Colgate Optic White professional in-office whitening
Professional in-office whitening uses a dentist-selected peroxide gel, with gum protection and controlled exposure for tooth discoloration.
The short answer
Professional in-office whitening uses a peroxide gel selected and applied under dental supervision, with the gums isolated from the gel. The dentist first checks whether the discoloration is suitable for whitening.
What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
The clinical subject is peroxide tooth bleaching, not a toothpaste label. Hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide breaks down stain molecules within enamel and dentin, but fillings, crowns, and veneers do not change shade.
What can you do next?
A dentist examines the teeth, records the starting shade, protects the gingiva with a barrier, applies the whitening gel, and controls its contact time. Treat cavities, cracks, leaking restorations, or active gum inflammation before bleaching.
When should you seek dental care?
Arrange dental care before whitening if you have untreated decay, spontaneous tooth pain, exposed roots, ulcers, or bleeding gums. Stop and contact the clinic if marked sensitivity, gum irritation, or unusual pain persists after treatment.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask which peroxide material and concentration will be used, how the gingiva will be isolated, and whether existing restorations will mismatch afterward. Ask whether sensitivity prevention or a different method fits your enamel and fillings.
Frequently asked questions
Is a branded whitening product the same as a dental treatment?
No. A product name does not describe the examination, isolation, gel handling, or suitability assessment used in a dental appointment.
Why can whitening cause sensitivity?
Peroxide can temporarily move through tooth structure and irritate the pulp, especially when dentin is exposed or the gel contact is excessive.