Teeth whitening ranks as one of the most prevalent cosmetic dental treatments that can bestow you a brighter, more confident smile. If thinking of teeth whitening in Burnside, then perhaps it is proper to know just what to anticipate before, at the time when, and indeed after the teeth whitening procedures so that the patient is thus prepared. From professional whitening to removing coffee or wine stains, whitening can be a miracle to help your smile shine so bright for that special occasion. In this blog, we will guide you through the process and benefits so that you know exactly what to expect each step of the way.
Pre-whitening prep: Getting ready for a brighter smile
Before starting any teeth whitening, there are some important preparation steps to be taken and followed to ensure that the progress is smooth and safe. Here’s what you can expect beforehand for your teeth-whitening session at Walsh Dental:
Consultation and Assessment
Going to a dental expert is the first step in this teeth-whitening process. At Walsh Dental, your consultation will include an evaluation of your teeth and gums. Your dentist will discuss your oral history, current dental concerns, and goals for whitening. This step is critical in establishing whether teeth whitening is suitable for you.
In such consultation, your dentist will also check on your teeth in case there is a condition known as cavity or gum disease that would need to be treated first before whitening because whitening one’s teeth with existing conditions may cause irritation or ineffective results.
Best Whitening Procedure
There are many whitening treatments, and they can be at home or in the office. The in-office treatments typically take less time and are always more effective. The results appear right after application. The at-home treatments are very time-consuming, but they are a gentler way over time.
Your dentist will tell you what will be good for you and what you might prefer according to the specific needs that your teeth or mouth may need. They can also refer you to a professional whitening in the clinic by making use of higher concentration agents that you cannot obtain over-the-counter in the market. Either through an in-clinic whitening or a home kit, they will take care to make sure it’s safe and comfortable for you.
Managing Results and Expectations
Realistic expectations are very important regarding the outcome of teeth whitening. Whitening can remove stains and lighten the color of your teeth but will not work on all types of discoloration. For example, teeth that get stained to a deeper extent because of some medicines or genetic reasons may not respond as well to treatment. Your dentist will explain the expected outcome based on the condition of your teeth.
Additionally, your dentist may provide instructions on how to care for your teeth before the whitening procedure. For example, they might suggest avoiding staining foods and drinks, such as coffee or red wine, for a certain period before the treatment.
During Teeth Whitening
This is what one can anticipate when preparing to whiten teeth if she takes a seat back in the chair at Walsh Dental. The treatment is easy and quite painless but, of course, will be a little different according to your dentist for safety and to ensure your comfort.
The process involves the in-office application of a high-strength bleaching gel on your surface teeth. This whitening agent contains hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which breaks down the molecules causing stains. This dentist applies the gel carefully in a manner so that it’s spread evenly to all areas where your teeth are required to be whitened.
In some cases, your dentist adds special light or laser to the whitening gel so that it can work more intensely and within a much shorter time frame. One procedure usually lasts for 60 to 90 minutes, which depends on the amount of whitening you want your teeth to be.
Smooth and Pain-free Process
Even though the procedure appears to be challenging, most patients do not experience any discomfort during the whitening process. Your dentist will apply a protective barrier to cover your gums and soft tissues from the whitening gel. This way, only your teeth will be treated, thus leaving no room for irritation. If you are afraid of pain, then discuss this issue with your dentist beforehand, and they will change their treatment for you.
You can sleep while on treatment. For most patients, a pair of headphones or in-clinic entertainment is used to entertain the patient. Where in-office is utilized, an instant result is witnessed after the treatment process, providing more benefits since with home treatment, weeks have to elapse before the changes are seen to be positive.
Sensitive Issues
There are sometimes patients who become sensitive to the teeth during or after whitening. It is often a common side effect, however usually temporary, and will normally subside within hours to a day. If you have any concerns about sensitivity, your dentist at Walsh Dental can help you with desensitizing gels or other aftercare products that can reduce the discomfort experienced once you have had whitening done.
Teeth Whitening Aftercare: Caring for Your Whiter Smile
You have passed through your whitening treatment and are now beaming with brightness. But a few things have to be done to ensure that the effects of treatment last as long as they should, with your teeth shining their brightest.
Post-Treatment Care
After your whitening procedure, your dentist may have some recommendations for aftercare. It’s very important to strictly follow these suggestions to protect the results and longevity of your shining smile. Within the first 48 hours following whitening, your teeth may be more susceptible to staining. For this reason, it would be best to avoid foods and drinks that might stain your teeth, such as:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Red wine
- Berries and dark-colored fruits
- Soy sauce, tomato sauce, and any other of their
And finally, depending on the after-whitening advice from your dentist, it may be urged that you never smoke or take tobacco again in your life. Tobacco stains one’s teeth just like that—well, quicker than that.
If you are sensitive to whitening, you can apply toothpaste for sensitive teeth so that the pain will disappear. The dentist will also give you fluoride treatments or desensitizing gels that will help you reduce the sensitivity.
Oral Hygiene
Regular good oral hygiene should be kept up to enjoy the effects of teeth whitening. Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss once a day to remove plaque and food particles. Regular professional cleanings at Walsh Dental will keep your teeth looking their best, and no new stains will be allowed to form.
Touch-Ups and Maintenance
All of that is very good, bearing in mind that a long time should pass before dental whitening because, after all, the results from that procedure wouldn’t quite be permanent, in the sense that your teeth have started darkening due to diet, life habits, or aging. But if you want such a brilliant smile, touch-ups may be advisable.
We also provide in-office whitening and at-home whitening kits available here at Walsh Dental for follow-up appointments and maintenance. If you would like your teeth to be the whitest possible at all times, please talk with your dentist about a schedule that may best fit you to come back in for touch-ups.
Conclusion:
Teeth whitening in Burnside is a simple and safe solution to brighten up your smile. Whether this is done as an in-office treatment at Walsh Dental or even through an at-home kit, knowing what is going to occur before, during, and after the procedure means the process just runs more efficiently and enjoyably.
Dr. Thadsha and her team at Walsh Dental Care to give you the highest quality of tailor-made dental care. Call today when you are ready to transform your smile with a visit from Walsh Dental as the first step to your journey towards a brighter, more confident you. Are you ready to brighten up your smile? Contact Walsh Dental today for your consultation and discover how professional whitening can help you!