A radiant smile boosts your confidence and leaves a lasting impression on others. However, factors such as diet, lifestyle choices, and the natural aging process can cause your teeth to lose their bright, white appearance over time.
While over-the-counter products may provide temporary results, a professional teeth whitening service offers a safer, more effective, and longer-lasting solution.
By understanding the science behind these treatments, you can make an informed decision on how to achieve and maintain a brighter, more vibrant smile.
In this blog, we will explore different professional teeth whitening treatments to help you choose the best option for your needs.
What Are the Causes of Teeth Discoloration?
Let’s look at the causes of tooth discoloration – it generally falls into two main categories:
- Extrinsic Stains: These are surface stains that occur due to the consumption of staining agents such as coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco. They affect the outer layer of the tooth enamel and are usually easier to remove.
- Intrinsic Stains: These stains develop when staining agents penetrate deeper into the tooth enamel, causing more significant discoloration. Factors like aging, certain medications, and excessive fluoride exposure during tooth development can cause intrinsic stains.
Both types of stains can diminish the aesthetic appeal of your smile, but professional whitening treatments are specifically designed to effectively address both extrinsic and intrinsic discoloration.Â
How Professional Treatments for Teeth Whitening Work
Professional teeth whitening treatments are tailored to address various degrees of discoloration, offering more potent and longer-lasting results compared to over-the-counter options.
These treatments utilize higher concentrations of whitening agents, ensuring deeper penetration and more significant color changes.
Here are the best professional treatments — let’s see how they work.
- In-Office Whitening – Zoom Whitening
One of the most popular in-office whitening procedures is Zoom Whitening. This treatment involves applying a hydrogen peroxide-based gel to the teeth, which is then activated by a special light.
The light helps to accelerate the chemical reaction, allowing the hydrogen peroxide to break down more quickly and penetrate deeper into the enamel.
This breakdown of hydrogen peroxide releases oxygen molecules that react with the stains, breaking them apart and effectively whitening the teeth.
The process typically takes about 45 minutes and can brighten your smile by up to eight shades. The whitening gel is carefully applied to the teeth, and the light is used in intervals to ensure the best possible result.
Zoom Whitening provides immediate and noticeable results, making it one of the most sought-after professional treatments for teeth whitening.
- Take-Home Whitening Kits
For those who prefer whitening at their convenience, take-home kits provided by dental professionals are an excellent option. These kits are designed to deliver effective results safely and comfortably. Some of the most common options include:
- Opalescence Take-Home Kit
This kit includes eight syringes of whitening gel and custom-fitted trays. It uses carbamide peroxide as the active whitening agent.
When applied, the carbamide peroxide slowly breaks down into hydrogen peroxide, which penetrates the enamel to target and break up both surface and deeper stains.
The custom-fitted trays provide a secure and consistent application, ensuring the gel stays in contact with the teeth. This design helps enhance the whitening process by allowing the gel to work efficiently over a longer period.
The flexibility to wear the trays for 30 minutes overnight provides users with a personalized approach to teeth whitening.
- Opalescence Go
Opalescence Go features pre-filled, disposable trays that are ready to use, offering a convenient and comfortable fit. The trays contain 10% hydrogen peroxide, which effectively breaks down stains and lightens the teeth.
These trays are a great option for anyone looking for a quick and easy solution. They don’t require custom trays, so you can use them right away.
Available in flavors like peach, melon, and mint, these trays not only provide a more pleasant whitening experience but also ensure consistent results, making them a popular choice for individuals on the go.
- Colgate Optic Whitening
Colgate Optic Whitening is a take-home whitening system that combines a quick-drying whitening serum with a rechargeable LED device for fast and effective results.
The serum contains a concentrated amount of hydrogen peroxide, which forms a thin film on the surface of your teeth.
When activated by the LED light, the hydrogen peroxide is broken down more quickly, helping to speed up the whitening process and enhance its effectiveness.
The entire procedure takes around 45 minutes and is designed with comfort in mind, minimizing tooth sensitivity and reducing the risk of gum irritation.
Expected Results of Teeth Whitening Professional Treatments
The results of professional teeth whitening can vary depending on the treatment method, the severity of discoloration, and individual factors.
However, most patients notice a noticeable improvement in the whiteness of their teeth after just one session. Depending on the treatment, results can last up to a year or even longer.
To maintain these results, it’s important to practice good oral hygiene and avoid foods and drinks that can stain your teeth, such as coffee, tea, and red wine. With proper care, you can enjoy a brighter smile for months to come.
Choose Great Expressions for Your Whitening Needs
When considering teeth whitening, it’s crucial to consult with dental professionals who can assess your oral health and recommend the most suitable treatment. GE Dental provides expert guidance to ensure you achieve the best possible results in a safe and comfortable environment.
Great Expressions offers a range of whitening options, including Zoom Whitening and Opalescence products.
Their team of experienced professionals is committed to delivering personalized care, ensuring that each patient achieves optimal results in a comfortable setting.
Conclusion
Professional teeth whitening treatments offer a safe and effective way to brighten your smile and enhance your appearance. By understanding the underlying causes of discoloration and the science behind various whitening methods, you can make an informed decision that best fits your needs.
With the guidance of dental professionals, you can achieve a radiant smile that lasts. If you’re ready to take the next step in enhancing your smile, reach out to Great Expressions for personalized whitening options designed for optimal results.
