One of the most favoured dental treatments in clinics worldwide is teeth whitening. There are a few ways to achieve whiter teeth; take-home whitening kits are one option, as is whitening toothpaste. However, in-chair teeth whitening is the most effective and long-lasting way to achieve a brighter smile.
In-chair teeth whitening works by using a high concentrate bleaching agent (hydrogen peroxide) to remove discoloration from the teeth. Your dentist applies a bleaching agent directly to the teeth, where it is activated with a UV light and works to break down the staining substances and lighten the overall colour of the teeth.
So, having a teeth whitening treatment done is a quick, relatively painless way to whiten your teeth, but how does in-chair teeth whitening work, and what can you expect during and after your treatment?
What Is the Process of In-Chair Teeth Whitening?
When you go to a dentist to get your teeth professionally whitened, the process will look a little like this:
- The first step of in-chair whitening is to clean your teeth. Dentists typically use a cleaning solution to remove any plaque or tartar buildup on your teeth.
- The next step is to prepare your mouth with a rubber appliance and gauze. This will help protect your gums, tongue, cheeks, and lips from the whitening solution.
- Your dentist applies the whitening solution to the tooth surface. The dentist will use a special UV light or laser to activate the solution and help it whiten your teeth. The light has adjustable settings to ensure you’re comfortable during this process.
- All you need to do is then wait for the whitening solution to work its magic. You will likely need to sit in the chair for 30-60 minutes while the solution works its way into the enamel.
- Once you have the desired shade of white on your teeth, the dentist will apply a protective coating to protect the enamel and reduce sensitivity.
What Results Can I Expect from In-Chair Teeth Whitening?
Most people will see a noticeable difference immediately in their teeth’s whiteness after an in-chair teeth whitening. The level of whitening will depend on your starting point. Someone with deeply stained teeth should see more of a change than someone with only mild staining. In general, most people will enjoy at least a six-shade improvement, up to an eight-shade improvement.
It’s also important to remember that in-chair teeth whitening is not permanent. The effects of the treatment will gradually fade over time, so you may need to undergo another treatment in the future if you want to maintain your brighter smile. Your diet and lifestyle (if you smoke, medications you are on) can also affect the duration of your results.
How Effective Is In-Chair Teeth Whitening?
In-chair teeth whitening is an effective means of lightening teeth compared to other at-home teeth whitening kits. As mentioned earlier, in-office whitening treatments can lighten teeth up to eight shades in a single visit. This is significantly more than the two or three shade improvements that may be seen with at-home bleaching products. However, results will vary, and some people may need more than one treatment session to achieve their desired outcomes or even dental surgery in some cases.
Is In-Chair Teeth Whitening Safe?
There is much disagreement about the safety of in-chair teeth whitening. Some people say that it’s not safe at all, while others claim it’s perfectly safe as long as you go to a qualified professional. So, what’s the truth?
Well, in-chair teeth whitening is generally considered to be safe, but there are some risks associated with it. For example, if the whitening gel is misapplied, it can cause irritation and burning sensations in the mouth. In some cases, it can even cause blisters or ulcers to form.
Another potential risk associated with in-chair teeth whitening is damage to the enamel. The high temperatures and chemicals involved in the whitening process can cause the enamel to become brittle and wear away, leading to increased tooth sensitivity and a reduced lifespan for your teeth.
Whiter Brighter Teeth
In-chair teeth whitening is a popular choice for those looking to achieve whiter teeth in a short amount of time. The process involves using a bleaching agent that is applied to the teeth, which lightens the colour. Results can be seen immediately and are often quite dramatic. In-chair teeth whitening is safe and effective, but it’s important to discuss your goals and expectations with your dentist before starting any treatment.
If you’d like to brighten up your pearly whites, book an appointment today with Boon Dental, and we’ll guide you down the track to whiter teeth.
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