If you are planning to bleach your teeth, there are several steps you should take to prepare for the procedure. These measures will help you benefit the most from your whitening treatment. Below are some of these measures.
Clean Your Teeth
This tip doesn't refer to just brushing or flossing; you need to get your teeth cleaned by a dentist. There are two main reasons to get your teeth professional cleaned before bleaching them. First, you need to get rid of any teeth debris so that the bleaching agent can interact with your natural teeth. Secondly, teeth cleaning will help you see the true shade of your teeth so that you can choose the best bleaching product and know how many whitening shades you need.
Understand the Potential Risks
Teeth whitening is a relatively safe cosmetic procedure. However, there is a slight risk of complications such as heightened sensitivity, uneven whitening, and gum irritations. The risks depend on the type of whitening, the concentration of the whitening product, and even your current teeth condition. You need to understand these risks so that you can make an informed whitening decision and learn how to mitigate the risks should they occur.
Treat Dental Ailments
If you have any dental or oral problem, you need to take care of it before whitening your teeth. This is because the whitening products can irritate your soft tissues and the irritation will be worse if the tissues are inflamed or bruised, to begin with. Damaged teeth can also be painful and highly sensitive if exposed to bleach.
Desensitize Your Teeth
As mentioned above, heightened dental sensitivity is one of the potential side effects of teeth bleaching. This can be a real problem if you had sensitive teeth, to begin with. In such a case, you can desensitize your teeth before getting them bleached. One way to do this is to use desensitizing toothpaste in the weeks or days leading up to the bleaching appointment.
Understand the Process
Lastly, it is also a good idea to understand the entire bleaching process before embarking on it. This is true irrespective of the type of bleaching you have planned for, but it is especially necessary if you want to try at-home bleaching. That way, you will be less likely to make a mistake during or after the procedure.
Ultimately, it is also a good idea to consult the dentist before your whitening treatment, even if you have opted for a DIY whitening process. The dentist will guide you through the process and even recommend specific products for your use.
Share