Dr. Christopher Pescatore
Restorative & Cosmetic Dentistry
Creating Beautiful Smiles
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How Well Does Professional Teeth Whitening Actually Work?

In Cosmetic August 28, 2024

A bright, white smile can boost your confidence and leave a lasting impression. You may have seen numerous products and treatments claiming to give you whiter teeth. In particular, professional teeth whitening treatments offered by dentists are often touted as the gold standard. But do they live up to the hype? In this blog post, we’ll explore how well professional teeth whitening works, what you can expect from the process, and whether it’s worth the investment.

The Science Behind Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening involves the use of bleaching agents, typically hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, to break down stains on the surface of your teeth. These stains can be extrinsic, meaning they occur on the outer layer of the teeth due to consumption of food, drinks, or tobacco. They can also be intrinsic, which are deeper stains that form within the tooth due to factors like aging, trauma, or medication. Teeth whitening lifts layers of stains off the surface of your teeth.

When you undergo professional teeth whitening, the dentist applies a concentrated bleaching gel to your teeth. This gel penetrates the enamel and reaches the dentin, breaking down the compounds that cause discoloration. In some cases, a special light or laser may be used to accelerate the bleaching process. The result is a visibly whiter smile.

Effectiveness of Professional Teeth Whitening

Professional teeth whitening is generally more effective than over-the-counter products. The high concentration of bleaching agents used in a professional setting can significantly lighten the shade of your teeth in just one session. While the degree of whitening varies from person to person, many people experience noticeable improvements, often several shades lighter, after a single treatment.

However, it’s important to set realistic expectations. The effectiveness of the treatment can depend on the type and severity of your stains. For example, teeth that are yellow in color respond better to bleaching than teeth that are gray.

Safety and Sensitivity

Safety is a significant advantage of professional teeth whitening. Because the procedure is performed under the supervision of a dental professional, it minimizes the risk of complications like gum irritation or damage to the enamel. Your dentist will also take steps to protect your gums and other soft tissues during the procedure.

However, some people may experience temporary tooth sensitivity after whitening. This occurs because the bleaching agents can temporarily weaken the enamel, making your teeth more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. Your dentist can recommend desensitizing products or specific aftercare instructions to manage any discomfort.

Duration of Results

One common question is how long the results of professional teeth whitening last. The answer depends on your lifestyle and oral hygiene habits. Generally, the effects can last from six months to two years. To prolong the results, you’ll need to maintain good oral hygiene, avoid staining foods and beverages, and possibly use touch-up treatments as recommended by your dentist.

Cost Considerations

Professional teeth whitening is more expensive than at-home treatments, but it offers several benefits that justify the cost. The customized approach ensures better and safer results, and the immediate, noticeable improvement can be well worth the investment. Additionally, considering the long-term savings on less effective over-the-counter products, professional whitening can be a cost-effective solution in the long run.

A Potential Path to a Dazzling Smile

So, how well does professional teeth whitening actually work? The answer is quite well, especially if you’re looking for a noticeable, immediate improvement in the color of your teeth. The treatment is effective, safe, and can provide long-lasting results when paired with good oral care habits. While it may be more expensive than other options, the benefits of professional supervision and high-quality results make it a worthwhile investment for many people. If you’re considering brightening your smile, professional teeth whitening could be the right choice for you.

The post How Well Does Professional Teeth Whitening Actually Work? first appeared on Dental Signal.
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Testimonials

Dr. Pescastore,

I just had to take a minute to let you know how much me and my family appreciate everything you have done for us. When we met in 2001 I was honestly anxious about the work I needed to have done. I was nervous about the results and also about the potential pain it might take to achieve the smile I wanted. You were so thorough in your evaluation of my extensive dental history and so clear in your explanation of the procedures required that I felt confident to take your recommendations and trust my smile to you. I have never regretted that decision. I am so grateful for the way you and your wonderful staff made every appointment as easy and comfortable as it could possibly have been. I was always happy to be going there knowing I would be treated so well and love the results. I still feel the same way, and look forward to my appointments with you and your caring staff. I really enjoy the spa like feeling and always leave there more relaxed than when I arrived. My friends are always surprised to learn that I look forward to my dentist appointments as they are lamenting about theirs.

I am especially grateful for the way you have treated my daughters. They too had many dentists before you and were nervous about going to the dentist. Thanks to you and Stacey and the rest of your wonderful staff they now share my feeling about going to the dentist and are happy to be there. Brooke is so afraid of needles that even at seventeen years old she still cries if she thinks she might get a shot at the doctors office. She was very nervous before her first appointment with you, in spite of mine and her sisters assurance that it really wouldn't hurt. Thank you for proving us right. Now even Brooke is not afraid to go to the dentist. I also want you to know how grateful I am for the emergency care you gave Sadie when she chipped her front tooth. I really appreciate you changing your own plans for the day to help her. She was so upset about the way her tooth looked that she cried all the way to your office. She, like me, left your office that day feeling great about herself and her smile. You have really made a positive difference in our lives and we are all so grateful to you for it. We all look forward to seeing you and your great team for our future dental needs.

With Great Respect and Many Thanks,

Pennie Gaddis

I look back at old photographs and realize I spent years hiding teeth. I had braces in my 30s and made the mistake of having my orthodontist apply veneers to my discolored, misshapen teeth. I was his first veneers patient, and I learned that when you're having cosmetic dentistry done, you should have a cosmetic dentist do it. When I decided to have those veneers replaced, I found an expert Dr. Pescatore. In fact, it was just a few weeks before my wedding that I asked Dr. Pescatore to do my smile makeover. I trusted him completely and knew from my first appointment that I was in good hands. He impressed me with his concern that my veneers look natural, and they do. My smile is huge in my wedding pictures, not only because I had a new husband but also because I had fabulous new teeth! I'm grateful to Dr. Pescatore and his caring, attentive staff for what they did for me. I finally have the smile I'd always wanted.

Evelyn Dalton

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