Whitening might seem like the easiest dental procedure to embark on, since there is little commitment, no drilling, and you see results right away. Nevertheless, it is still a medical procedure that permanently affects your enamel, and the lack of preparation can lead to uneven results or even unwanted sensitivity. Here are a few things to consider before making the appointment.
Get a check-up, not a receipt
Skipping the examination is the risk most people take right before whitening, but it is not the ideal preparation for the procedure. Peroxide knows no boundaries and will happily penetrate every porous surface it encounters, including broken teeth or untreated cavities, which can result in excruciating pain.
A professional oral examination can detect caries, periodontitis, or enamel wear before they become a problem, but it can also identify existing restoration work. Crowns, veneers, or filling material do not react to bleaching as natural teeth do, so whitening around them can create an unpleasant contrast. Your dentist will be able to advise you on whether you need to replace your restoration work or go on a different whitening path.
Over-the-counter treatment is not an alternative to in-office procedure
Professionals know their job, and it certainly shows in the difference between store-bought and dentist-made whitening products, strips and trays. Not only do they utilise a stronger hydrogen peroxide mixture in the office, but they also use standardised tools to keep the peroxide exactly where it needs to be.
The take-home kits from the dentist use a less concentrated solution, but it is used in a tray that follows the shape of your teeth to prevent uneven spots, whereas generic trays will leave lighter patches in places where the plastic touches your teeth. Either way, both variations of whitening treatments are tailored to your mouth during the consultation, which is a luxury that DIY kits cannot offer.
That is why dentists strongly advise against using generic teeth whitening trays for people with sensitive teeth or existing restoration work. If you want professional guidance, especially with dental work or a sensitive mouth, it is better to choose teeth whitening in Sutton Coldfield from a dental practice that can take your concerns into consideration rather than relying on a generic whitening kit.
Not all stains are made equal
Whitening responds almost predictably to external staining, with fantastic results that visibly brighten the tooth enamel. In fact, most people see dramatic results when their teeth are particularly yellow or stained from food and drinks like coffee, tea, red wine or cigarettes. External staining is easily treated and most people who decide to whiten their teeth for the first time are in this category.
Whitening can also be minimally effective on internal staining, but the results are not as dramatic as in the case of external factors. Internal tooth discolouration is the result of medication, trauma, fluorosis or aging and bleaching can only partially affect it. Some methods might be recommended based on the cause of the discolouration, but oftentimes composite filling or dental bonding can help reshape the affected teeth.
A dentist can determine the general type of your staining with the help of the VITA shade guide, which will help set realistic expectations in regards to teeth whitening. Dentists report that an average improvement spans anywhere between 2 and 8 shades on this scale, depending on the type of staining.
Sensitivity is to be expected
Most people who go through teeth whitening experience some sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages afterwards. The reason for this is that the pores in the enamel are left open during the procedure for a short amount of time, and it takes a while for them to close again. In most cases, this discomfort is short-term and disappears after a day or two, but some people may suffer from it for up to a week.
Sensitive toothpaste like Sensodyne can help reduce the discomfort, and it is best to avoid temperature extremes in food and drinks for the first 24 hours after the procedure. Surprisingly, staying hydrated and in fact drinking plenty of water also helps reduce the sensitivity to some degree. If the discomfort persists for you longer than a few days, return to the dentist, but some sensitivity after whitening is completely normal.
Your results will not be permanent
It is crucial to remember that teeth whitening is a short-term procedure, while the results it produces are outstanding. The improvement can last for a few months or even up to several years, but it is ultimately a matter of personal preferences and lifestyle. For example, a heavy smoker who continues to enjoy their cigarettes will not be able to keep the white colouring for very long.
A general estimate of the duration of whitened teeth is between 6 months and 2 years, but the exact range can only be determined after the consultation. If you intend to maintain the results of your professional in office whitening for as long as possible, consider asking your dentist about the take-home maintenance kits.
After care is as important as the procedure itself; some clinics offer custom-fitted trays as a part of the maintenance package which allow you to keep the white shade for as long as you want, and simply resupply on a regular schedule.
Overall, before your whitening session it is important to understand the procedure and its limitations, as well as prepare your teeth for the best possible result.
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