Teeth whitening offers a great way to restore the beauty of your smile, but you'll want to take the appropriate steps to prepare for your visit. Use this guide, along with your dentist's advice, to prepare for your tooth whitening appointment.
Get A Checkup
Before undergoing any type of cosmetic dentistry procedure, it's a good idea to get a routine checkup. If there are any issues, such as gingivitis or periodontal disease, you'll want to address them first. Your dentist may recommend against whitening procedures until other routine work is performed, and you won't want to schedule a whitening appointment only to find that your dentist can't perform the procedure.
Have Your Teeth Cleaned
Your dentist will need to choose the correct shade to whiten your teeth, and having your teeth cleaned first can help to ensure great results. Having plaque and tartar buildup removed may even reveal that your teeth don't need as much work as you thought to get them whitened. Having the teeth whitened with plaque still present can even lead to somewhat uneven results, depending on the amount of buildup you have on your teeth. Of course, this means more than simply brushing your teeth. You'll want to have a professional cleaning done first.
Discuss Tooth Sensitivity
If you have sensitive teeth, you may experience some discomfort during and after your whitening procedure. Discuss this with your dentist so he or she can help you to prepare your teeth for the appointment. In some cases, your dentist may have you begin brushing your teeth with a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth and gums. He or she may also look for signs of tooth decay or damage that can cause tooth sensitivity, so you can attack the problem at its root. Dentists do have some whitening agents they can use on people with sensitive teeth, and you may also opt for local anesthesia to be used during the whitening procedure to lessen potential discomfort. Your dentist can help you do determine which options are right for you.
Whether you've used at-home whitening products in the past or you've never had your teeth whitened before, it's a good idea to schedule an appointment with your dentist to discuss the procedure and to have your teeth checked and cleaned. He or she may also have additional advice you can use as you prepare for your next teeth whitening appointment.
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