As you age, the outer coating of your teeth (enamel) wears off, increasing the visibility of the dentin, which has a yellow color. As a result, your teeth may appear yellowish, dulling your sparkle. Tooth discoloration may sometimes be due to lifestyle habits such as smoking and consuming colored beverages and food such as berries, red wine, coffee, and tea. The good news is that Mesa teeth whitening lifts off yellow stains off your teeth, brightening your teeth and improving your appearance and self-confidence.
Here is how you prepare for the process and what a professional whitening procedure at your dentist’s office would look like.
How do I prepare for tooth whitening?
First, you need to consult with your dentist to ensure that you are eligible for the process. While tooth whitening is generally safe, specialists advise pregnant and lactating mothers against the procedure. Individuals allergic to hydrogen peroxide may also not be good candidates as dentists’ whitening product has a high concentration of hydrogen peroxide. Before treatment, your dentist examines your mouth and checks for cavities during the initial visit.
If you have cavities and other oral problems such as gum disease, your dentist treats them first before you can whiten your teeth. Individuals with dental restorations such as crowns and veneers may also not be good candidates for teeth whitening because these prosthetics don’t respond to whitening. Here is also when you discuss your expectations with your dentist to avoid any disappointments after treatment.
What happens during in-office tooth whitening?
First, the doctor fits a rubber dam in your mouth to cover your gums from the chemical in the whitening product. Cheek retractors also keep your lips and cheeks away from the bleaching agent, which causes inflammation. Next, the dentist applies the whitening product directly to the front surface of your teeth and leaves it to sit for a few minutes. The dentist then uses laser energy to activate the chemicals and fasten the whitening process.
Most patients can see the results immediately after treatment, but some may require subsequent sessions for dramatic results. After the procedure, your teeth may also feel sensitive, but this usually improves after several hours.
How long do the results last?
The longevity of the results depends on your lifestyle habits after the procedure. Tooth whitening is not permanent, and exposing your teeth to colored beverages may result in changes in as little as one month. The following tips can help you prolong the effects of teeth whitening.
- Brush your teeth or rinse your mouth immediately after consuming beverages and foods that stain your teeth, like coffee and tea.
- Limit your intake of foods and drinks such as berries, soy sauce, coffee, tea, red wine, and cranberry juice since they gradually stain your teeth. You can use a straw to sip on the drink to limit your teeth’ exposure to the liquid.
- Visit your dentist bi-annually for professional cleaning to remove plaque, providing grounds for stains to stick.
- Maintain oral hygiene practices such as flossing at least once each day and brushing in the morning and before bedtime.
If you are unhappy with the color of your teeth, book a session with your dentist at ARIZONA DENTAL HEIGHTS for treatment to restore your teeth’ sparkle.
