Preparing for Teeth Whitening

How to Prepare for Teeth Whitening

Stained or discolored teeth may make you feel self-conscious about your smile and affect your confidence and self-esteem. Teeth whitening is a safe, effective solution for reducing or eliminating stains, yellowing, and discoloration. When you get teeth whitening services from your dentist, the procedure will be more effective, the results will last longer, and you will be less likely to experience complications. Properly preparing for your procedure will also enhance your results. Keep reading to get answers to all of your questions about how to prepare for teeth whitening, including ‘Should I get my teeth cleaned before whitening?’ and ‘What to do before teeth whitening?’

Explore Your Teeth Whitening Options

Before teeth whitening, you should explore all of your treatment options. Educating yourself will help you make an informed decision about what type of teeth whitening procedure is right for you. You should also consult with your dentist and get their recommendations for the right whitening service:

• Bleaching – Teeth whitening and teeth bleaching are not the same thing. Teeth whitening can be done with bleaching or non-bleaching products. Teeth bleaching uses peroxide, which contains bleach. It can remove surface stains and deep stains, offering lasting results.
• LED Accelerated Whitening – LED-activated teeth whitening uses powerful bleach with a high concentration of whitening gel. Your dentist will apply the product to your teeth and then use a laser or LED light to activate the bleaching gel and enhance its results.
• Whitening Gels or Foams – Your dentist will create a custom mouth tray and fill it with a whitening gel or foam, or apply the solution directly to your teeth. The product is either left on your teeth for a period of time or activated using a laser light.

Undergo a Professional Teeth Cleaning

Once you understand the different types of teeth whitening procedures, you should undergo a professional teeth cleaning. Your dentist will remove plaque and tartar buildup, which could interfere with the whitening process. A cleaning will also eliminate mild surface stains.

Understand the Difference Between At-Home & In-Office Whitening

While there are a variety of over-the-counter teeth whitening options you can purchase and apply yourself, the results will not be as dramatic or long-lasting. Over-the-counter treatments use weaker concentrations and may require multiple treatments over time to achieve noticeable results. They may also increase your risk of tooth sensitivity and gum irritation. In-office teeth whitening uses higher quality and more potent products that achieve greater results. Your dentist will protect your gums and ensure proper application. Your results will also last longer.

Look at Before & After Photos So You Know What to Expect

In order to maintain realistic expectations about your treatment results, you should look at before and after photos. Your dentist can show you what results you can expect to achieve using the type of teeth whitening products they offer. Using before and after pictures and a shade guide can also help you choose the right shade for your teeth.

Avoid Consuming Foods & Beverages That Could Stain Your Teeth

Before your appointment, you should avoid eating or drinking anything that could further stain your teeth. Do not drink highly pigmented or dark-tinted foods and beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, dark berries, and curry. You should not consume acidic foods and drinks like citrus, soda, and citrus drinks. If you do consume anything that could stain your teeth, use a straw and rinse your mouth out with water afterward.

Brush & Floss

Immediately before your teeth whitening appointment, you should brush and floss your teeth. This will remove harmful bacteria and food particles that could interfere with the efficacy of the products.

Stay Hydrated

You should also stay hydrated. You need to remain hydrated to maintain adequate saliva production, and water and saliva can flush harmful bacteria from your mouth. Dry mouth can increase your risk of harmful bacteria that could affect the results of your teeth whitening procedure.

Buy Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth

Your teeth and gums may be more sensitive after teeth whitening. Ask your dentist to recommend a toothpaste for sensitive teeth and use it before and after your whitening procedure.

Schedule an Appointment for Tooth Whitening With Xpress Dental

At Xpress Dental, we offer safe, effective teeth whitening treatments in McAllen, TX. We can assess your lifestyle, oral hygiene, and the appearance and health of your teeth and gums and determine which whitening method is best for you. Our in-office teeth whitening solution is designed to brighten your teeth several shades for dramatic, lasting results. Our skilled team can significantly reduce or eliminate stains, discoloration, and yellowing so that you can enjoy a brighter, whiter smile. Our teeth whitening procedures can enhance your confidence and help you achieve the smile of your dreams. Call us now for emergency dental care, or contact us online to schedule an appointment.