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What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening is a process that you undergo to lighten the color of your teeth and enhance your smile’s appearance. During this treatment, a whitening agent containing hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide breaks down stains and discolorations, leaving you with a brighter and whiter smile. 

Whether done professionally at a dental office or using over-the-counter (OTC) products at home, teeth whitening can significantly improve the appearance of your teeth and boost your confidence. Bellevue Dentists offers Zoom!® and LaserSmile® teeth whitening for high-quality teeth whitening solutions that cater to your individual needs.

Why is professional teeth whitening better than OTC treatments?

Professional teeth whitening is superior to OTC treatments due to its higher concentration of bleaching agents and its personalized application by trained dental professionals, ensuring more effective results and a safer whitening experience.

Professional whitening can also address extrinsic (outer) and intrinsic (inner) stains, while over-the-counter treatments are limited to targeting surface stains, ensuring a more comprehensive and safer approach to achieving optimal teeth whitening results.

I’m getting teeth whitening. What can I expect?

Zoom! teeth whitening takes about 45-60 minutes. First, your dentist covers your gums and lips with protective barriers. Then, they apply a bleaching agent to your teeth, activating it with a special light. Your dentist repeats this 15-minute process until they achieve your desired results.

LaserSmile uses a similar process that involves activating a peroxide-based whitening gel with laser technology.

How can I protect my teeth whitening results?

To safeguard your teeth whitening results and maintain a bright smile, consider:


Good oral hygiene

Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily to prevent the buildup of plaque and stains on your teeth.


Avoiding staining foods and drinks

Limit the consumption of dark-colored beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, and foods that may stain your teeth. If you do indulge, rinse your mouth with water afterward.


Quitting smoking

Tobacco products can contribute to tooth discoloration. Quitting smoking not only benefits your overall health but also helps preserve your whitened smile.


Attending regular dental check-ups

Schedule regular dental exams and cleanings to monitor your oral health and address any potential issues before they impact your whitened teeth.


Touch-up treatments

Consider periodic touch-up treatments recommended by your dentist to maintain the brightness of your smile over time.

Call Bellevue Dentists today or use the online booking tool to schedule a teeth whitening consultation.