All About Professional Teeth Whitening

Professional teeth whitening is a common cosmetic dentistry procedure. While there are many different home teeth whitening kits available on the market today, none of them compare with getting your teeth whitened professionally. The procedure used for professional teeth whitening may vary from dentist to dentist. In general the dentist forms a custom tray that is molded to your teeth. The tray is then attached to the teeth temporarily as a way to hold the whitening formula on the teeth.

Professional teeth whitening may also use special light to help expedite the process. The whitening formulas used by the dentist are far stronger and more efficient than any type of over the counter whitening product. The dentist will use the latest techniques to safely and properly whiten the teeth. Professional teeth whitening lasts longer than home methods and provides even whitening throughout the teeth.

The cosmetic dentist can easily whiten your teeth by several shades. Teeth whitening works best on teeth that are yellowed. Teeth that are gray or dingy may not get as white. First, the dentist will clean your teeth to remove any excess plaque build-up. Then he will determine the best type of whitening procedure to use. Some procedures need to be repeated in order to help whiten the teeth as much as possible.

It is important to consult a dentist before you begin any teeth whitening procedure. The dentist will ensure that you don't have any cavities which must be fixed before you begin the whitening procedure. Also, the dentist can determine that you have sufficient enamel to whiten. Enamel is the hard white tooth covering that can wear away as we age. When enamel is lost it cannot be replaced. Teeth that are missing enamel cannot be properly whitened. In this case other cosmetic dental procedures may be necessary such as dental veneers.

Check with your dental insurance company to find out if teeth whitening is covered under your policy. In some cases policies allow for some portion of the expense to be paid while you may need to pay for the remainder. Talk to your dentist to find out what type of procedure is used so you can determine the payment arrangements.

For more information on teeth whitening and other cosmetic dentistry treatments, contact our Atherton cosmetic dentistry office.