Teeth Whitening in Concord, NH
Professional teeth whitening can transform your smile and lighten the shade of the tooth significantly.
Who Can Get Teeth Whitening Done?
Teeth whitening is usually the most effective on yellow teeth. The process may take longer if your teeth are brown or grey due to exposure to antibiotics during childhood.
The treatment begins with a consultation with the dentist at Concord Dental Associates to determine if you’re a good candidate for teeth whitening.
Although most patients in Concord, NH can get teeth whitening done, there could be certain situations where teeth whitening may not be advisable. For example, if you have large crowns or fillings on your teeth, bleaching may not be a good idea. The bleaching agent will whiten the teeth (since they’re made of natural enamel) but not the restorations, which leaves your teeth unevenly colored.
What Happens During the Teeth Whitening Procedure
Once you’re comfortably settled in the chair, we will insert a lip retractor to keep your lips out of the way. This way, they are protected from the bleaching agent, and the dentist can access your teeth easily.
The dentist will apply a compound to your teeth to protect them from sensitivity along with a gel to your gums. This gel is then hardened with light to form a ‘gingival barrier’ around your gums. The dentist will then apply dental peroxide to your teeth, which acts on stains and breaks them down. Depending on the type of teeth whitening process used, the bleach may be activated with a special light.
Most teeth whitening sessions may take anywhere from 30-90 minutes. While most patients may require a single session, others (especially patients with heavily stained teeth) may need multiple visits.
Teeth Whitening After-Care Tips
It’s best to avoid:
- Tea, coffee, red wine, soy sauce, chocolate (avoid foods that would stain a white shirt)
- Smoking for 24 hours after the procedure (this will stain the teeth again)
- Using colored toothpaste, gel or mouthwash for 24 hours
Explore our website at Concord Dental Associates in Concord, NH for more information on teeth whitening services near you. To schedule an appointment, give us a call or fill out our online form!