Your Cosmetic Dentist Talks About How to Prepare for Whitening

Your Cosmetic Dentist Talks About How to Prepare for Whitening from Gables Exceptional Dentistry in Coral Gables, FLOne of the most popular procedures performed by a cosmetic dentist is teeth whitening. Because in-office treatments deliver immediate results, many people choose to invest in this option to enhance their smile.

Ways to ensure the whitening process goes as smoothly as possible

Although this procedure is performed frequently, many patients are unaware there are steps to take before the appointment that can help ensure the results meet expectations. Here are actions dental professionals recommend to prepare for a whitening treatment.

Make sure the teeth are healthy

Professional whitening only works on teeth with external stains typically caused by eating, drinking, and smoking. Teeth discolored internally from decay, long-term use of antibiotics, or trauma will not be improved with this type of treatment. To make sure the procedure will work, it can be a good idea to get teeth evaluated by a dental professional before scheduling the whitening process. Also, there are different forms of professional teeth whitening available, and having an evaluation can allow the dentist to determine which treatment to recommend based on overall health and dental needs.

Get a professional cleaning

The results of a whitening treatment can be enhanced if the teeth are professionally cleaned prior to the procedure. This gets rid of any plaque or tartar buildups as well as other deposits or sediments that can interfere with the whitening process. Making sure the teeth are as clean as possible can also help the treatment to look even and symmetrical and avoid having patches left discolored.

Be smart about tooth sensitivity

Teeth whitening can increase tooth sensitivity. The bleaching agents used, including peroxide, typically cause the teeth to become more porous and allow substances to permeate the enamel, reaching the nerve. Teeth undergoing the whitening process are generally more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures, and sometimes to certain ingredients such as sugar or acids. To assist with lowering the discomfort associated with sensitivity, it can be helpful to use a desensitizing toothpaste prior to the treatment that includes the ingredients strontium chloride and potassium nitrate. These ingredients diminish the signal the tooth nerve sends to the brain and therefore the amount of sensitivity experienced.

Choose an exact shade

To achieve results that look natural, dentists recommend using a shade guide to determine the current brightness of the teeth as well as the shade desired. A cosmetic dentist should have a shade guide available to assist with this process. This can not only help achieve the most accurate results but also provide a framework for comparison. The shade of the teeth after whitening can be compared to the chosen shade on the guide to see how closely they match.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp:
Cosmetic Dentist in Coral Gables, FL

Conclusion

Teeth whitening is a common and generally straightforward procedure, but patients should still do all they can to help it go smoothly. Taking these steps prior to having whitening treatment is a good way to make sure both the teeth and the cosmetic dentist are as prepared as possible and the outcome will more closely match expectations.

Request an appointment or call Gables Exceptional Dentistry at 305-203-4132 for an appointment in our Coral Gables office.

Recent Posts

How A Cosmetic Dentist Can Enhance Your Smile

A cosmetic dentist can bring back your radiant smile even after years of damage or decay. Different procedures can make this possible. Understanding which one will fit your dental needs can help you make informed decisions. Here are the different ways your cosmetic dentist can improve your smile.A person’s daily diet and lifestyle choices can…

5 Ways A Cosmetic Dentist Can Improve Your Smile

Wondering what a cosmetic dentist can do for your smile? Read on to learn more. A great smile can be a big self-esteem booster and a way to leave good first impressions. However, not all people have an aesthetically pleasing smile. Fortunately, a cosmetic dentist can help you improve the appearance of your teeth, gums,…

4 Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures From A General Dentist

Cosmetic dentistry refers to the field that focuses on improving the aesthetic appearance of one's smile while also preserving the health of the teeth and gums.What many do not know about cosmetic dentistry is that many general dentists can and do perform these types of procedures. There are, of course, dentists who focus solely on…

Recent Posts

Tooth Replacement With Partial Dentures

Tooth Replacement With Partial Dentures

A tooth replacement procedure is vital if you are missing teeth. You will be happy to know that there are multiple options available to restore your smile. If you are missing a few or many teeth but have healthy natural teeth remaining, partial dentures make a lot of sense. This solution can improve your appearance…

What To Expect When Getting Dental Veneers

What To Expect When Getting Dental Veneers

Dental veneers can improve your appearance and oral health. These porcelain shells can make dramatic changes to your smile. Each one can correct damage, discoloration, and misalignment. Understanding the process can help you relax on your treatment day. Here are the things to expect when you get your dental veneers.Consulting a dentist is necessary before…