What to Expect During a Professional Teeth Whitening Appointment

Jessica Levco

January 9, 2025

Your dentist knows your teeth inside and out, from your molars to your incisors, so they’re the best resource to help you create a plan to brighten your smile.

Brushing and flossing are essential for keeping your teeth healthy and bright. The American Association of Orthodontists found that nearly 90% of patients ask for teeth whitening, the National Center for Biotechnology Information reports.

Teeth whitening is a safe and effective popular cosmetic dental treatment that helps remove surface stains and brighten the color of your teeth. Over time, teeth naturally become darker due to factors like eating and drinking habits, certain medications, smoking, enamel wear or injury, the American Dental Association reports.

Teeth whitening treatments help reduce and remove stains on your natural teeth. When it comes to teeth stains, there are two main types to think about, the ADA says. These are:

Extrinsic Stains: These are stains on the outside of your teeth caused by things like smoking, drinking coffee or wine, or even exposure to metals like copper or iron.
Intrinsic Stains: These are stains inside the tooth itself. They can happen because of genetic conditions, aging, too much fluoride (fluorosis), or taking certain antibiotics as a child.

There are several ways to whiten your teeth, and most Professional teeth whitening methods use ingredients like carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. Your dentist knows your teeth inside and out, from your molars to your incisors, so they’re the best resource to help you create a plan to brighten your smile.

However, we know that teeth whitening can be expensive.

The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry reports that the average cost per whitening procedure increased by 29% between 2019 and 2022. In 2019, the average cost for teeth whitening or bleaching under the guidance of a dentist was $393 and it was $508 in 2022.

If you want that bright, white smile, a dental savings plan might be something to consider. Dental savings plans are membership-based programs that offer discounts on dental services at participating dentists. Altogether Dental members save an average of 40% on professional whitening out-of-pocket costs.

Preparing for your whitening appointment

At your whitening procedure, your dentist will examine your teeth to identify why they might be discolored. Remember, it’s always a good idea to brush and floss before you arrive.

Your consultation is an important step because whitening products work best on teeth that have yellowed due to aging or staining from foods and drinks (like coffee or red wine). Brown or gray discoloration could indicate issues that whitening alone can’t solve, Cleveland Clinic says. It’s also essential to address problems like gum disease or cavities before beginning any whitening treatment.

The whitening procedure

After your consultation, your dental professional will apply either a protective gel to your gums or a rubber shield to protect your gums, the ADA says. Bleaching agents are then applied to the teeth in the whitening process.

The main ingredients in teeth whitening are carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide, used in different amounts depending on the product or treatment, the ADA says. Carbamide peroxide releases about one-third of its content as hydrogen peroxide, a powerful whitening agent. Hydrogen peroxide works by moving through the tiny spaces in your enamel and reaching the dentin and pulp within 15 minutes of use.

Reactive oxygen molecules from hydrogen peroxide break down colored compounds (called chromophores) in your enamel and dentin. This process, called oxidation, can be affected by things like pH, temperature, and light, the ADA says.

Dentists may also use light or heat activation to speed the process. Aspen Dental, which accepts Altogether Dental members, uses the Philips Zoom Teeth Whitening with LED light technology to activate the peroxide. After that, your dentist will have you rinse thoroughly.

Post-whitening care and recovery

Your mouth and teeth might be sensitive after your procedure. The peroxide can irritate your gums, the ADA cautions. It also might cause tooth sensitivity for a few days.

Aspen Dental offers tips to keep your teeth looking white after your professional teeth whitening:

Avoid foods and drinks that stain the teeth.
Brush twice daily and floss.
Use a straw when drinking beverages that cause stains.
Quit smoking.
See your dentist twice a year for routine cleanings.

Don’t forget to use an ADA-approved toothpaste that contains fluoride, like Sensodyne Clinical White, which might help your bright smile last even longer.

What makes professional whitening different from DIY methods?

There are several benefits of professional whitening, including the use of stronger products, which work faster. You’ll usually see noticeable results after just one treatment by your dentist, who can help you decide how many treatments you need to reach your goal, the ADA says.

With professional teeth whitening before and after you should see results. Altogether Dental advises that you’ll see a smile several shades brighter in one session with your dentist.

Professional teeth whitening prices vary by location and provider. This is a cosmetic procedure and is likely not covered by insurance.

If you want to try professional teeth whitening, then a dental savings plan might be something to consider. Dental savings plans are membership-based programs that offer discounts on dental services at participating dentists. Keep in mind that Altogether Dental members save an average of 40% on professional whitening out-of-pocket costs.