Are your pearly whites less than pure white? Looking to undergo teeth whitening?
Before you undergo any sort of treatment, it’s always best to research, research, and research some more. Everybody’s treatment will be different, so what works for one might not work for the other. One tip that should be common practice is teeth whitening before and after the procedure.
Don’t know what to expect? We’ve got you covered. Keep reading below for everything you need to know about teeth whitening.
Pre-Treatment Preparation
Pretreatment preparation is the first step in any whitening process. Your dentist or dental hygienist will assess your teeth and gums and check to see if any other treatments need to be done before whitening. They will take X-rays and clean your teeth during your pre-treatment visit.
You may need to make sure to avoid eating or drinking anything that could cause teeth discoloration for at least one day prior to treatment. During and after treatment, you may experience some sensitivity in your teeth, but this is usually temporary and mild.
Treatment Options
Patients seeking teeth whitening can expect to have their teeth cleaned and polished prior to any treatment. This helps remove any surface staining before using a teeth whitening gel or laser teeth whitening. During the procedure, the bleach is applied either directly to the tooth or to a custom-made mouth tray, depending on the product used.
After the procedure, patients can expect to see 2-3 shades of improvement. Laser whitening generally produces more dramatic results in a single treatment. Follow-up procedures may be required to maintain the previously achieved results. Patients should ensure they brush and floss as usual, as well as avoid foods and drinks that can stain their teeth.
Professional Teeth Whitening
Professional teeth whitening is an increasingly popular cosmetic treatment to help people achieve their desired whiteness. Before treatment, most providers will perform a comprehensive dental examination and ask about your oral hygiene habits to determine if professional whitening is appropriate.
Afterward, you can expect to start seeing the results of professional whitening within a few days of your treatment. This might happen gradually over time as new layers of enamel form, or it could happen quickly. It is advised to avoid nicotine, coffee, tea, red wine, soft drinks, and other colored foods and drinks to help maintain your newly whitened smile.
Check this page on cosmetic dentistry today to get started on your whitening journey.
At-Home Teeth Whitening
Before treatment, preparation is key. Proper hygiene and dental check-ups should be done before at-home whitening, and whitening strips should be purchased that match the shape and size of your teeth correctly. Following the product’s instructions carefully is essential for safety and effectiveness during treatment.
The strips should be applied for the recommended time, usually 10 to 30 minutes, and replaced as needed. After treatment, gradual improvements can be seen with at-home whitening treatments, usually up to four shades brighter. Results can last up to several months with proper dental hygiene. Sensitivity is possible, so refraining from whitening treatments for a few days will help with comfort.
Potential Side Effects
With any dental treatment, there can be potential risks and side effects, so it’s important to know what to expect before and after the treatment. Prior to whitening, patients should discuss their symptom history with their dentist, as any existing sensitivities or allergies may limit what type of whitening can be done safely.
After treatment, patients may experience increased sensitivity or discomfort during hot and cold temperatures, but this usually resolves within one to three days. If the sensitivity persists, patients should call their dentist, who may be able to prescribe a remineralizing gel that can be used as needed.
Duration of Treatment
The length of time for teeth whitening treatment will depend on the amount of staining and type of treatment used. Before the treatment begins, your dentist or hygienist will evaluate your mouth condition and answer any of your questions or concerns. After that, the process will start with the evaluation of the patients’ teeth and gums for any sensitivity.
During teeth whitening, the special whitening solutions can take anywhere from 30 minutes to four hours, depending on the severity of the staining. After the procedure is completed, the results of teeth whitening will be visible.
Aftercare Tips
A dentist will examine your teeth to see if there are any potential risks. This may include looking for signs of tooth decay or gum disease. During the treatment, the dentist will use a special whitening gel to lighten the shade of your teeth. After the treatment, there are several aftercare tips that you should follow.
These include avoiding dark-colored foods and beverages, which can stain your teeth, and avoiding products that contain harsh chemicals, which can damage the enamel of your teeth. Brushing your teeth regularly and using fluoride-containing toothpaste is essential to keeping your teeth looking their best.
Gradual Results
Typically with gradual results, a person will have to wait a few days to a week to notice any whitening, and it may take a few weeks for the full results to be seen. Gradual results involve a bleaching agent which is applied for a while, then removed and reapplied as needed.
The initial results may be noticeable but usually not the final, whitest result. After a number of treatments, the appearance of the teeth can be dramatically improved, and the teeth will take on a whiter, brighter shade.
Long-Term Results
Patients should prepare to have an in-depth consultation with their dentist to consider the immediate and long-term results of whitening. This may include x-rays and an assessment of their expected outcomes to ensure patient satisfaction and safety. Immediately after treatment, patients will notice improved results.
This includes a whiter and brighter smile, as well as improved self-esteem. Long-term results from teeth whitening are most successful when the treatment is followed-up with regular brushing, flossing, and the use of whitening maintenance trays. Maintaining consistent oral hygiene and visiting the dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.
The Bottom Line: Teeth Whitening Before and After Treatment
Teeth whitening is an effective and desirable solution for many patients looking to improve the appearance of their smile. For teeth whitening before and after, patients can expect much whiter, more beautiful, and brighter-looking teeth. With continued proper oral hygiene and regular follow-up appointments with a dentist, teeth whitening can provide an improved and longer-lasting smile.
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