In the United States, there were over 40 million people who used teeth whitening products in 2018. However, when you use the wrong teeth whitening process, it can damage your teeth. If you want to get your teeth whitened, it is best to use a trusted professional!
Do you want to learn more about what to expect from teeth whitening in Los Angeles, or are you wondering, “how does teeth whitening work?” Keep reading this article to learn more about what you can expect before, during, and after the process.
Before Teeth Whitening
One of the most important things your dentist will do before they begin the teeth whitening process is to record your current shade of teeth. This is a baseline that will help you see how much progress you make during your whitening appointments.
Next, your dentist will polish your teeth. If you have plaque on your teeth, your whitening treatments will not work as well. This is because dentists generally use a gel on your teeth during the whitening treatments, so the plaque creates a barrier between your tooth and the whitening gel.
Before you begin whitening, your dentist will also use retractors to stretch back your mouth. This will keep them from touching the whitening solution and will protect your gums from sensitivity. Without these retractors, you may find that the whitening solution doesn’t stay on your teeth and isn’t as effective.
During The Appointment
When you are ready to start the whitening process, it is actually quite simple! First, your dentist will coat the surface of your teeth with a whitening gel. Depending on the whitening treatment, you will have a different ratio of hydrogen peroxide or another bleaching agent.
You want to make sure you talk to your dentist about any teeth or gum sensitivity you may have. Otherwise, the bleaching solution may cause more sensitivity.
Depending on the process, your dentist may use some type of blue light or laser to activate the whitening gel. This will stay on your teeth for anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes to get the desired level of whiteness.
You can repeat this process a few times or come back for another appointment another time.
After Teeth Whitening
After you are satisfied with how white your teeth have gotten during this appointment, it is important that you rinse your teeth. While the leftover whitening gel may not be harmful, you want to remove it from your teeth to prevent any sensitivity or other side effects.
This is especially important because most teeth whitening products have a set time that you should use them. You want to make sure you follow the directions of the teeth whitening products and ensure that you don’t leave the gel on for too long.
If you find that you have tooth sensitivity after your appointment, it should go away within a few days. If you notice that you have pain when your teeth are exposed to air, cold food, drink, or other acidic foods, you are most likely experiencing sensitivity. This is a normal side effect, but there are ways that you can manage tooth sensitivity.
First, you can talk with your dentist and use a lower concentration of whitening treatment the next time you go in for an appointment! Lowering the levels of bleaching products can help your teeth whiten without sensitivity.
It is also a good idea to increase the amount of time between your teeth whitening appointments. This will give your teeth time to adjust and can help reduce sensitivity in the future.
Finally, it is good to brush your teeth with toothpaste that helps reduce sensitivity.
Other Teeth Whitening Tips
One tip that can help whiten your teeth is to have a consultation with your dentist before your appointment. They can discuss what kind of results are reasonable for you to achieve within one appointment, and you can also discuss any questions you have.
If you know that your teeth are sensitive to whitening products, make sure you tell your dentist. They can adjust the levels of bleaching products to help prevent any sensitivity.
It is also important that you avoid foods that stain your teeth, both before and after your appointment. These include wine, coffee, soda, and even tomato-based sauces.
To prevent sensitivity, it is important that you don’t try to whiten your teeth too much in one appointment. It is better for your teeth if you space your appointments out! This can also help you maintain your results for longer and will help your smile stay whiter.
Finally, you can use teeth whitening products between your visits to the dentist. Whether you use a whitening mouthwash or other types of toothpaste, you can help your teeth stay whiter for longer. If you don’t know what kinds of products you should use at home, you can ask your dentist for their professional recommendations.
Learn More About The Teeth Whitening Process Today!
Teeth whitening is a great way to boost your confidence and enhance your smile. But, many things go into the teeth whitening process that you need to consider. This is why it is vital to get your teeth whitened by a professional company! If you are looking for reliable teeth whitening in Brentwood, CA, Brentwood Dental Spa can help.
We offer teeth whitening and other cosmetic dentistry that can help you fall in love with your smile. Contact our office today to learn more about our services, get more information on our pricing, and more!