What to Do Before a Teeth Whitening Treatment

Teeth whitening involves the application of a whitening agent to brighten your smile. Before the procedure, there are some things you can do to help you properly prepare for treatment. This review discusses how you can prepare before a teeth whitening treatment to ensure the safest and most effective results.

Things to do before your teeth whitening visit

Every patient will have a unique experience with professional teeth whitening. However, there are certain things that general dentists typically recommend when preparing before treatment. This includes a dental cleaning, avoiding the use of over-the-counter whitening products, and understanding what results to expect.

Schedule a check-up and cleaning

If it has been more than four months since your last check-up and cleaning, then your dentist may recommend a routine dental cleaning before whitening. This removes plaque and tartar to improve your oral health. They can also check for any other oral health concerns that need to be addressed, such as dental cavities or weakened enamel. Once the patient is in good oral health, the whitening procedure can be performed. This may occur on the same day or during a follow-up visit.

Do not use over-the-counter products

Over-the-counter whitening products are not nearly as safe as professional teeth whitening. In addition, using over-the-counter whitening products before teeth whitening treatment can significantly increase the risk of teeth sensitivity and gum irritation. Therefore, it is important not to use any whitening products bought over the counter before treatment.

Schedule treatment on a free day

Teeth whitening in the office is non-invasive, but it is likely to take an hour or two to complete. It is important to schedule the visit at a convenient time. This ensures the patient can stay relaxed and does not miss anything important due to the visit for teeth whitening.

Have realistic expectations about treatment

Dentists typically use a shade guide to show the patient what results they can expect. It is important to understand what teeth whitening can and cannot do to avoid undesirable results from treatment. For severe stains, it may be best to use an alternative treatment method such as dental veneers or bonding, whereas most patients with mild to moderate stains are satisfied with the results from professional, in-office teeth whitening.

Use toothpaste that is for sensitive teeth

One of the potential side effects of teeth whitening is increased teeth sensitivity. To reduce this risk, consider using a toothpaste that is specifically for sensitive teeth before your teeth whitening visit. This reduces the risk of experiencing sensitivity during or after the treatment process. Also, discuss ways to reduce the risk of side effects with your dentist before beginning treatment.