Teeth Whitening
Professional Whitening for a Radiant Smile
Professional teeth whitening helps you achieve a brighter, whiter smile that you will love to show off. At Vero Dental in Lehi, UT, we perform whitening in our dental office and at-home kits that use high-grade teeth whitening products. If you have stained, discolored, or dull teeth, we encourage you to explore your options for professional whitening systems and treatments. Contact our office in Lehi to schedule your appointment with Alex Harris, DDS to learn more.
Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening by a Dentist
- Treatment only takes between 30–60 minutes
- You can undergo treatment annually for continuously brighter teeth
- At-home kits are available
- Professional whitening is an option for patients with sensitive teeth
- The whitening solution is safe and effective when used by a professional
- Boost your confidence with a beautifully radiant smile!
Why Do Teeth Stain?
Enamel is the outermost layer on the teeth. When the enamel wears down, it becomes transparent and allows the yellow dentin underneath to show through. A common cause of teeth yellowing is poor oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing your teeth removes stain-causing substances daily.
There are two categories of teeth staining: extrinsic and intrinsic. Lifestyle habits can stain teeth, like smoking, eating foods with dyes, or drinking beverages like coffee, red wine, or tea. A good rule of thumb is that if it can stain your clothes, it can stain your teeth. The use of certain medications, illness, infection, trauma, or age can all result in tooth discoloration.
Teeth Whitening Process—In-Office and At-Home
For effective whitening, visit our cosmetic dental expert, Alex Harris, DDS, in Lehi, Utah. Every smile is different, and we will customize your whitening treatment to achieve your desired tooth color. We can discuss your options for whitening during your regular exam and cleaning, or you can make an appointment to begin your journey to a brighter smile at any time.
At your in-office whitening appointment, we will polish your teeth with a grainy substance that will remove plaque and debris. We may insert a retractor to hold your cheeks and lips back and to prevent any chemicals from getting onto the tissues. We will coat your teeth with a hydrogen peroxide solution, which acts as a bleaching agent. Typically, an LED light is used to speed up the process. The total duration of treatment takes between 30 minutes and 1 hour.
Once we’ve achieved the desired shade of white, you will rinse your mouth of any remaining solution. Your whiter smile is ready for you to show off! You can undergo in-office professional teeth whitening about once a year. If you desire whiter results after your in-office treatment, you may benefit from at-home kits to use in between visits to our office.
Professional at-home whitening kits are a great way to maintain a freshly whitened smile, or to improve results until your next in-office appointment. These kits contain custom-made trays and whitening gel. This gel is not as powerful as the type we use in our dentist office, but it is still more effective than over-the-counter products. You will fill the trays with gel and wear them for a few hours each day.
If you have sensitive teeth, you can still undergo professional tooth whitening. Be sure to mention your tooth sensitivity during your visit so we can still brighten your teeth without increasing the risk of further sensitivity. Professional vs. Over-the-Counter Tooth Whiteners
Teeth whitening by a dentist produces more dramatic results than over-the-counter products. The whitening agent present in professional solutions is higher than those available in stores. By having your teeth whitened by a dental professional, every tooth surface is treated, whereas at-home care doesn’t guarantee even results.
Some people try a whitening toothpaste with mild abrasives to polish away stains. You must use caution with these products, as some can contain a high abrasiveness that wears away your teeth enamel.
Whitening strips are another form of teeth whitening available over-the-counter. These strips have a small amount of peroxide and may provide some level of results, but they will not be as drastic as professional whitening.
