What Patients Love About Their Experience at Michael Kreimer, DDS, Family and Implant Dentistry

Patients consistently talk about the same things: thorough care, genuine compassion, and a team that takes the time to explain everything clearly. Whether someone hasn’t had dental work in years, struggles with anxiety, or just wants honest guidance, they mention feeling comfortable, heard, and never pressured.

People describe their visits as friendly, professional, and even life-changing — from emergency situations handled with kindness to long-term care built on trust. Many say this is the first office where they actually feel at ease and finally understand their treatment options.

If you want a dentist who is patient, honest, and truly goes the extra mile, our reviews say it best: this is the place where people feel confident, cared for, and in good hands.

What Is Professional Teeth Whitening?

Professional teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that uses concentrated bleaching agents to remove stains and discoloration from your natural tooth enamel. Performed in a dental office under professional supervision, the treatment applies pharmaceutical-grade whitening gel to your teeth, often activated by specialized LED or laser light to accelerate the whitening process. Unlike store-bought strips or trays, professional whitening delivers dramatically brighter results in a single 60 to 90 minute session, with careful monitoring to protect your gums and tooth structure throughout the procedure.

Preparing the Day Before Your Teeth Whitening Appointment

Brush and Floss Thoroughly

Give your teeth a deep cleaning the night before your appointment. Brush for two full minutes, paying attention to every surface. Floss between all teeth to remove trapped food particles. Clean teeth allow better contact between the whitening gel and your enamel.

Get Seven to Eight Hours of Sleep

A good night’s rest helps you feel relaxed and comfortable during your appointment. Being well-rested also means you’ll handle any minor sensitivity better. Set your alarm earlier than usual if needed. Rushing creates unnecessary stress on appointment day.

Avoid Whitening Toothpaste That Morning

Regular whitening toothpaste can make teeth temporarily more sensitive. Use regular fluoride toothpaste instead for your morning brush. Save the whitening toothpaste for maintenance after your professional treatment is complete.

What to Do the Day of Your Teeth Whitening Appointment

Fast for One Hour Before Treatment

Don’t eat or drink anything for at least 60 minutes before your scheduled time. Dry teeth accept whitening gel more effectively than moist teeth. This includes water, gum, and mints. Even small amounts of moisture can dilute the whitening solution.

Arrive 10 Minutes Early

Plan to arrive early for paperwork and preparation. This extra time lets you ask last-minute questions and use the restroom. Rushing in right at your appointment time creates stress. Give yourself breathing room.

Wear Comfortable, Casual Clothing

You’ll be reclined in a dental chair for 60 to 90 minutes. Choose loose, comfortable clothes that won’t make you feel too hot or restricted. Avoid high necklines that might interfere with the protective barriers around your mouth.

Bring Entertainment If You’re Nervous

Headphones and relaxing music help anxious patients stay calm during treatment. Some people prefer podcasts or audiobooks. We can also provide noise-canceling headphones if you forget yours. Just ask.

Take Over-the-Counter Pain Reliever If Needed

If you’re concerned about sensitivity, take ibuprofen 30 minutes before your appointment. This proactive approach minimizes discomfort. Let us know what you’ve taken. We want a complete picture of your pre-treatment preparation.

Your In-Office Teeth Whitening Treatment Step by Step

Initial Tooth Shade Documentation

We start by recording your current tooth color using professional shade guides. This creates a before reference so you can see your dramatic results. Photos document your starting point from multiple angles. You’ll appreciate these comparison images later.

Thorough Cleaning and Drying

A dental hygienist polishes your teeth to remove any surface debris or plaque. Clean enamel accepts whitening gel more uniformly. We then dry your teeth completely using air and cotton. Moisture is the enemy of effective whitening.

Gum and Lip Protection Application

We apply a protective barrier along your gum line to prevent the whitening gel from touching soft tissue. This rubber dam shield stays in place throughout treatment. A cheek retractor holds your lips away from your teeth. It feels awkward at first, but it becomes comfortable within minutes.

First Application of Whitening Gel

We carefully paint pharmaceutical-grade bleaching gel onto the front surface of each visible tooth. The gel contains hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide at concentrations much stronger than store-bought products. The application takes five to 10 minutes. We’re meticulous about even coverage for uniform results.

LED or Laser Light Activation

A specialized whitening light positions in front of your mouth to activate the bleaching gel. The light accelerates the chemical reaction that breaks down stains. This activation period lasts 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll feel the light’s warmth but no pain.

Gel Removal and Reapplication

We suction away the first gel application and examine your progress. Most patients need two to three applications for optimal results. Fresh gel goes on for another 15 to 20 minute cycle. We repeat this process until you reach your target shade.

Final Rinse and Fluoride Treatment

After the last application, we thoroughly rinse away all whitening gel. Any remaining residue gets removed with gentle suction. A fluoride treatment strengthens your enamel and reduces post-treatment sensitivity. This final step takes just a few minutes.

After Photos and Shade Comparison

We take final photos and compare your new shade to your starting point. Most patients lighten four to eight shades in a single session. You’ll see the difference immediately in the mirror. The results continue improving over the next 24 to 48 hours.

Take-Home Teeth Whitening Kits: An Alternative Approach

Custom Impression Appointment

If you prefer at-home whitening, we start by taking precise impressions of your upper and lower teeth. These molds create perfectly fitted whitening trays. The impression process takes about 10 minutes. The material tastes minty and sets within three minutes.

Tray Fitting and Instructions

Your custom trays arrive within one to two weeks. We have you try them on to ensure a comfortable, snug fit. We demonstrate the correct amount of whitening gel to use. Too much teeth whitening gel wastes product and irritates your gums.

Daily Application Schedule

You’ll wear your trays for 30 minutes to two hours daily, depending on gel concentration. Most patients follow this routine for 10 to 14 days. Results appear gradually over the treatment period. This method works well for people with busy schedules.

Progress Check Appointments

We schedule a midpoint check-in to evaluate your progress and address any sensitivity issues. Adjustments to wear time might be necessary. The slower process means less sensitivity for many patients. You also have more control over your final shade.

Common Side Effects and How We Manage Them

Temporary Tooth Sensitivity

Most patients experience some sensitivity to hot and cold for 24 to 48 hours after treatment. This happens because whitening temporarily opens pores in your enamel. We can provide desensitizing gel to apply before bed. Over-the-counter sensitivity toothpaste also helps significantly.

Mild Gum Irritation

If whitening gel touches your gums despite protective barriers, you might notice white spots or mild irritation. This resolves within a few hours. Rinse with warm salt water if discomfort occurs. The tissue heals completely within 12 to 24 hours.

Throat Irritation From Swallowing Gel

Accidentally swallowing small amounts of whitening gel can cause minor throat irritation. We position your head to prevent this during in-office treatment. Drink plenty of water after your appointment. The irritation passes quickly.

Uneven Whitening Results

Teeth with varying levels of discoloration might whiten at different rates initially. This evens out over 48 hours as the whitening process completes. If unevenness persists beyond three days, contact our office. A touch-up application usually resolves the issue.

Caring for Your Teeth During the First 48 Hours

Maintaining whitening results and treating sensitivity after tooth bleaching can help prevent premature tooth discoloration and enamel erosion.

• Try to avoid staining foods and beverages: Coffee, tea, red wine, cola, berries, tomato sauce, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, and chocolate stay off limits.
• Skip tobacco products completely: Smoking or chewing tobacco will immediately begin re-staining your freshly whitened teeth.
• Use toothpaste for tooth sensitivity: Brush gently with toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth to minimize discomfort.
• Avoid extremely hot or cold foods: Room temperature or lukewarm foods and drinks prevent triggering sensitivity.
• Don’t use regular whitening toothpaste yet: Wait at least 48 hours before resuming whitening toothpaste to avoid over-treating your enamel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does teeth whitening hurt during the procedure?

Most patients feel no pain during professional whitening, though some experience mild sensitivity when the gel is active. The sensation is temporary and stops immediately when we remove the gel. If you have naturally sensitive teeth, let us know beforehand so we can take preventive measures.

How long does the entire whitening appointment take?

Plan for 60 to 90 minutes from start to finish. The actual whitening portion takes 45 to 60 minutes, with additional time for preparation, photos, and final fluoride treatment. We never rush—your results matter more than speed.

Will tooth whitening products work on my other dental work?

No, crowns, veneers, fillings, and bonding don’t respond to whitening treatments. If you have visible restorations on front teeth, we’ll need to replace them after whitening to match your new shade. We discuss this during your consultation.

What if I experience severe sensitivity after treatment?

Contact our office if sensitivity becomes severe or lasts longer than 72 hours. We can provide prescription-strength desensitizing gel. In rare cases, we might need to see you for a fluoride varnish application to seal your enamel.

How white will my teeth get in one session?

Most patients lighten four to eight shades during a single appointment. Your final results depend on your starting shade, stain type, and natural tooth color. Yellow-toned stains lighten more dramatically than gray-toned discoloration.

Can I drink through a straw during the first 48 hours?

Yes, using a straw for any beverages is actually recommended. Position the straw toward the back of your mouth to minimize contact with your front teeth. This helps during the critical first two days when enamel is most vulnerable.

Do I need to take time off work for teeth whitening?

No, you can return to work or normal activities immediately after your appointment. There should be no pain or sedation used during most whitening appointments. Many patients find they can work through any possible tooth sensitivity. Some patients prefer scheduling afternoon appointments so they can go straight home and avoid the temptation of tooth-staining foods.

Experience Professional Whitening at Michael Kreimer, DDS

Professional teeth whitening transforms your smile in just one appointment. Dr. Kreimer and Dr. Gettings combine decades of cosmetic dentistry experience with the latest whitening technology to deliver results that exceed your expectations. You’ll walk out with a noticeably brighter smile that boosts your confidence immediately.

Call our Loveland dental practice at (513) 677-3656 to schedule your professional teeth whitening appointment. We welcome patients from Mason, Montgomery, Lebanon, and throughout the Cincinnati area. Let us show you what professional whitening can do for your smile—the results speak for themselves.