Discover some of the benefits of professional teeth whitening.

If you’re looking to add an extra gleam to your brilliant smile, you’re not alone. According to a recent survey, nearly 90% of orthodontists have had patients request a professional teeth whitening treatment to keep their pearly whites glistening.

But with so many options — from over-the-counter kits to sessions at your dental office — which is the best way to shift your smile a few shades lighter?

To get one of the brightest smiles, many have turned to prescription, at-home teeth whitening kits delivered in custom-made trays. These provide an easy and convenient way to get professional results.

Read on to discover the radiant smile you should expect after a professional teeth whitening treatment with the dental specialists at Metro East Dental Care in Granite City, IL.

Consult your dentist before whitening your teeth.

One of the first steps before starting a teeth whitening treatment is consulting with a professional dentist.

A dentist can offer a prescription-strength whitening gel that works to whiten teeth over time. The gel contains hydrogen and carbamide peroxides, which are more effective in removing teeth stains and discoloration.

Stay up to date with your dental health.

Before jumping into a teeth whitening treatment, a dentist will give you a complete oral exam and a professional cleaning.

They can identify any underlying dental issues, such as cavities or gum disease. They can also recommend a personalized tooth whitening treatment plan to match the results you want.

Maintain a healthy oral hygiene routine.

Any teeth whitening treatment should be paired with a continuous good oral hygiene routine.

To maintain the optimal results, patients should keep up with regular brushing, two times a day. Experts also recommend flossing daily, having regular dental checkups and cleanings, and limiting sugary foods and liquids.

The Convenience of In-home Whitening Kits

Prescription, at-home teeth whitening kits  offer the best of both worlds: the professional strength of bleaching chemicals offered by a dentist and the ease of applying the treatment at home.

Patients will receive custom-fitted trays with a whitening gel. They can wear the trays at home on a set schedule and can expect to see a brighter smile over the course of a couple of weeks.

If you’re looking for a dentist in Granite City, IL, who offers at-home kits, we’re happy to help.

First Impressions That Last

To produce the custom-fitted whitening trays, a dentist will take impressions of your teeth to get the best fit.

These molds will then be sent to a dental laboratory and made into trays that fit the contours of your upper and lower teeth. A perfectly fitting tray will keep the whitening gel away from the gums and reduce any potential irritation and tooth sensitivity issues.

What to Expect During Teeth Whitening

One of the best teeth whitening treatment kits can be completed conveniently at home.

Once your custom trays are ready, a dentist will go over the procedure with you at an in-office visit. This will include how the trays work, how to brush your teeth before wearing them, how to apply the whitening gel, and how long to wear them to get the best results.

Also, expect your dentist to note the starting shade of your teeth so you can compare with before and after photos.

How long does it take?

Once at home, these custom-tailored trays should be worn for an hour each day for two to three weeks. Your dentist may recommend you wear the trays for a longer length of time or overnight.

Wearers will see significant results after two weeks, but the treatment plan may vary depending on advice from your dentist. Specialists at Metro East Dental Care can give you the most up-to-date recommendations.

Safety Precautions

The custom-fitted trays are designed to keep the whitening gel from leaking out and irritating sensitive gums and mouth tissues.

Be sure to follow your dentist’s instructions on how long to wear the trays. This prescription-strength solution is designed to whiten teeth for a short amount of time. Leaving the trays in longer than necessary could cause tooth sensitivity or damage.

Also, don’t eat or drink while wearing the trays. Doing so could wash away the whitening solution and keep the treatment from working.

What to Expect After Teeth Whitening

After two weeks of daily tray wearing, you should see a significant difference in your smile’s brightness. Expect your dentist to suggest a return visit to compare the results from your initial consultation.

How long will results last?

Results from professional at-home teeth whitening kits usually last between six months to a couple of years.

To ensure longer-lasting results, limit drinking dark, staining liquids such as coffee, tea, and red wine, as these can discolor your teeth. Also, keep up with your regular dental checkups and cleanings. That way, you can consult with your dentist if any future touchups are needed.

Other Dos and Don’ts

Do brush your teeth before wearing an at-home teeth whitening tray. The bleaching chemicals work better on a clean set of teeth.

Do keep your trays clean and dry in between applications. Any debris or water could dilute the whitening gel.

Don’t forget to brush your teeth after wearing a tray to get the whitening solution off your enamel.

Professional Teeth Whitening Takeaway

If you’re considering brightening your smile, going with a professionally tailored approach will help you achieve the best results.

Many dentists offer the convenience of custom-fitted trays with the ease of applying prescription-strength whitening treatments at home. Over a few short weeks, you’ll be able to see the benefits of a dazzling smile.

If you’re wondering whether this teeth whitening treatment is for you, contact the dental specialists at Metro East Dental Care for a personalized and professional opinion. We are here to help you achieve the smile you deserve.