Thinking about whitening your teeth for the first time? You’re not alone. Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures today, and for good reason. Whether you’re preparing for a big event, want a fast smile makeover, or are simply tired of seeing yellow stains in the mirror, seeing our Brighton, MI, cosmetic dentists for a consultation is often the safest and most effective option.
If you’re considering skipping the drugstore aisle and instead, here’s what you should know.
The first thing to understand is that professional teeth whitening isn’t just a one-method solution. In fact, our local cosmetic dentists offer two main options to choose from depending on your preferences: in-office teeth whitening and take-home teeth whitening using custom trays.
No matter which method you choose, the key benefit is safety and effectiveness. Whitening teeth professionally means that our dentists monitor your progress, which reduces the risk of irritation and ensures you’re using the right approach for your specific needs.
If you opt for in-office teeth whitening, the appointment usually lasts 60–90 minutes. Our dentists will protect your gums and apply a whitening gel to your teeth. In many cases, a special light or laser is used to accelerate the process. You’ll leave our Brighton, MI, dental office with a noticeably whiter smile, sometimes up to 8 shades brighter.
With at-home teeth whitening, you’ll first come in for a brief appointment to have impressions taken. These are used to create your custom whitening trays, which ensure the whitening gel stays in place and doesn’t irritate your gums. Once your trays are ready, you’ll return to pick them up along with your instructions and gel.
Yes, teeth whitening at the dentist is safe. Aside from its proven effectiveness, safety is one of the biggest reasons why people are moving away from generic over-the-counter kits or questionable solutions found online and turning to professionals.
While temporary sensitivity is common, our cosmetic dentists can always adjust the treatment or recommend products to help minimize discomfort.
While teeth whitening is effective at fixing tooth discoloration caused by food, drinks, smoking, or aging, it doesn’t work on all types of stains. For example, discoloration from past trauma/injury, medication, or dental restorations like crowns won’t respond to whitening agents. That’s why an initial exam is important. Our dentists will help determine if whitening is best in your case or if another treatment, like dental bonding or porcelain veneers, might be a better fit.
Want to get the most out of your teeth whitening treatment? We recommend:
Also, remember: Whitening isn’t permanent. Depending on your habits, results can last anywhere from six months to two years. Regular touch-ups using can help extend the life of your brighter smile.
For older teens and adults looking to upgrade their smile, professional teeth whitening from our , is a smart investment. It’s safe, effective, and tailored to your unique needs, something store-bought kits just can’t match. Call Schaefer Dental Group today at (810) 229-2126 to request an appointment.