If you’re thinking about achieving a brighter smile, a visit to a dentist near you to have your teeth professionally whitened is probably the best option available. A procedure in a dental office is certainly safer than any over-the-counter kit or product and provides the best opportunity for lasting and visible results. As a first-time whitening patient, you might have wondered what to expect while undergoing a professional whitening procedure, and this first teeth whitening appointment guide can help prepare you for the visit and your expectations regarding the whitening.
Why Choose Professional Whitening?
Discoloration of one’s teeth from coffee, tea, wine, and smoking, and just the natural aging process, happens frequently. At-home whitening strips and toothpaste can help to an extent but rarely produce the stunning results that people want. The professional teeth whitening process uses specialized techniques and more potent whitening agents so that you achieve results within one or two visits. Plus, it has the benefits of a trained dentist, assuring both safety and efficacy.
Your First Whitening Appointment: Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re a first-time patient, it is normal to be curious—or even antisocial—concerning what you may experience. Here is what to expect:
1. Initial Consultation
Your dentist will start with an initial examination of your oral health. Your dentist will look for cavities, gum disease, or sensitivity issues that may need addressing prior to whitening. If you are a good candidate for whitening, the dentist will discuss pertinent whitening options, and will recommend the best treatment option appropriate for you.
2. Cleaning and Preparation
Before whitening, a thorough and deep proper cleaning is often performed to eliminate plaque and tartar from your teeth. A cleaner tooth surface will allow the whitening gel to adhere evenly on your teeth to provide a consistent outcome. Also, before whitening, your dentist will also place protective barriers around your gums/lips as a precaution against irritation from the whitening gel.
3. The Whitening Procedure
During the professional teeth whitening process, an advanced, highly concentrated whitening gel will be placed on your teeth. Some devices use a laser light to help activate the whitening gel in order to break up stains more quickly while enhancing the whitening process. Typically, each procedure takes approximately 30-60 minutes depending on the depth of the stain and the protocol you chose to do.
4. Post-Treatment Results
Many patients after the completion of the professionals’ teeth whitening session walk out of the office or chair with a difference of several shades whiter immediately after rinsing. However, the dentist may also recommend follow-up appointments for optimal results, particularly if your stains are deeper than normal.
Aftercare: Smiling Groom Brides.
Whitening can be sustained provided you take the after care instructions given by your dentist. You are very likely to be told to:
- Do not eat or drink foods and drinks that will stain your teeth (e.g. coffee, tea, and red wine) at the same time over a minimum of 48 hours.
- Stop smoking, as tobacco products will stain your teeth very quickly.
- Attempt to use whitening toothpaste as recommended by your dentist to help with results.
- Be sure to visit a dentist near you regularly for checkups to prophylactically maintain your teeth.
Is Whitening Right for You?
Most adults are candidates for teeth whitening but it may not be the best option for everyone. Patients with enamel erosion, teeth sensitivity, and dental restorations (crowns, etc.) seek cosmetic options over whitening. Your dentist will discuss these concerns in your first dental consultation.
Final Thoughts
A professional teeth whitening appointment is a safe and effective way to increase your confidence with a brighter or whiter smile. A successful whitening appointment preparation can include everything above starting from the first appointment to after appointments.
If you are inquiring about teeth whitening, contact your dentist in Calgary at Saddlestone Dental. Their team of highly qualified dental professionals will walk you through the whitening process to provide bright, long-lasting results of your teeth whitening process.