Teeth whitening procedures performed by the dentist are much safer and more effective than any at-home procedures. A bright, white smile can dramatically improve your appearance and give you a boost in self-confidence. If you have stained or discoloured teeth, a teeth whitening procedure may be just the thing for you. Here are some ways you should prepare for your teeth whitening procedure, in order to ensure that everything goes smoothly and effectively.
Set Aside Time
Teeth whitening can take a long time, especially if your teeth are badly stained or discoloured. While the procedure itself usually only takes about an hour, you should also set aside extra time for preparation. You don’t want to hurry the teeth whitening procedure, so make sure you book your appointment at a time when you won’t be rushed.
Have Your Teeth Cleaned
It’s ideal to have your teeth professionally cleaned about a month before your teeth whitening procedure. This removes any tartar or plaque buildup, in order for better whitening.
Choose Your Shade
First, you have to find the shade on the tooth shade guide that most closely matches your teeth. Then you can decide how many shades up from that you hope to go.
Using Desensitizing Toothpaste
During and after teeth whitening, you may find your teeth are more sensitive than usual. This is completely normal and will pass with time. It’s a good idea to switch to a desensitizing toothpaste a couple of weeks before your teeth whitening. This can mean less pain during the procedure. This is especially recommended for those who already have sensitive teeth. Make sure you are also brushing with a soft bristled toothbrush leading up to the procedure. A hard bristled toothbrush can cause enamel to wear away, leaving teeth more sensitive.
Take a Painkiller
While most patients find teeth whitening quite bearable, those who suffer from sensitive teeth may be in more pain during the procedure. In this case, you may want to take a painkiller before the procedure in order to have a better experience.
If you have any questions or concerns about the teeth whitening procedure, it’s best to speak to your dentist. They can also help you when it comes to deciding how many shades you could go up, and recommend treatments for sensitive teeth. While teeth whitening is a relatively easy procedure, it’s still important to be prepared, so as to achieve the best possible results!