Results vary depending on individual lifestyle habits and oral hygiene practices, but professionally administered tooth whitening usually lasts six months or longer with proper maintenance and care. To maximize results and longevity, it's important to limit stain-causing foods or beverages (such as tea, coffee or red wine) and use a daily fluoride rinse as recommended by your dental care provider. Additionally, scheduling regular checkups with your dentist twice per year can help keep stained plaque build up under control which extends results further still.
Professional tooth whitening should not cause pain during or after the procedure; however, some people may experience some sensitivity after their treatment is complete. This typically subsides within a few days and can be managed with products containing desensitizing agents if necessary.
On average, an in-office professional teeth whitening session can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how many shades whiter you want your smile to be. An at-home tray provided by your dentist may require multiple sessions over several weeks or even months in order to reach a desired level of brightness.
Yes, professional teeth whitening performed by a qualified dental care provider is considered very safe for most people. Your dentist will assess your overall oral health before beginning any tooth whitening treatments to make sure that there are no existing issues that could be exacerbated by the bleaching process. During the in-office procedure, they'll use protective barriers such as cheek retractors and protective gels over your gums to ensure that only your enamel is exposed to the bleaching agent.
The exact cost of professional teeth whitening will depend on a variety of factors, including your particular treatment plan and which type of whitening product or procedure your dentist recommends. Our team will provide you with a breakdown of all treatment costs and payment options prior to your teeth whitening session.