Everything You Need to Know Before Your First Teeth Whitening Appointment
Everything You Need to Know Before Your First Teeth Whitening Appointment
Is having discoloured teeth making you feel self-conscious and stopping you from flashing your beautiful smile? Don’t hold back anymore – teeth whitening treatments are a quick and convenient way to get pearly whites and achieve that brighter smile.
While certain foods and drinks can easily stain your teeth, there are many other reasons why your teeth may appear yellow or discoloured. With age, teeth tend to lose their brightness. Poor dental hygiene, medication, and tobacco can also cause discoloured teeth.
Today, teeth whitening treatments and procedures are commonplace. For teeth whitening at home, try whitening strips or gels, or whitening toothpaste. Also avoid foods that damage teeth, like processed foods with high acid levels, and beverages like coffee, tea, and red wine that ruin the enamel. Over the counter and home teeth whitening methods take longer than professional treatments.
Many dentists offer cosmetic teeth whitening services. With in-clinic treatments, patients can achieve up to 3-4 shades lighter. However, before you get your first whitening treatment, here are a few steps to maximize results.
Schedule a Dental Check-Up
If you are considering getting your teeth whitened, see your dentist first to check if you are an ideal candidate. There are factors that could disqualify you from receiving a whitening treatment:
- You are under 16 years old
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
- You are allergic to whitening ingredients
- You have a periodontal disease such as gingivitis, tooth decay, or gum disease
If you have veneers or dental implants, you will need to discuss options with your dentist. Your dentist will evaluate your overall dental health and needs before recommending a whitening treatment.
Get Your Teeth Cleaned
It’s recommended to have your dentist clean your teeth before the whitening treatment. Removing dental plaque or tartar will help improve the results of the treatment. Eliminating any buildup will help your teeth absorb the whitening products better and evenly. It’s also important to maintain good dental care before the treatment with daily brushing and flossing.
Desensitize Teeth
A common side-effect of teeth whitening treatment is temporary gum and teeth sensitivity. If you are prone to sensitivity, you might want to consider using desensitizing toothpaste for at least two weeks before your whitening treatment. This can help reduce the discomfort after the procedure as this type of toothpaste helps block the transmission of pain signals from the tooth to the nerve. However, if you have extremely sensitive teeth and are worried that you may experience pain during the treatment, discuss with your dentist about using a pain reliever.
Determine Your Shade
Use a shade guide to determine what shade of white you’d like to achieve. You don’t want your bright smile to look unnaturally white. Compare your goal shade to the current shade of your teeth. Consult with your dentist if you aren’t sure what should be your goal shade. You can use your goal shade to verify whether you have achieved the desired results with the treatment.
Invest in Your Smile
Having a bright, white smile can give you a real confidence boost. If your pearly whites are a little lacklustre, consider consulting with your dentist for teeth whitening services. It’s an effective and safe way to whiten your teeth. Your dentist will also tell you how to care for your smile after your treatment, ensuring that your teeth stay white for longer.
At Risio, we’d love to get you the healthy smile you’ve always wanted. Schedule an appointment online at risio.in to discuss the options available to whiten your teeth professionally.
