Questions to Ask Your Dentist About Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures because people’s teeth turn yellow and become stained over time. With today's available whitening treatments, people can restore their teeth to their original whiteness.

Questions to ask the dentist before undergoing teeth whitening

In the past, teeth whitening could only be done at the dentist’s office, but technology has made it possible for people to get their teeth whitened in the comfort of their home using over the counter teeth whitening products.

Even though teeth can now be whitened at home, it is important to as a dentist for advice about getting the procedure done at their office or at home. Here are some important questions to ask the dentist before a teeth whitening treatment.

Why do the teeth turn yellow?

The color of someone’s teeth is mostly affected by their lifestyle. People who drink a lot of coffee, wine or smoke cigarettes are likely to have yellow or stained teeth because of those products. Sometimes, the teeth turning yellow can be attributed to genetics. Fortunately, the stains on the teeth can be removed with whitening.

What are the available options for teeth whitening?

There are a few options to choose from when it comes to teeth whitening, the most common of which are:

In-office whitening

This is the most effective way to whiten teeth because it is done at the dentist’s office, where they use a strong bleaching agent to whiten the teeth. The process is complete in a couple of hours, the results are instant and the effects last longer than any of the other treatment options. It is also more expensive than over the counter teeth whitening products.

Customized home trays

This is a popular option for those who do not want to get their teeth whitening done at the dentist’s office. The dentist provides the patient with a customized mouthguard tray that contains a diluted bleaching gel so they can whiten their teeth at home. Due to the bleaching gel used not being as concentrated as the gel the dentist uses in the office, treatment usually takes about two weeks before the desired effect is achieved.

Whitening toothpaste and over the counter whitening products

These do not require a trip to the dentist because they are available at most grocery stores and pharmacies. The whitening toothpaste contains a less concentrated bleaching gel that gradually whitens teeth when brushing. However, they are not considered to be very effective because most people spend less than a minute brushing their teeth, which does not give enough time for the bleaching agent in the toothpaste to work properly. Over the counter whitening products are more effective, but they take a few weeks before people start noticing the results.

Are teeth whitening products safe?

Most teeth whitening products are safe to use as long as the directions are followed. However, there may be some teeth sensitivity and gum irritation for up to three days after treatment.

Conclusion

Teeth whitening has helped a lot of people improve the appearance of their teeth, restoring their self-confidence in the process. If you have yellow teeth and are interesting in receiving whitening treatment but have more questions, feel free to ask your dentist before undergoing treatment.

Request an appointment here: https://jorgealvarezdds.com or call Jorge L Alvarez DDS at (520) 722-1655 for an appointment in our Tucson office.

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