What steps are involved when a dentist performs professional teeth whitening treatments?
D) The dentist applies the peroxide whitening gel onto the surface of the teeth.The dentist will dry off the patient's teeth and then apply the bleaching agent. Professional teeth whiteners are usually thick pastes or gels. The dentist will either dab or paint the whitener onto the surface of each tooth being treated. |
E) Optional: The dentist exposes the tooth whitener to an "activating" light or laser.With some professional teeth whitening systems the bleaching compound is "activated" using a light source. Some of the types of light that are used are halide and halogen lights, plasma arc lights, and lasers. |
The theory is that this "activation" shortens the needed treatment time and/or makes the whitener more effective. Not all professional bleaching systems incorporate an "activation" step into their protocol. The need for light source "activation" of the whitener is not universally accepted by dentists nor universally supported in dental literature. |
F) The tooth whitener is left on the teeth for a prescribed period of time.
Professional teeth whitening treatments are usually completed within 60 to 90 minutes of appointment time, depending on the characteristics of the specific product being used. One whitening session may consist of a single or multiple applications of the whitener.
There is a possibility that sensitivity may arise during the treatment process. Depending on the specific circumstances you experience your dentist may cut the treatment time short and terminate the bleaching process.
G) The whitening treatment is terminated.
At the completion of the treatment period the whitening compound will be suctioned and washed off. Then dental dam and any other isolating materials or devices will be removed.
H) The dentist will determine the post bleaching shade of the teeth.
Just like before the professional teeth whitening process was begun, after the bleaching treatment has been completed the dentist will make another shade evaluation so to see how much whitening has been achieved. If a pre-treatment picture was taken, the dentist will probably want to document the post treatment whitening outcome with a picture too.
You should be aware of the fact that in some instances ( due to tooth dehydration ) a shade determination taken immediately after the whitening treatment has been completed can be deceptive and may very well overstate the amount of whitening that has actually taken place. The best and most accurate shade evaluation should really be taken some days after the bleaching treatment has been completed.
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I) Optional: The dentist performs a fluoride treatment.The dentist may feel it is best for the patient to have a professional fluoride treatment at the completion of the teeth whitening process. The application of fluoride can help to minimize any thermal sensitivity (such as that created by hot and cold foods and beverages) that the patient may experience. Additionally, since teeth are mineralized objects their exposure to an acidic environment (such as one produced by an acidic bleaching gel) can leech mineral content from their surface. Fluoride deposited on a tooth's surface can promote the remineralization of these demineralized regions. |
J) Optional: An at-home teeth whitening system is sent home with the patient.The dentist may suggest that the in-office bleaching treatment should be followed up with the use of an at-home teeth whitening product. This link provides information explaining why your dentist may feel it is best that both types of whitening systems are used. |
