Questions to Ask the General Dentist Before Professional Teeth Whitening

It may seem to you that everyone is doing teeth whitening today. This treatment can be an effective way to remove unwanted stains. Different cosmetic dentistry methods are available to restore your beautiful smile and help you feel good about your appearance once more. Before you get too serious about whitening your teeth, it is helpful to talk to the dentist and find out more about what will happen. You can then have all the information you need to make the right decision.

Different methods of teeth whitening to consider

The first thing people should think about when it comes to whitening teeth is which treatment makes the most sense. Many people purchase products in the store to remove discoloration in the teeth. These products include toothpaste with whitening agents as well as whitening strips and mouthwashes. There are also two types of whitening treatments that the dentist can recommend. One occurs in the office, while the other is something the patient can do at home over several weeks or months.

Ask about take-home trays

When a person has moderate to severe discoloration, store-bought products might not be enough to get the necessary results. The dentist can provide hydrogen peroxide gel, which the person applies to a mouthguard every night. The individual will then wear the mouthguard while sleeping. Some patients start to see results within a few days. The effects can last for a couple of years or longer. Many dentists offer whitening procedures to new patients as part of a first visit.

Ask about in-office treatments

For the fastest, most long-lasting results, teeth whitening treatment at the dentist’s office is the way to go. After only one or two visits, the patient can have whiter teeth up to several shades. The process takes an hour or less and can leave the patient with whiter teeth for years to come. The dentist will put a hydrogen peroxide gel in an appliance that the patient wear. The dentist then uses light or heat to activate the compound. The hydrogen peroxide then penetrates deep into the tooth and breaks down the molecules that cause the stains.

Ask about who needs it

Not everyone is a candidate for teeth whitening. Interested patients should talk to the dentist about whether this procedure is right for them. Dentists typically recommend that a person is at least 16 years old. People who whiten their teeth professionally should not have severe oral health problems such as gum disease or multiple cavities. Pregnant or nursing women should also avoid these treatments.

Get rid of those ugly stains

If you have been thinking about whitening your teeth, make your dreams a reality. Talk to your dentist about when you can get started on this treatment. You can enjoy a gorgeous smile and feel good about being around other people once again. It is difficult to live with brown or yellow stains on your teeth. It is nice to know that you have options and can do something about these blemishes.

Request an appointment here: https://sonorandesertdentistry.com or call Sonoran Desert Dentistry at (480) 439-0117 for an appointment in our Scottsdale office.

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