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Considering Teeth Whitening? Three Questions You May Have

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Are you looking for a solution to fix your teeth that look stained or yellow? Thankfully, there are some cosmetic dentistry procedures that can make your teeth white again, procedures which can be done in the office. If you are hesitant to make that initial appointment, it is probably because you have questions about how the whole process will work. Here are three common questions you may have.

Does Professional Teeth Whitening Hurt?

The process of having your teeth whitened isn't painful. The most discomfort you will feel is from having your teeth cleaned before the procedure if your dentist requests it, but this is no different than any cleaning that you have had in the past. The actual whitening procedure is pain-free and does not require any type of numbing treatment.

Keep in mind that your teeth can feel sensitive after they have been whitened. Thankfully, it is only a temporary sensitivity that occurs during the initial days after the procedure. During that time, you may feel discomfort when eating a food that is hot or sipping on a beverage that is cold. The sensation can be mild, though you can manage the level of sensitivity by remaining aware of what you're eating. For example, let hot foods cool down slightly, or sip your beverages through a straw.

Does Professional Teeth Whitening Take A Long Time?

The length of a teeth whitening procedure will depend on the method your dentist decides to use. A laser whitening treatment can be done within an hour, and you'll leave the office with teeth that are a new shade of white. Other dentists may use a peroxide treatment instead, which will involve several trips back to the dentist to gradually change the color of the teeth. While the latter option involves more trips, it can be a great choice if you are afraid of your teeth becoming too bright after a whitening procedure.

Does Professional Teeth Whitening Last A Long Time?

While teeth whitening can last a long time, it is not a procedure that will last forever. You can keep your teeth white by taking steps to prevent them from being discolored again. Brush your teeth regularly, avoid dark liquids like coffee or grape juice, and give up smoking. These changes can give you whiter teeth for longer following a whitening procedure, though you will still have to undergo treatment again in the future if you want to maintain a certain level of whiteness.


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