What to Expect During Teeth Bleaching Treatment

If your smile feels dull or stained, you might be wondering if teeth bleaching is the right fix. 

At Gentle Dental Care, our team of skilled dentists brings years of hands-on experience in cosmetic and general dentistry. Dr. Brad Strober, Dr. Cynthia Butcofski, and Dr. Rebecca Kucharsky Hiess each have advanced training and a long-standing commitment to helping patients improve their smiles. 

What Happens During In-Office Whitening

Your appointment will usually start with a quick discussion about your goals and a shade guide to measure your starting tooth color. 

From there, we carefully cover your gums to protect the soft tissue. We apply a whitening gel to each tooth by hand to make sure coverage is even. Once the gel is in place, we use a special light to activate it. The gel breaks up stains in the enamel to make the teeth several shades lighter.

The full appointment takes about one hour, and your teeth can be lightened by as much as eight to 10 shades in a single session! Some patients may need a second round for deeper stains, but most see noticeable results after just one visit. 

The Difference Between Whitening and Bleaching

Many people use the terms whitening and bleaching interchangeably, but there is a technical difference.

Whitening usually means restoring the teeth to their natural color by removing stains. Bleaching refers to making the teeth lighter than their natural shade. In-office bleaching uses stronger agents like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to achieve those results.

What About Sensitivity and Safety?

Professional bleaching is considered very safe. At Gentle Dental Care, the process is done under supervision, with protective measures to avoid gum irritation. 

Some people may experience mild sensitivity to hot or cold afterward, which usually goes away within 24 to 48 hours. Let your dentist know in advance if your teeth are already sensitive, as there are ways to prep them before treatment.

Call to Schedule Your Visit

Our experienced team at Gentle Dental Care provides teeth bleaching treatments using trusted methods and high-quality products. If you live in Edison or Highland Park, call 732-549-5660 to learn more or schedule your appointment.