need for more invasive cosmetic dentistry, as it’s a simple fix for all kinds of discoloration.

To schedule teeth whitening on the Big Island, contact Brian S. Kubo, DDS. Based in Kamuela, HI, Dr. Kubo and his team have over 20 years of experience and offer a range of advanced options including dental implants and 3D dental X-rays. To get started, call (808) 885-8465 or reach out online.