If you don’t feel satisfied with your tooth color, even after routine cleaning, talk to your dentist about teeth whitening. Some patients have excessive staining from stains, while others have problems with natural discoloration. Dentists often offer a variety of whitening treatments to work with patients’ comfort levels and budgets. These may include take-home products, in-office bleaching, and laser-assisted whitening.
Talking to Your Dentist About Professional Teeth Whitening
You can easily talk to your dentist about professional teeth whitening during your routine exam. Your dentist can recommend the right procedure depending on your oral health and budget. If you have implants, veneers, or crowns, your dentist can help whiten your teeth to match your dental work. During your routine dental appointment, you can also find out about oral health problems, such as decay or gum disease. You may need to remedy these problems before getting a cosmetic treatment. A dental spa in Pearland can help you get started with a teeth whitening treatment plan.
Why should I do professional whitening instead of at-home whitening?
Your dentist can tailor your treatment to meet your needs. The results from a dental office usually end up more pronounced, as well. With at-home treatment, you may have uneven results, minimal changes, and irritated gums. Some patients need more than one professional whitening treatment to achieve their goals, as well. Your dentist can monitor your procedure to make sure your gums and enamel remain protected.
Preparing for Your Dental Whitening Treatment
Patients can prepare for dental whitening treatment by taking a few hours off of work to attend the appointment. If you have sensitive gums or teeth, talk to your dentist about using a toothpaste for sensitive teeth or a local anesthetic before your teeth whitening procedure. You may also attend a consultation to discuss the financing and color goals for your teeth. Finally, get a dental cleaning before you have cosmetic teeth whitening. A routine cleaning ensures you start out with the best version of your teeth. The specialists at The Art of Smiles can make your smile vibrant again!
Is there anything I should do before booking a teeth whitening appointment?
Schedule a regular dental visit before you book a teeth whitening appointment. Some patients need dental repairs and a routine cleaning before a dentist recommended teeth whitening.
Choosing From Different Types of Teeth Whitening Treatments
Discuss the procedures and costs with your dentist before choosing the best teeth whitening treatment for you. For mild teeth whitening, your doctor may send you home with a whitening gel and trays that go over your teeth. This treatment can take up to two weeks. Patients generally wear the trays for about 30 minutes each day.
Traditional cosmetic dentistry whitening involves a simple bleaching procedure. The hygienist uses a tool to hold your mouth open and place a protectant on your gums before starting the treatment. Depending on the final goal, you may need more than one session. During each session, the dentist may remove the bleach and reapply it several times to reach the desired shade of white. With laser-assisted whitening, the specialist follows the same procedure, however, light speeds up the process. You may need fewer sessions if you choose laser teeth whitening treatment.
Protecting your Mouth During an In-Office Whitening Procedure
Dentists protect your teeth and gums in a variety of ways during tooth bleaching. You may get a gel or latex barrier placed on your gums. If you have sensitive teeth or gums, the dentist may also provide a desensitizing gel to help ease discomfort during the procedure. Other than minimizing discomfort, a barrier on your gums helps protect your gums from damage when the doctor applies the whitening solution. The professionals at The Art of Smiles make sure you remain comfortable throughout your whitening procedure.
My teeth have been sensitive before, will professional teeth whitening hurt?
Some patients may have mild discomfort or sensitivity. If you have a history of sensitivity, talk to your dentist about extra steps to keep you comfortable during the procedure. You may also have mild sensitivity after the whitening treatment. Your dentist may apply a topical treatment during the procedure to help you tolerate the procedure. After your whitening treatment, you can minimize sensitivity by using toothpaste for sensitive teeth, avoiding extremely hot or cold foods, and brushing your teeth softly.
Combining Teeth Whitening Treatment with Other Cosmetic Procedures
Combining medical and cosmetic dental treatments can become complicated if you have poor oral health. Your dentist may recommend you get gum disease or decay dealt with before undergoing a whitening treatment. The dental implant process can take several months. If you want to match your replacement tooth to newly whitened teeth, talk to your implant specialist about the best timing for your professional whitening procedure. If you need a crown in combination with your root canal, get the medical issues taken care of first. You can then discuss a whitening procedure after getting your tooth repaired and a temporary crown placed. Dentists prefer patients to have good oral health before getting cosmetic treatments. You can, however, work with your dentist to plan your whitening treatment at the perfect time to match your crowns, veneers, or implants.
If I’m receiving other treatment, like crowns or implants, should I wait to get my teeth whitened? Ask your dentist about teeth whitening while under treatment for other issues. Crowns and implants do not change color, therefore, you want to get the right color to match your teeth. You may need to get your teeth cleaned and whitened before your final crown or implant gets made, so you can order the color that matches your best smile.
Managing the Cost of Teeth Whitening Services
Teeth whitening options fall under the term “cosmetic”. If you have dental insurance, your coverage probably includes only medical procedures. The type of tooth whitening you choose may depend on the cost. Take-home trays and basic bleaching cost less than laser whitening. You may manage the cost by saving up money before the procedure or using a credit card. Some dental clinics also offer self-pay discounts and payment plans.
Conclusion
You can get the best version of your smile with a cosmetic dental cleaning. Talk to your dentist to determine the best treatment plan for your lifestyle and budget. If you have crowns or implants, a cosmetic specialist can help you decide on a proper color for your new smile. Make an appointment with The Art of Smiles to discuss your teeth whitening options today!