Things to Know Before Your Teeth Whitening Appointment

A brighter smile can boost your confidence and leave a lasting impression. Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures, and for good reason. It's a quick, effective, and safe way to remove stains and discoloration caused by factors like aging, coffee, tea, wine, and smoking.

At Drs. Nicolas & Asp Centers, we offer professional teeth whitening treatments that deliver safe and remarkable results. Before your appointment, it's helpful to understand the process and what to expect. Let's dive into the details.

Professional teeth whitening involves using powerful whitening agents, such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, to break down stains on the teeth. These whitening agents penetrate the enamel to lighten both surface stains and deep discoloration, offering a brighter and more uniform appearance. Unlike at-home whitening kits, in-office treatments provide higher concentrations of bleaching agents, which can yield significant results within a single session.

There are two common types of professional whitening methods:

• In-Office Whitening Treatments: Our dental hygienist will “prep” you and apply a protective barrier to shield your gums from the whitening agent. The whitening gel is carefully applied to your teeth, and an LED light is used to accelerate the process. This treatment typically involves 2 to 4 cycles, each lasting about 15 minutes. You’ll enjoy instant results in just one appointment.
• Take-Home Kits: Custom trays and a professional-grade gel whitening solution are provided by your hygienist, allowing you to do your whitening at home with professional oversight. You’ll receive detailed instructions on the amount of gel to use and how long to wear the trays each day. Gradual results typically appear within one to two weeks.

Before undergoing a whitening treatment, it’s crucial to have a dental examination. Teeth whitening is most effective and safest when performed on healthy teeth and gums. During the exam, your dentist will:

• Assess your oral health: Check for issues like cavities, gum disease, or exposed roots, which need to be treated before whitening to avoid discomfort and complications.
• Identify the cause of discoloration: Not all tooth stains respond to whitening treatments. There are certain types of discoloration, like those caused by injury or medications, may not improve significantly with standard whitening agents. Your dentist can recommend alternative cosmetic treatments if needed.
• Evaluate dental restorations: Fillings, crowns, and veneers do not whiten like natural teeth. Any existing restorations will be evaluated to maintain a consistent color. Some patients may choose to replace worn out and discolored restorations after whitening for a uniform look.

While professional whitening is generally safe, there can be some side effects, especially for individuals with sensitive teeth. Common side effects include:

• Tooth Sensitivity: Temporary sensitivity to hot and cold can occur following whitening. This is due to the whitening agents temporarily making the enamel more porous. Sensitivity usually subsides within a day or two.
• Gum Irritation: Whitening gels can cause mild irritation to the gums if they come into contact. Your hygienist will use protective barriers to reduce the risk of irritation, but mild tenderness is possible.

To reduce sensitivity, your hygienist will apply a desensitizing gel or recommend fluoride treatments following the whitening session.

To get the most out of your teeth whitening treatment, it’s helpful to prepare ahead of time:

• Schedule a dental cleaning: Having your teeth cleaned prior to whitening ensures that any plaque and tartar buildup is removed, allowing for even whitening.
• Avoid stain-causing foods and drinks: Foods and beverages like coffee, red wine, and dark berries can cause staining. Avoid these for a few days leading up to your appointment to give your teeth a head start.
• Discuss sensitivity: If you have a history of tooth sensitivity, let your dentist and hygienist know. They may recommend a desensitizing toothpaste or an in-office treatment to help prevent sensitivity.

For the first 48 hours after treatment, your teeth are more susceptible to staining. Maintaining the results of your whitening treatment requires some aftercare:

• Avoid dark-colored foods and beverages: Stick to light-colored, non-acidic foods and avoid items like dark sauces, beetroot, berries, chocolates, coffee, tea, and red wine.
• Do not smoke: Avoid smoking for first 2 days. Smoking not only affects your health but also stains your teeth.
• Practice good oral hygiene: Brushing twice daily with a non-abrasive toothpaste and flossing regularly will help keep your smile bright.

It’s important to have realistic expectations about the outcome and longevity of teeth whitening. While professional whitening can significantly brighten your smile, results can vary depending on factors such as your age, diet, and natural tooth color. In addition:

• Results from professional whitening are not permanent. You may need occasional touch-ups every 6 to 12 months to maintain your bright smile, depending on your lifestyle and habits.
• To prolong your results, limit foods and beverages that cause staining, and avoid tobacco use, as smoking can quickly discolor teeth.

Teeth whitening can be a safe and effective way to enhance your smile, but it’s not ideal for everyone. Individuals with severe enamel wear, deep intrinsic stains, or a history of extreme dental sensitivity may benefit from alternative treatments like veneers or composite bonding. Consulting with a dentist will allow you to understand your options and determine the best approach for your smile goals.

If you’re considering teeth whitening and aren’t sure where to start, please give us a call at 04 394 7777.