Teeth whitening is a dental procedure that seeks to lighten the color of the teeth, eliminating stains and discolorations.
Here I present the typical steps of a teeth whitening process:
Initial evaluation:
Dental Exam:
Before beginning whitening, the dentist will perform a complete dental exam to evaluate overall oral health and determine the cause of the stains on your teeth.
Initial Color Registration:
A record of the current color of your teeth is taken so that results can be compared after treatment.
Choice of Whitening Method:
Method Selection:
The dentist will determine the most suitable whitening method for you. It can be in-office whitening, supervised home treatment, or a combination of both.
In-office whitening: whiten teeth
Gum Protection:
Before applying the whitening agent, the gums and soft tissues will be protected to avoid irritation.
Application of Whitening Gel:
A whitening gel with a high content of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide is applied directly to the teeth.
Gel Activation:
In some cases, special light, laser or activation technology can be used to enhance the action of the whitening gel.
Short Sessions:
The gel is left to act on the teeth for sessions of approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Several sessions can be done in the same appointment.
Suction and Cleaning:
The whitening gel is vacuumed or wiped off after each session, and progress is checked.
Home Whitening (Supervised Kits): whiten teeth
Taking Impressions:
If you opt for supervised home treatment, impressions of your teeth are taken to make custom whitening trays.
Delivery of the Kit and Instructions:
A whitening kit is provided with the trays and whitening gel, along with detailed instructions on their use.
Process Supervision:
Your dentist will provide you with guidelines on the frequency and duration of home treatment, and will monitor your progress at follow-up appointments.
Results and Aftercare:
Final evaluation:
The results are compared with the initial registration to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment.
Care Tips:
The dentist will provide you with advice on how to maintain and care for your teeth after whitening, including eating habits and oral hygiene.
It is important to keep in mind that the duration of results varies depending on each person’s eating and oral care habits. Some people may need periodic touch-ups to maintain whiteness. Consult your dentist to determine the most appropriate whitening approach for you and be sure to follow all professional directions and recommendations.