Are you ready to brighten your smile? If so, a professional teeth whitening procedure may be an effective treatment. This post will explain what to expect during a teeth whitening appointment, how to prepare for it, and how to maintain long-lasting results.
Before beginning the teeth whitening procedure, the patient must help prepare the mouth for an appointment without complications. First, remove any lip or mouth jewelry that could interfere with the procedure. Also, refrain from smoking or using other tobacco products as they may weaken the results and increase the chances of gum irritation.
Additionally, certain medications can cause a negative reaction to the whitening gel. Therefore, all patients must notify the dentist of any medications or vitamins they are taking before their appointment. Finally, do not eat or drink anything at least two hours before the appointment.
On the day of the procedure, the dentist or dental hygienist will first perform an oral examination and determine if a cleaning is necessary. If so, they will remove any plaque and tartar before drying the teeth with a cloth. They will then place retractors in the patient’s mouth to separate their cheeks and lips from their teeth and gums. The dentist will also paint a protective barrier to the gums before they apply the whitening gel to the teeth. The gel helps remove stains and makes them more receptive to light. For some patients, the dentist may attach a mouth guard over the upper front and lower back teeth.
The light source will then be positioned closely in front of the patient to shine directly onto the exposed portion of each tooth inside its molding cavity. As this happens, patients with the applied mouth guard may feel some pressure from heat build-up inside the mouth guard. The light will be used in around 20-minute circuits giving it time to activate the oxygen within the gel and penetrate the enamel. The process repeats itself in both methods. The dentist or dental hygienist will remove the gel and apply a new coat up to four times during the procedure.
Immediately following the treatment, patients will see their results. However, to protect the results, patients should avoid colored food and colored drinks up to 48 hours after the procedure. After 48 hours, patients can consume foods known to stain, such as tomatoes, or colored drinks, such as coffee, but use a straw to avoid staining their newly whitened teeth.
We also insist on patients maintaining their oral hygiene; brushing twice a day, flossing, and using an approved mouth rinse once a day. To prolong results, we suggest cutting out cigarettes, as they quickly dim the brightness of tooth enamel.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Teeth Whitening in Port Hueneme, CA
Our teeth whitening procedure allows you to brighten your smile up to six shades with longer-lasting results than over-the-counter products. If you are ready to brighten your smile, contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Request an appointment or call Landmark Family Dental at 805-409-2357 for an appointment in our Port Hueneme office.
Curious about when root canals are needed? Read on to learn more about this dental treatment. Severe tooth decay or root and pulp infections can necessitate a dental procedure known as a root canal. Although some patients may harbor concerns about this treatment, it plays a vital role in salvaging damaged teeth. By opting for…
Dental fillings are commonly used to restore teeth that are in bad shape. When a tooth becomes infected at a surface level, dentists refer to it as a cavity because the infection ultimately creates a hole in the tooth due to the decay. The first step in treating a minor to moderate cavity is to…
Dental fillings are tooth-colored restorations that dentists use to repair damage in your teeth. They can fill cracks, holes, and grooves while preventing further decay. However, not all fillings are equal. There are two main types of dental fillings: composite and porcelain. This article will review the pros and cons of each type.No matter the…