4 Tips For Getting Your Teeth Whitened

If you are thinking about getting your teeth whitened, there are some things you should know first. The following information includes things you should do or not do before or after you get your teeth whitened. It will help you have a successful treatment with as few side effects as possible.

Complete Your Dental Work First

It is in your best interests to get necessary dental work completed first before you get teeth whitening done. If you have a dental infection or deep cavities, store-bought and in-office whitening can be painful for you. In general, it shouldn't cause much discomfort, but if you already have tooth pain, it might hurt a lot more than you imagined. Get an exam and X-rays before getting your teeth whitened, and get dental work like fillings and root canals done first.

Consider In-Office Whitening

When it comes to teeth whitening, you can either use a home kit or get it done in your dentist's office. In-office whitening is great because it is monitored by a dentist. If you have a negative reaction, it can be addressed right away. It also tends to have better results. The at-home kits you buy in the store come with plastic trays that are meant to cover your teeth, but they come in just one size. They might not fit your teeth correctly, which could lead to uneven results. If you request whitening from your dentist, they can either provide you with custom-made trays that fit your teeth perfectly, or do laser whitening in the office.

Have Realistic Expectations

Teeth whitening, especially when you get it done by your dentist, tends to have a high success rate. However, you might not have the bright smile you were hoping for. If you have deep stains on your teeth, it is possible that you need more than one whitening session before you get the results you were hoping for. If some of your front teeth aren't whitening properly, you might want to consider alternative procedures, such as getting veneers or bonding over them. Some teeth are too stained for whitening to work properly.

Don't Worry About Sensitivity

You might have some teeth sensitivity after you get whitening for the first time. This is usually mild and temporary. It is simply a reaction to the whitening gel used, and should be gone within a few hours. People with more sensitive teeth mild feel the discomfort for a few days afterward. Contact a cosmetic dentist like Daniel M. Bade, DDS if you have questions.