What to Ask Your Cosmetic Dentist About Teeth Whitening

A teeth whitening treatment from your cosmetic dentist can improve your smile. Over-the-counter dental whitening products may be available, but you will not have the results you want. Asking the right questions can give you a good idea of what you will get from this treatment. Here are some questions that you can ask your cosmetic dentist during your consultation.

Why is an in-office whitening treatment worth it?

Many people choose over-the-counter dental whitening products for convenience and availability. Even so, these products tend to be harsh for some people. Most of them are even ineffective. Going to a cosmetic dentist for dental whitening can deliver better results.

An in-office whitening treatment from a dentist is worth one’s time and effort. Remember that it takes time for some people to have the right whiteness right away. It is ideal to see a cosmetic dentist about a week before an important event. This will make sure that the patient achieves the right level of whiteness in time.

The whitening effects are temporary. The results will last depending on the type of dental whitening the patient selects. In-office whitening can last from six months to two years. Refraining from tobacco consumption, as well as staining foods and drinks, can help maintain the whiteness of the treated teeth.

What are the known risks?

There are some individuals who think twice about getting an in-office whitening treatment. They are afraid that it could hurt the soft tissues of the mouth. In truth, this is a non-invasive treatment. Even so, a cosmetic dentist can give the patient a local anesthetic. This can block sensitivity. The dentist will also apply a protective gel to the soft tissues of the mouth before applying the bleaching agents.

For users of store-bought whitening products, there is always the risk of having tissue burns. The results may be uneven as well. Most patients experience sensitivity three days after having the treatment. Taking over-the-counter pain medications may help with the discomfort.

What is the ideal level of whiteness?

Many patients tell the cosmetic dentist about how white the teeth should be. But the dentist will always choose the ideal level of dental whitening. Discussing this with the dentist first can save time during treatment day. The dentist will explain that the whitest possible shade does not look natural to most people. The shade must match the patient’s skin. The cosmetic dentist may match the teeth with the white of the person’s eyes.

It is also good to remember that the effects of dental whitening are not the same for every person. Some have heavy dental staining. This will limit the level of whiteness that the individual can get. Those who have lighter teeth can get brighter results. Regular touch-ups can help maintain or even improve the whiteness of the teeth.