5 Questions to Ask Your Dentist About Teeth Whitening

Teeth Whitening Chester, VA

Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental procedure. The appearance of a bright smile is a sign of good dental health. In-office whitening treatments are quick and effective. Understanding the process better can help you prepare for your appointment. If you want to know what to ask your dentist about your teeth whitening procedure, here are five questions and their possible answers.

1. How white should teeth be after the treatment?

The dentist often chooses the level of whitening for the patient. But the patient may sometimes express a preferred whiteness. Discussing this before the treatment is important. This allows the dentist and the patient to agree on the resulting whiteness.

A common misconception is that patients can get the whitest teeth possible. The dentist will explain that this does not look good in everyone. The teeth’s shade should match the patient’s complexion. Most dentists also match the white of the eyes to the right shade of white. Achieving a realistic and natural effect is the goal of teeth whitening.

The patient must also remember that teeth brightening treatments are not the same for everyone. Heavily stained teeth can whiten to a specific level. Lighter teeth from the beginning can have a brighter effect. Touch-up treatments are also necessary to maintain or enhance the level of white.

2. What are the risks of the treatment?

Many people are apprehensive about getting this treatment because they think it might hurt or affect the internal structures of the mouth. On the contrary, teeth whitening is not invasive at all. It does not involve surgery. The dentist can administer a local anesthetic first to prevent teeth sensitivity. An application of a protective gel on the soft tissues can protect them from the bleaching agents.

Incorrect application of store-bought whitening gels can result in uneven results and tissue burns. That is why it is better to have an in-clinic teeth whitening treatment. Sensitivity may occur a few days after the treatment. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage the discomfort.

3. What are the advantages of in-office whitening over store-bought whitening kits?

Store-bought dental whitening kits are popular because of their price and accessibility. Specific products even have the ADA’s Seal of Acceptance. Even so, many people tend to overuse these products. They could either trigger sensitivity or damage the teeth. Some find the strength of these whitening products too much for their teeth. Others find the products to be ineffective.

In-office teeth whitening treatments are predictable when it comes to effectiveness. An individual can have whiter teeth in under an hour. It often results in mild sensitivity. This type of treatment is good for those who are preparing for special occasions. Some people may take more time to achieve the whiteness that they want. It will be better to start a week before the event.

This treatment is temporary. The length of its effects depends on the type of whitening treatment the patient chooses. In-office dental whitening can last from six months up to two years. Avoiding the consumption of tobacco and teeth staining drinks or foods can make the results last longer.

4. What causes dental discoloration?

Discussing dental discoloration can help explain whether a whitening treatment is the right solution for the issue or not. In-office whitening can treat superficial dental staining from consuming tobacco and staining edible products. It is often more effective on yellow teeth than on black, grey, or brown teeth. The dentist must address the dental discoloration from an underlying dental problem first before dealing with the aesthetic issue.

5. Can a patient have teeth whitening with braces or dental restorations?

Dentists often suggest that patients complete the orthodontic treatment first before having teeth whitening. This is necessary to achieve even whitening results. It is possible to whiten teeth with brackets by working around the brackets. But the areas where the brackets used to stick may look darker than the rest of the patient’s teeth. A touch-up whitening treatment can help even out the whiteness.

Teeth whitening can only work on the enamel layer of teeth. It cannot whiten dental restorations such as fillings, crowns, bridges, and veneers. The treatment may lift some stains from the surfaces. The whitening treatment must happen first before getting dental restorations. It will make it easier to match the shade of the restorations to the whitened teeth.

Teeth whitening can transform your look and self-image

A brighter smile reflects how good your dental health is. Many people want to get this treatment because of its aesthetic advantages. Asking your dentist about it can give you a rundown of the steps and the facts. Working with your dentist can help you have a pleasant teeth whitening experience.

Are you considering having a teeth whitening treatment session in the Chester area? Get more information at https://thechesterfielddentist.com.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Teeth Whitening in Chester, VA.

Recent Posts

Five Things To Avoid After Teeth Whitening Treatments

Minor to moderate teeth stains can be removed with professional teeth whitening. However, to achieve ideal results, there are certain things to avoid after treatment, such as foods and drinks that can cause stains. The following overview discusses five things you should avoid to keep your smile bright after teeth whitening treatment.You can reduce the…

What To Do Before A Teeth Whitening Treatment

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…

Are Teeth Whitening Treatments Safe

Professional teeth whitening treatments are monitored by dental professionals, ensuring the procedure is as safe as it can possibly be. While there are some potential side effects, most patients do not experience any notable discomfort or harmful side effects after professional teeth whitening from a licensed dentist.There are different types of teeth whitening. There are…

Can People With Tooth Decay Get Teeth Whitening Treatments

Tooth decay and teeth whitening treatments simply do not mix. The bleaching agents used for the treatment weaken enamel. That can lead to discomfort and damage to teeth structures if the patient has existing issues like cavities. If the patient’s teeth are healthy, the procedure only leads to temporary increased teeth sensitivity that should go…

Recent Posts

How To Prevent Tooth Staining: Tips From A General Dentist

How To Prevent Tooth Staining: Tips From A General Dentist

It is natural for teeth to discolor over time. If you have noticed that your smile has lost its luster, a general dentist can help. For effective and long-lasting results, get personalized advice and treatment from the dentist in-office. However, there are general steps you can take to improve the whiteness of your smile. Below…

How Often Should You Visit A General Dentist?

How Often Should You Visit A General Dentist?

As a general rule, you should visit a general dentist every four to six months for check-ups and cleaning visits. You may need more frequent visits (or additional visits) if there are specific oral health concerns to address (i.e., dental trauma, cavities, etc.). This review discusses how frequently you should visit a general dentist and…