One of the most popular procedures offered by a cosmetic dentist is teeth whitening. There is no question that professional whitening services provide faster and more noticeable results than any product purchased over the counter. However, to achieve the very best possible results, proper preparation and understanding of the procedure are necessary.
Seek a Dental Evaluation
Teeth whitening is a great procedure for many patients who want a brighter and whiter smile. However, before scheduling an appointment, it is essential to have an evaluation to ensure the whitening agent will produce the desired results. If a person suffers from gum disease, tooth decay or other oral issues, these problems will have to be addressed prior to moving forward with the whitening procedure.
Another factor a dentist will look at is if the stains and discoloration present can be treated by the whitening product. This is because even the strongest, professional bleaching gel is no match for internal stains on the teeth. The only stains this treatment will successfully correct are external ones caused by smoking, drinking and eating. Internal stains that result from long-term exposure to various antibiotics or trauma will need a different treatment to achieve the whiter smile that is desired.
Sensitive Teeth Considerations
Some patients suffer from sensitive teeth, and after a whitening treatment, the pain may become intense. If you know you have this issue, then speaking with the cosmetic dentist ahead of time about options can be beneficial. Some dentists will provide a desensitizing toothpaste for their patients to use for several weeks prior to the whitening treatment. This can help reduce the sensitivity quite a bit during and after the procedure.
Allow Plenty of Time
While the actual whitening procedure only takes about an hour, this does not involve the amount of time a patient will have to wait, the preparation of the teeth, or how much time is needed to see results after the treatment. The amount of time you will spend in the dental office will be dependent on the results you want to achieve. You should also keep in mind that whitening treatments are not permanent, and to maintain the white, bright smile, you will have to treat at home or return for additional whitening services down the road.
Whitening is a popular cosmetic procedure that can help give a person more confidence. Knowing what to expect and how to prepare for the procedure is also beneficial.
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