If you’ve tried whitening your teeth with over-the-counter methods, you’re among millions of others out there. Over-the-counter options are typically cheaper than getting your teeth professionally whitened by a dentist, but the results, which aren’t nearly as good as professional-grade anyway, usually don’t last long.

The smarter option is getting your teeth whitened by a dentist. In Huntsville, Alabama, this is totally possible. Though the procedure is not covered by most insurances, it costs around $1,000 and will improve your smile in a way you never knew possible.

The procedure itself isn’t difficult, but it may require several visits to the dentist to ensure your teeth reach the desired shade. And although the procedure isn’t too complex, it should only be performed by a professional like Dental Avant Garde; with a specialist in charge, there’s no way your gums will be hurt.

This Is How The Procedure Looks:

• First of all, the dentist makes a record of the current shade of your teeth. This is done with a physical model with different shades presented that the dentist will compare to yours.
• In order to remove plaque or any other surface debris, your teeth are polished with pumice.
• Retractors are used in order to keep your cheeks, lips, and tongue away from the whitening solution.
  
• Along with retractors, the dentist puts a barrier in place so gums will not become damaged.
• Then, your teeth are coated with a whitening solution. This solution usually consists of either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.
• Some solutions involve light exposure in order to activate them. Such lights are shone on the teeth between 30-60 minutes, or turned on and off periodically. It just depends on the brand.
• The procedure ends when either a) the teeth have reached the desired shade or b) the maximum time limit has been reached. If the time limit is reached and the teeth aren’t yet the shade that you want, you will come back for a return visit at a later date.
• Teeth are typically sensitive after the whitening procedure, so you’re given a fluoride application to help ease this side effect.

The process of whitening your teeth is an important cosmetic procedure and should be completed by a dentist who is skilled in their craft. Contact your local dentist in Huntsville today to see if the procedure is right for you.