Professional teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures. Not only is it non-invasive, but it also produces impressive results. After eliminating surface stains, it can brighten your smile by up to ten shades. Here’s some additional information about this procedure.

What You Should Know About Teeth Whitening

Does whitening damage the enamel?

It's a common misconception that whitening agents damage tooth enamel. As long as you visit a dental practice for the procedure, your smile will be in reliable hands.

Dentists typically use carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide to whiten the teeth. Neither one appears to cause any long-term damage to the structural integrity of the teeth.  

How long does the procedure take?

A single teeth whitening session typically takes anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes. The duration depends on the amount of staining. In cases of severe discoloration, multiple sessions may be necessary to achieve the desired results. 

How long do the results of teeth whitening last?

Professional teeth whitening won't last forever. Generally speaking, your smile will remain bright and luminous for anywhere from six months to three years after the procedure. You can make the results last longer by avoiding foods and drinks that cause staining, like red wine, coffee, and tea. 

Do the bleaching agents work on dental restorations?

Teeth whitening doesn’t typically alter the shade of existing fillings, crowns, bridges, veneers, or bonding. That means if your restorative work matches the old shade of your teeth, you may want to have it replaced after whitening. 

To see if you're a good candidate for professional teeth whitening, visit Richmond Hill Family & Cosmetic Dentistry. Located in Bryan County, this practice has been serving patients across Southeastern Georgia since 2008. Led by fully licensed and certified dentists who are backed by years of experience, their team is equipped to offer a broad range of procedures on site. To learn more about their services, visit their website. To schedule an appointment, call (912) 756-3880.