(412) 854-2310
Many people who want brighter smiles are tempted to try over-the-counter gels and strips, only to later regret their decision. This is because store-bought products often contain diluted bleach that causes sensitivity or produces inconsistent results.
Thankfully, your dentist can provide professional services to reliably lighten the shade of your enamel. But depending on the severity of your condition, you might require repeated treatments to achieve the perfect hue. Continue reading to learn more about how many sessions of teeth whitening you might need!
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
Teeth whitening products rely on bleach, such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which is applied directly to your enamel. The active ingredient undergoes a chemical reaction in your mouth that reduces the size and concentration of pigmented particles clinging to your enamel.
Store-bought options typically contain diluted solutions that are less effective, often causing patients to overapply or misuse the product and develop sensitivity or mottled teeth. Meanwhile, your dentist has access to professional-strength gels, such as ZOOM!®and Sapphire&trade, which are designed to provide an optimal outcome while reducing potential sensitivity. In-office visits can potentially lighten your grin by several shades in a single, 1-2 hour-long visit. Many dentists also offer take-home kits with ultra-concentrated bleach and custom-fitted trays so you can brighten your smile at a time that works best for you.
How Many Teeth Whitening Sessions Will I Need?
Although some folks can achieve the perfect hue with a single teeth whitening session, others might require multiple repetitions before they see the desired changes. It’s natural to wonder how many treatments you might need, but the answer depends significantly on your unique circumstances.
For example, those with more severely stained teeth are likelier to require additional repetitions to lighten them sufficiently. Also, whether you choose commercial or professional services, and the type of whitening you undergo, can also impact how many treatments it will take to achieve your smile goals. Your dentist can discuss your unique concerns and circumstances to provide a more accurate idea of how many you might need.
How Can I Maintain My Brighter Smile?
Whether you require a single teeth whitening session or several, it’s only natural to want to preserve the perfect shade once your enhancements are complete. Thankfully, there are several ways you can help preserve the results, including:
- Implementing an at-home oral hygiene routine. Brushing and flossing twice daily removes bacteria and plaque that give deeply pigmented particles something to cling to.
- Choosing foods carefully. Steering clear of common culprits, like tea, coffee, berries, and tomatoes, can help prevent additional discoloration.
- Scheduling routine exams. Visiting your dentist every six months for a routine checkup and cleaning allows them to monitor your condition and polish away more recent surface stains.
If you still have questions about how much teeth whitening you’ll need, the best way to find out is to schedule a consultation with your provider!
About the Practice
Patients at Advanced Dental Solutions of Pittsburgh benefit from a team of providers eager to help them enhance their lives by improving their dental health. They collaborate to provide a comprehensive menu of award-winning services under one roof, including cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening. Whether you opt for an in-office procedure or prefer a customized take-home kit, they can help you safely lighten your grin to boost your confidence. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (412) 854-2310.