Millions of people get teeth whitening procedures yearly to get those pearly white teeth and a brighter smile. Your teeth tend to tarnish with time, no matter how good oral hygiene practices you follow or how often you go for dental check-ups.
To keep your teeth clean and a brilliant white throughout the year, it’s advisable to opt for Teeth Whitening Services regularly.
However, you might have multiple questions before booking a teeth whitening service appointment. What are the different types of Teeth Whitening Services? Which one to choose? Are teeth whitening safe?
In this ultimate guide, we will answer all your questions about Teeth Whitening Services.
What is Teeth Whitening?
A dental procedure, teeth whitening is designed to whiten the teeth and help remove stains, plaque, and discolouration. Many people opt for professional Teeth Whitening Services to significantly enhance the appearance of their teeth and smile.
You should know that teeth whitening is a continuous process. Therefore, you should undergo the same treatment regularly to maintain the appropriate whiteness of your teeth.
What are Different Types of Teeth Whitening?
The following are different types of Teeth Whitening Services:
Take-home trays
Many dentists recommend custom-fitted trays to their patients. Trays are designed to fit a person’s unique smile and help contour the whitening solution to his teeth, giving him the brightest results possible.
In addition, these custom-fitted trays are designed to protect your gums from any irritation, making your teeth whitening experience safe and effective.
In-office bleaching
In some dental practices, hygienists offer teeth whitening treatment that provides expedited results.
However, you should know you might feel tooth sensitivity after the in-office bleaching procedure. The best thing is tooth sensitivity gets treated itself within a few days.
Over-the-counter whitening
Although whitening strips are considered the most effective over-the-counter teeth whitening methods, they can only be customised and contoured to a certain extent.
It makes whitening between teeth more difficult and makes you more prone to tooth sensitivity.
Therefore, looking for a dental appointment with a professional hygienist or dentist is recommended instead of over-the-counter whitening.
Is Teeth Whitening a Safe Procedure?
As long as you stick to the whitening methods approved by your dentist, teeth whitening is considered safe. To safely use teeth whitening products, you should first consult your dentist.
He will evaluate your tooth health and address dental issues like your infected teeth, which might need Root Canal Treatment NSW. In addition, when using any teeth whitening product, always follow the product instructions for how to use, the duration, and frequency of use.
Therefore, handle your whitening protocol like any medical treatment for a safe teeth whitening procedure. You should listen to your hygienist or dentist, follow product-related instructions, and watch for any side effects.
What to Address Before Whitening Your Teeth?
Before you whiten your teeth, your dentist will try to understand the source of teeth discolouration. Often, smoking, red wine, sweets, and coffee are the culprits.
However, sometimes, there can be an underlying factor, like tooth decay or root exposure. Your dentist must address these issues before any whitening procedure to avoid tooth sensitivity or other side effects and help you achieve the best results possible.
What Things to Prepare for Teeth Whitening?
Each patient will have a unique experience when going for professional Teeth Whitening Services. However, there are a few things that every dentist typically recommends to do to prepare before the treatment:
- Schedule a check-up and cleaning: If you have not undergone professional teeth cleaning for over four months, your dentist might recommend a routine dental cleaning before whitening. During the teeth cleaning, your hygienist will remove plaque and tartar to improve oral health. In addition, he will check for other oral health concerns.
- Don’t use over-the-counter products: Over-the-counter whitening products are usually unsafe as in-office professional teeth whitening. Moreover, using these products before your teeth whitening appointment can significantly increase the risk of gum irritation or tooth sensitivity.
- Use toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth: One of the most common side effects of teeth whitening is increased tooth sensitivity. Using toothpaste specifically formulated for sensitive teeth before dental appointments can reduce this risk.
- Don’t skip your meal: Many people think of skipping meals before their teeth whitening appointment. However, it’s not advisable. You just need to avoid any food that can stain your teeth.
Wrapping up it all!
Teeth whitening is an effective and safe solution for whiter teeth and brighter smiles. However, before any teeth whitening procedure, speak with your dentist first to ensure the procedure is suitable for your needs.
In addition, you should go through dental examination and cleaning. During an examination, your dentist will evaluate your mouth for dental cavities or infections needing a Root Canal Treatment NSW and perform an oral cancer screening. After dental examination and cleaning, it will be determined whether you need teeth whitening and your best option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q.1 Who can do teeth whitening?
Since teeth whitening is a form of dentistry, it should be carried out by a qualified dentist or any other regulated dental professional like a dental hygienist or therapist. Although some beauty salons offer teeth whitening, it’s illegal and risky for oral health.
Q.2 How do you find out about getting your teeth whitened?
A dental professional will conduct an oral examination, and after evaluating your oral condition, he will advise whether you should undergo a teeth whitening procedure. Sometimes, teeth whitening might not be suitable for some patients, for example, if individuals have gum disease or crowns.
Q.3 What questions you should ask a dentist before starting whitening treatment?
You should ask your dentist simple questions like what types of teeth whitening treatments he provides and how long it will take to complete the treatment. You can also ask what results can you expect and how long they will last. Whether there are any risks involved in specific treatment?
Q.4 Is teeth whitening permanent?
No, teeth whitening doesn’t provide permanent results. It can last a few months to years, varying from individual to individual. To maintain teeth whitening results for longer, you shouldn’t smoke, have tea or coffee, or drink red wine, which can stain your teeth.