What to Expect During a Teeth Whitening Session

Reveal Your Brightest Smile with Professional Whitening

When your teeth aren’t perfectly white, it can make you insecure about smiling around other people. This isn’t a new problem. But the rise in social media pictures with filters has made it even more intimidating to have a discolored smile.

Between the normal insecurities we’ve always had and the new Insta-perfection we’re aiming for, whitening products are on the rise. In fact, it’s predicted that by 2024, more than 300 million people will have tried a whitener at least once.

At-Home vs. Professional Whitening

Whitening products have improved significantly since they started being used over the counter. But at-home whitening products can have disastrous results. The wrong product—or the right one used incorrectly—can cause long-lasting damage to your teeth and gums.

Getting a professional teeth whitening service is the expert-recommended way to lighten your teeth. A whitening treatment with Dr. Julia Snyder is safe, pain-free, and gets you results fast!

Maybe you have a big event, like a wedding, on the horizon, or you just want a smile you’re proud of. No matter what the reason is, a whitening treatment is an incredible investment you won’t regret.

Step 1: Schedule a Check-Up

Even dentist-provided bleaching treatments use chemical agents. While ours are safe and professional-grade, they can still cause irritation—especially if there are any underlying issues like cavities, chips, or gum disease.

That’s why it’s essential to have a check-up before whitening. Dr. Snyder will examine your teeth to ensure there are no problems that need to be treated beforehand. This is also why over-the-counter products can be risky—without a check-up, you might end up making things worse.

Step 2: Preparing for Your Appointment

A common question: Should I brush my teeth before whitening them?

Yes—you can, but it’s not required. Your hygienist will clean your teeth before the whitening treatment anyway. However, brushing after eating is always a good idea.

If you plan to eat before your appointment, go ahead. Just be sure to finish your meal at least 30 minutes before arriving. Eating softens your enamel temporarily, and the whitening works best when your enamel is fully hardened.

Step 3: What Happens During the Whitening Treatment?

The entire whitening appointment usually takes about an hour. Here’s what to expect:

1. Professional Cleaning

First, our hygienist will clean your teeth to remove any plaque or tartar that could interfere with the whitening gel.

2. Mouth Preparation

To keep the whitening agent from irritating your lips or gums, we’ll use a retractor to keep sensitive tissues away from the product. Then, we’ll apply a protective gel to your gums to shield them.

3. Whitening Application

We use a professional-grade whitening product that contains hydrogen peroxide, a powerful but safe bleaching agent. Once applied to your enamel, it penetrates into the layer beneath—called dentin—which controls the color of your teeth.

Dentin is porous, so the bleaching agent enters the pores and lightens the tooth from within. To speed up the process and prevent damage, Dr. Snyder uses a specialized light that helps the bleach act faster and more effectively.

Step 4: Aftercare Tips for Long-Lasting Results

You’ve done the “before”—now it’s time to take care of your smile! Here’s how to protect and prolong your results:

  • Stick to a 48-hour “white food” diet to avoid staining your still-sensitive dentin.
  • Brush twice a day, floss, and use mouthwash to prevent new discoloration.
  • Schedule regular check-ups to monitor your overall oral health.
  • Call us for a touch-up if you notice your smile beginning to fade.

A brighter, more confident smile is just one visit away. Call Dr. Julia Snyder today to schedule your professional whitening treatment!

We can’t wait to connect!

Call 828-265-1112 or request an appointment online to set up your first visit. We’ll be in touch soon.