Your smile is the first thing that people notice, followed by your personality, outfits, and looks. It is a materialistic world, and yes, one’s appearance does matter. If you look good, not only does it boost your confidence in your social circle, but it also helps with your self-esteem. Studies have shown that when you appear well-groomed and take good care of your hygiene and appearance, your brain releases healthy hormones that improve your mood. This is the prime reason people are giving thought to their lifestyle habits, cosmetic procedures, and fitness. One of the most common cosmetic procedures in modern dentistry is teeth whitening. It’s not as taboo or old-folk as you might think; professional teeth whitening helps you maintain your pearly white smile and keeps your teeth clean while ensuring your oral hygiene.

If you want your teeth to look great in photos or for an upcoming event, you should visit a professional  Midtown Manhattan general dentist who has the necessary in-office tools and experience.

What’s the Professional Way of Teeth Whitening?

Professional teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure in which an individual’s teeth are bleached to make them appear whiter and clearer. It involves the bleaching of the enamel of your teeth using chemicals like carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. It’s typically a 30-minute process, but it may take longer in some cases.

There are hundreds of videos available on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube that discuss teeth-whitening using home remedies or quick tricks. While those methods might work for some people, professional teeth whitening, performed by an expert dentist, provides much faster and more reliable results.

What Does the Professional Teeth-Whitening Procedure Include?

1. Dental Cleaning: In this step, the dentist cleans and flosses your teeth using dental equipment, generally to remove plaque and food debris. Most often, tooth discoloration occurs due to stained food or poor hygiene. The dental cleaning process ensures poor hygiene is addressed and makes your teeth crystal clear before the bleaching process.

2. Bleaching: In this step, the dentist applies dental bleaches in gel form to your teeth. These bleaching agents may include carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide, depending on the intensity of your stains and the condition of your teeth. After applying the whitening agents, the dentist uses lasers or ultraviolet lights to activate the whitening agents on your teeth. This helps the bleaching chemicals penetrate faster and break down the stains more effectively.

3. Rinsing: After the bleaching process, the dentist rinses your teeth thoroughly and examines them again. In some cases, the dentist may repeat the bleaching process if the stains on your teeth are particularly stubborn, and then rinse again.

Why Should You Opt for Professional Teeth Whitening?

A professional teeth-whitening process is safe and ensures faster results while taking care of your oral hygiene.

Teeth whitening gels, toothpaste, and strips may work, but they require a consistent application to show results. Note that applying certain chemicals to your teeth without consulting your dentist, whether it’s a widely discussed internet remedy or a home mix of baking soda, can irritate your tooth enamel and cause irritation to your gums. Being abrasive with multiple methods may, in the long run, damage your teeth.

Whereas, during a professional whitening treatment, a dental expert takes care to protect your soft tissues, lips, and surrounding cheeks. They use dental equipment like cheek blocks, cotton pads, and buffer gels to numb the surrounding area, ensuring that the whitening agents do not cause any harm. This treatment typically lasts between 30 minutes and 1 hour, and you may see results immediately after the treatment.