Professional Teeth Whitening in Glendale, AZ

Steps for Professional Teeth Whitening

Pre-Whitening Dental Examination

Before beginning professional teeth whitening, Dr. Fineberg will examine your teeth and gums to determine whether treatment is safe and appropriate for you. Cavities, gum disease, exposed roots, significant sensitivity, and other dental concerns may need to be addressed first. Crowns, bridges, veneers, and tooth-colored fillings will not whiten like natural enamel, so existing dental restorations are also considered when planning treatment.

Dental Cleaning, If Needed

Plaque, tartar, and surface stains can interfere with whitening results. If you have not had a recent professional dental cleaning, one may be recommended before treatment. This creates a cleaner surface for the whitening gel and helps Dr. Fineberg evaluate the natural color and condition of your teeth.

Recording Your Starting Shade

A dental shade guide may be used to record the current color of your teeth and discuss your whitening goals. This starting shade provides a helpful reference for comparing your results after treatment. The amount of improvement possible depends on the cause and severity of the discoloration, so results vary from one patient to another.

Preparing and Polishing the Teeth

The teeth may be polished before whitening to remove minor surface debris. This step helps prepare the enamel so the professional whitening gel can be applied evenly across the visible surfaces of the teeth.

Protecting the Gums and Soft Tissues

Before applying the whitening gel, the lips, cheeks, tongue, and gums are carefully protected. Retractors, cotton, gauze, protective eyewear, and a special gum barrier may be used to keep the whitening material away from sensitive soft tissues.

Applying the Professional Whitening Gel

Once the mouth is prepared, professional-strength whitening gel is applied to the teeth. Depending on the whitening system, the gel may remain in place for a designated period before being removed and reapplied. Some systems use a specialized light as part of the process, while others rely on the whitening gel alone. Dr. Fineberg and the dental team will monitor your comfort and progress throughout the appointment.

Reviewing Your Whitening Results

After treatment, the whitening gel and protective barriers are removed, and the mouth is thoroughly rinsed. Your new tooth shade may be compared with the original shade to evaluate the improvement. Because teeth can appear temporarily brighter immediately after treatment due to dehydration, the final color may become more apparent over the following several days.

Temporary tooth sensitivity or mild gum irritation can occur after professional teeth whitening, but these effects usually improve quickly. Dr. Fineberg will provide personalized aftercare instructions and may recommend avoiding coffee, tea, red wine, tobacco, and other stain-causing products for a short period. Contact our Glendale, AZ, dental office to learn whether in-office professional teeth whitening is right for your smile.