Teeth Whitening: Five Common Questions About the Procedure
- By Admin
- •
- 22 Jun, 2017
Are There Multiple Whitening Methods?
Do not bother with any of those at-home solutions that promise whiter teeth. Your dentist can offer you two different options that will be much more effective than any over-the-counter method that you try at home. Gel trays or laser whitening can both be ideal solutions.
Gel trays will be the more affordable method for teeth whitening. It starts with having your dentist construct a mold of your teeth during the initial appointment. A couple of weeks later, your custom gel trays should be ready to use. Your dentist will give you a special type of peroxide gel that is stronger than anything you can buy at the local drug store. Follow the directions and you will be on your way to whiter teeth.
Laser teeth whitening treatment can be more expensive but will offer instant results that will be noticeable the very same day. Many people prefer laser-whitening treatments if they have an upcoming event that they want their teeth to look good for, such as a wedding.
Is Any Special Preparation Necessary?
A dentist will want to perform any necessary dental work prior to a whitening treatment. It is also common to have your teeth cleaned and examined if your next routine checkup is approaching. Dental procedures like cavities and root canals are also performed before any whitening procedure.
If necessary, you can have any non-whitening dental procedures performed after your teeth are whitened. This could result in more tooth sensitivity due to the whitening treatment. Some discomfort is to be expected, but you should still be capable of handling it.
Will Your Teeth Be More Sensitive?
Teeth sensitivity after a whitening procedure will vary for every person. Sensitivity is common when using peroxide bleaching agents to whiten your teeth, and it is more likely with the stronger peroxide used by your dentist. If you have very sensitive teeth, you can expect your teeth to become even more sensitive following a peroxide treatment. Thankfully, your dentist can perform a test to see how your teeth will react to the whitening procedure.
Prepare for a few days of sensitive teeth immediately following the procedure. The sensitivity will improve over time. You can find relief from the discomfort by using a desensitizing agent, using a toothpaste designed to desensitize the teeth, or taking some time between bleaching treatments.
How Successful Is Teeth Whitening?
Can Anybody Have Their Teeth Whitened?
Some people are not a great candidate for teeth whitening. Issues with gum disease, sensitivity, and a lack of enamel on the teeth can cause a dentist to not recommend the procedure or to make modifications. For instance, sensitive teeth would require smaller gel trays so that the gel is not touching any exposed roots. Alternative cosmetic procedures, such as dental veneers, may be recommended for those that do not qualify.
A consultation with a dentist is the best way to determine if you will be a good fit for the procedure. Sparks Dental is there to help you with your teeth whitening procedure.
