Teeth whitening undoubtedly is the dental service that most dentists perform. Most patients are often confused about the treatment details of this procedure because the market is flooded with so many different whitening options. Below we take a look at some frequently asked questions about teeth whitening.
What are the different whitening procedures and how do they relate?
There are essentially three types of whitening services: those you receive from a dental professional, at-home bleaching kits with trays and over the counter products. Within each of these categories, technique and duration of treatment can vary. Professionals’ best conduct all aspects of teeth whitening.
How many shades whiter can I expect my teeth to get?
The amount of whitening varies from client to client and as such, a dentist cannot guarantee or predict anything. However, teeth may lighten anywhere from six to twelve shades on the whitening shade guide. The results heavily rely on how stained the teeth were initially.
Brown or yellow teeth, surface stains, and evenly darkened teeth are easiest to whiten. You may need additional whitening treatments in order to achieve your desired shade, particularly with heavily stained teeth.
Can I drink wine or coffee?
Not immediately after lightening but you can have your coffee or wine before the procedure. There have been cases of patients using home lightening kits who drank ice tea immediately after the procedure. Of course, their teeth turned brown and although it polished right off, that is not always the case.
Wine and beverages such as tea and coffee can contribute to stains, but keeping up with regular hygiene at home and thorough regular cleaning appointments will help.
How long will the treatment last?
This varies from patient to patient and critically depends on the types of drinks and foods that you include in your daily diet. Your dental hygiene habits also determine how long the treatment will last. The effects of the teeth whitening process should last six months to a year.
Again, depending on your habits, your dentist may recommend periodic touch-up treatments for those who smoke, drink red wine, iced tea, coffee, and other staining foods. Ordinarily, most people prefer to whiten every three to six months.
Does teeth whitening hurt?
If you find a good dentist in Mississauga, you will not experience any sensitivity or pain from the treatment. A small percentage of patients will experience considerable tingling sensations after taking very cold or hot drinks. Dentists advise that you should generally avoid such drinks to be on the safe side.
Often dentists will prescribe fluoride home care gel to decrease sensitivity. If the sensitivity persists, you should contact your dentist immediately. Again, if the bleaching gel comes into contact with the gums it can cause temporary swelling and white spots. However, this should go away in a few hours.
Where can I access teeth whitening services?
Teeth whitening near you includes a dentist’s office or over the counter teeth whitening kits which you can use for the procedure. You can also use tooth whitening pastes available in stores or local drug stores if what you are looking for is a mild effect.
