What is Teeth Whitening? Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that lightens teeth by bleaching them. It can't make teeth completely white, but it can lighten their natural color by several shades. The procedure uses bleaching products that contain peroxide to remove stains from the tooth's surface and deep within.

What can I excpect during Teeth Whitening? A professional teeth whitening treatment typically involves several steps:

1. Cleaning The dentist or hygienist removes plaque and tartar with a professional cleaning or pumice tool to prepare the teeth for whitening.
2. Protecting Gums The dentist covers the gums with a barrier to protect them from the whitening gel.
3. Applying Gel The dentist paints a hydrogen peroxide-based whitening gel onto the teeth.
4. Activating Gel A laser or light is used to activate the gel, which can cause oxygen to penetrate deeper into the teeth. The length of time the light is left on depends on the strength of the solution, but it can be up to 20 minutes.
5. Preventing Irritation Retractors are placed in the mouth to keep the whitening agent from touching sensitive tissue like the lips, gums, and cheeks.
6. Pain Relief Patients may experience brief flashes of pain called "zingers" as the nerves in their teeth react to the whitening process. Pain relievers may be provided to take after the appointment.