Your Cosmetic Dentist Talks About How to Prepare for Whitening

One of the most popular procedures performed by a cosmetic dentist is teeth whitening. Because in-office treatments deliver immediate results, many people choose to invest in this option to enhance their smile.

Ways to ensure the whitening process goes as smoothly as possible

Although this procedure is performed frequently, many patients are unaware there are steps to take before the appointment that can help ensure the results meet expectations. Here are actions dental professionals recommend to prepare for a whitening treatment.

Make sure the teeth are healthy

Professional whitening only works on teeth with external stains typically caused by eating, drinking, and smoking. Teeth discolored internally from decay, long-term use of antibiotics, or trauma will not be improved with this type of treatment. To make sure the procedure will work, it can be a good idea to get teeth evaluated by a dental professional before scheduling the whitening process. Also, there are different forms of professional teeth whitening available, and having an evaluation can allow the dentist to determine which treatment to recommend based on overall health and dental needs.

Get a professional cleaning

The results of a whitening treatment can be enhanced if the teeth are professionally cleaned prior to the procedure. This gets rid of any plaque or tartar buildups as well as other deposits or sediments that can interfere with the whitening process. Making sure the teeth are as clean as possible can also help the treatment to look even and symmetrical and avoid having patches left discolored.

Be smart about tooth sensitivity

Teeth whitening can increase tooth sensitivity. The bleaching agents used, including peroxide, typically cause the teeth to become more porous and allow substances to permeate the enamel, reaching the nerve. Teeth undergoing the whitening process are generally more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures, and sometimes to certain ingredients such as sugar or acids. To assist with lowering the discomfort associated with sensitivity, it can be helpful to use a desensitizing toothpaste prior to the treatment that includes the ingredients strontium chloride and potassium nitrate. These ingredients diminish the signal the tooth nerve sends to the brain and therefore the amount of sensitivity experienced.

Choose an exact shade

To achieve results that look natural, dentists recommend using a shade guide to determine the current brightness of the teeth as well as the shade desired. A cosmetic dentist should have a shade guide available to assist with this process. This can not only help achieve the most accurate results but also provide a framework for comparison. The shade of the teeth after whitening can be compared to the chosen shade on the guide to see how closely they match.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp:
Cosmetic Dentist in McLean, VA

Conclusion

Teeth whitening is a common and generally straightforward procedure, but patients should still do all they can to help it go smoothly. Taking these steps prior to having whitening treatment is a good way to make sure both the teeth and the cosmetic dentist are as prepared as possible and the outcome will more closely match expectations.

Request an appointment or call Oak Tree Dental at 703-763-5239 for an appointment in our McLean office.

Recent Posts

Cosmetic Dentist Services For A Brighter, Healthier Smile

A cosmetic dentist can help you achieve whiter, healthier teeth. The right type of cosmetic dental service or services can rejuvenate your smile. Knowing the different procedures that can help improve your teeth and gums can prepare you for your next appointment. Here are the treatments you can get from your cosmetic dentist if you…

What You Need To Know About Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry refers to dental procedures intended to enhance the appearance of your teeth. While most of these procedures are nonessential, they can offer a variety of health benefits as well. The field, once primarily reserved for celebrities and wealthy individuals, has become much more mainstream, offering a number of desirable and accessible procedures.The word…

General Vs. Cosmetic Dentist: Which Is The Better Option

If you need a specific dental procedure done or are looking for a new provider to take care of your smile, it is important to understand whether a general dentist or cosmetic dentist is the right professional for the needed services. While both types of dentists are required to have achieved a doctor of dental…

Oak Tree Dental

Share
Published by
Oak Tree Dental

Recent Posts

Common Questions About Dental Implants

Dental implants are a popular and effective treatment option for missing teeth. However, it can…

7 days ago

Tooth Colored Fillings FAQs

Having tooth-colored fillings is always better than amalgam fillings. Switching to these natural-looking fillings will…

1 week ago

What You Need to Know About Dental Implants

As a patient considering dental implants, there are some important things that you need to…

2 weeks ago

The Benefits of Choosing Dental Implants Over Dentures

Getting dental implants as a replacement for removable dentures can be a rewarding move. These…

3 weeks ago

Understanding the Dental Implant Process

Dental implants replace missing teeth and help with chewing, speaking, and smiling. They can consist…

4 weeks ago

The Process of Getting a Dental Implant After a Tooth Extraction

Most people want to have dental implants right after dental extraction. Replacing the lost tooth…

1 month ago