How Often Can You Safely Get a Teeth Whitening Treatment?

In-office teeth whitening treatment offers a way for you to brighten your smile safely. Dentists recommend getting whitening treatment once a year or so for most patients to keep their smiles looking aesthetically pleasing. Whitening teeth too often could cause certain oral health concerns, such as worn-down enamel.

Teeth whitening treatment: What is it and when is it recommended?

Professional in-office teeth whitening is the most effective and fastest way to brighten teeth. The following is a review of teeth whitening treatment from a dentist, how it compares to store-bought whitening kits, and how long patients can expect the results to last after a whitening procedure.

Professional in-office teeth whitening vs. alternative solutions

In-office teeth whitening is a non-invasive procedure performed in the dentist’s office. It involves cleaning teeth and applying a bleaching agent. The bleaching agent is generally either peroxide-based or contains carbamide, both of which are effective in improving the color of teeth. The results of professional, in-office teeth whitening tend to last much longer than alternative whitening solutions, such as take-home kits and store-bought whitening strips. These can cause discomfort and damage the teeth and gums.

The process of professional teeth whitening explained

Professional teeth whitening in the dentist’s office takes less than an hour in some cases and is non-invasive. The procedure involves isolating the teeth and applying the bleaching agent. A special dental light is then shined over the teeth to activate the whitening solution. After approximately 15 to 30 minutes, the whitening agent is cleaned away. If the patient is not yet happy with the results, the process can be repeated until the desired results are achieved.

How often teeth whitening treatments are recommended by dentists

Professional teeth whitening performed in the dentist’s office is recommended once every year to every 18 months, depending on how long the results last. At-home kits can be used as often as once every four to six months. However, the results of take-home whitening kits or store-bought whitening strips do not last that long. It is important not to whiten teeth more often than what your dentist recommends. Doing so can damage the enamel and cause gum irritation, especially if the whitening agent is not properly applied.

When to consider a professional, in-office teeth whitening treatment

Dentists recommend professional, in-office teeth whitening more than they recommend whitening kits to use at home because in-office visits are safer and the results last longer. In-office whitening works well for most mild to moderate cases of teeth discoloration or stains.

Our dental practice offers teeth whitening treatments

If you are not happy with the current shade of your smile due to natural discoloration or teeth stains, we encourage you to contact our office today to schedule a visit. We may recommend in-office teeth whitening to help you achieve your ideal smile, based upon your goals and treatment preferences.

Request an appointment here: https://familydentistphoenix.com or call Phoenix Family Dentistry at (602) 547-9007 for an appointment in our Phoenix office.