Teeth whitening involves the application of a whitening agent to brighten your smile. Before the procedure, there are some things you can do to help you properly prepare for treatment. This review discusses how you can prepare before a teeth whitening treatment to ensure the safest and most effective results.
Every patient will have a unique experience with professional teeth whitening. However, there are certain things that general dentists typically recommend when preparing before treatment. This includes a dental cleaning, avoiding the use of over-the-counter whitening products, and understanding what results to expect.
If it has been more than four months since your last check-up and cleaning, then your dentist may recommend a routine dental cleaning before whitening. This removes plaque and tartar to improve your oral health. They can also check for any other oral health concerns that need to be addressed, such as dental cavities or weakened enamel. Once the patient is in good oral health, the whitening procedure can be performed. This may occur on the same day or during a follow-up visit.
Over-the-counter whitening products are not nearly as safe as professional teeth whitening. In addition, using over-the-counter whitening products before teeth whitening treatment can significantly increase the risk of teeth sensitivity and gum irritation. Therefore, it is important not to use any whitening products bought over the counter before treatment.
Teeth whitening in the office is non-invasive, but it is likely to take an hour or two to complete. It is important to schedule the visit at a convenient time. This ensures the patient can stay relaxed and does not miss anything important due to the visit for teeth whitening.
Dentists typically use a shade guide to show the patient what results they can expect. It is important to understand what teeth whitening can and cannot do to avoid undesirable results from treatment. For severe stains, it may be best to use an alternative treatment method such as dental veneers or bonding, whereas most patients with mild to moderate stains are satisfied with the results from professional, in-office teeth whitening.
One of the potential side effects of teeth whitening is increased teeth sensitivity. To reduce this risk, consider using a toothpaste that is specifically for sensitive teeth before your teeth whitening visit. This reduces the risk of experiencing sensitivity during or after the treatment process. Also, discuss ways to reduce the risk of side effects with your dentist before beginning treatment.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Teeth Whitening in McLean, VA
You can schedule a visit with our dental practice to discuss the teeth whitening process by giving us a call or sending us a message. We may be able to perform teeth whitening on the same day, or we can recommend a follow-up visit if additional treatment is needed before the whitening process.
Request an appointment or call Oak Tree Dental at 703-763-5239 for an appointment in our McLean office.
Though it is possible to find teeth whitening products at major retailers and pharmacies, whitening will be more successful when done by a professional dentist. There are a number of things on the market, such as strips, trays, pens, and more, and though these are affordable at-home services, the results are drastically different from professional…
Teeth whitening treatments get you whiter teeth in as little as 60 minutes. These treatments are performed under the supervision of a dentist, and the American Academy for Cosmetic Dentistry states a treatment session can improve the color of a person’s teeth by up to eight shades.Over-the-counter teeth whitening alternatives typically provide a cheaper alternative,…
Teeth whitening treatments can get you the pearly set of white teeth you have always wanted. It is an effective way to get rid of most types of stains and discoloration like those caused by the coloring agents in the things you eat and drink, habits like smoking, and the yellowing effect of aging on…
A missing tooth due to an accident or gum disease can lead to embarrassment and oral health challenges. A partial denture for one missing tooth is an excellent option for anyone who wants a fast and affordable way to fill a gap between teeth. Unfortunately, misinformation about partial dentures can prevent dental patients from making…
While it might not seem that common, receiving a partial denture for one missing tooth is a solution that is well-known among dental professionals. According to the American Dental Association, the average person between 20 and 64 years of age has three or more missing teeth. This can happen for reasons such as serious decay,…