TEETH WHITENING in Seattle, WA

Yes, professional teeth whitening in Seattle is safe when performed by a qualified dentist. Clinical studies have shown that professional whitening does not damage tooth enamel. However, some patients may experience temporary tooth sensitivity or gum irritation. We take precautions to protect your gums and minimize side effects. The American Dental Association has approved hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide as safe whitening agents when used as directed.

An in-office teeth whitening treatment usually takes 1-2 hours. This includes preparation time, application of the whitening gel, and post-treatment care. Most patients see optimal results after just one appointment, though heavily stained teeth may benefit from a second session or combination with take-home treatments.

Results vary, but most patients see their teeth become several shades whiter after one in-office treatment. We will show you a shade guide to demonstrate the expected improvement. Factors like initial tooth color and the cause of staining affect the final results. Teeth with yellow tones typically respond best to whitening, while gray or brown stains may require more treatments or alternative cosmetic solutions.

The effects of in-office teeth whitening can last 6 months to 2 years, depending on your oral hygiene and lifestyle habits. To maintain your newly whitened teeth, avoid staining foods and drinks like coffee, tea, and red wine. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental cleanings also help preserve results. Touch-up treatments every 6-12 months can help maintain your bright smile long-term.

Most of our patients do not find in-office whitening painful. However, some may experience temporary tooth sensitivity during or after treatment. This sensitivity usually subsides within a few days. If you have sensitive teeth, inform us before the procedure. We can apply desensitizing gel before treatment or recommend fluoride treatments afterward to minimize discomfort.

In-office whitening works best on surface stains caused by foods, drinks, and tobacco use. It may be less effective on intrinsic stains from medications or tooth trauma. We will assess your teeth and advise if whitening will be effective for your specific case. Tetracycline staining and fluorosis may require multiple treatments or alternative cosmetic solutions like veneers for optimal results.

Touch-up treatments can help maintain your whitened smile. We may provide a take-home kit for occasional use. The frequency of touch-ups depends on your lifestyle and how quickly your teeth accumulate new stains. Most dentists recommend waiting at least 6 months between professional treatments to avoid overexposure to bleaching agents.

Whitening treatments do not affect existing dental work like crowns, veneers, or fillings. If you have visible restorations, discuss this with your dentist. You may need to replace front restorations after whitening to match your new tooth color for a uniform appearance.

Before your appointment, have a dental cleaning to remove surface stains and tartar. Avoid tobacco and staining foods for a few days prior. Ensure any cavities or gum disease are treated before whitening, as the bleaching agents can cause discomfort in untreated teeth.

While many people are candidates for in-office whitening, it's not recommended for pregnant or nursing women, children under 16, or those with severe tooth decay or gum disease. People with exposed tooth roots, worn enamel, or extreme sensitivity should also consult with their dentist before whitening.

For the first 24-48 hours after treatment, it's best to avoid foods and drinks that can stain teeth. Follow the "white diet" by avoiding coffee, tea, red wine, berries, tomato sauce, soy sauce, and colored beverages. Also avoid tobacco products during this critical period.