Teeth whitening is, as its name implies, a method of changing the color of the enamel of your teeth to a lighter shade. It’s one of the most common cosmetic dental procedures, as whiter teeth is the number one aesthetic concern of most patients.
Patients whiten their teeth for the following reasons:
Teeth whitening usually requires two visits. A mold of your teeth will be made during the first visit so that the dental lab can fabricate a custom tray for your teeth. This tray is clear and is made of plastic, and during your second visit, you’ll try it on to make sure it fits properly. Adjustments will be made, if necessary. You’ll wear the tray with a special whitening solution for either 30 minutes, twice a day, or overnight, for a couple of weeks (the length of time depends on how stained your teeth are and how white you want them to be). You may experience some tooth sensitivity during the time you’re whitening your teeth, but that will subside within a short time after you’re done bleaching them.