So you want a whiter, more radiant smile. Who doesn’t? We speak with patients just about every day who express concerns related to the natural discoloration that occurs over time. Stains are going to happen. Your job is not to try to avoid them (you can’t); it is to know what to do when your smile needs a boost. Here, we will discuss a few of the steps you can take before and after your teeth whitening treatment in our Palm Beach Gardens office to maximize your investment into your smile.
Before
Before setting out toward a brighter smile, you must determine your path. Many people are under the impression that any whitening treatment is good whitening treatment. That’s not true. Commercial strips are limited in what they can do because they are limited in the strength of peroxide gel they can use. So if you have anything more than slight surface discoloration, your needs are greater than what commercial strips can provide for. If you want to see a real difference in the color of your teeth, see your dentist. We have two options from which to choose.
There is nothing special that you need to do before your teeth whitening treatment for your teeth to “be ready.” What you might want to do is the plan for comfort. Some people experience temporary sensitivity during and after teeth whitening. This is because the pores that lead to dentin tubules are opened up to remove particles that have settled on them. If you are concerned about sensitivity, talk with us. We can give you tips to ensure you are comfortable enough to complete your process. Toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth may help, as may rinsing with lukewarm water.
After
The fact that pores are more open and accessible after teeth whitening means that this is a prime time for more stains to occur! This is an important fact to know, so you don’t set yourself up for limited results. In the first few days after your whitening treatment, it is advantageous to avoid the foods that caused discoloration in the first place. This includes coffee and red wine – sorry, folks. If you do consume darker foods and beverages, rinse your mouth immediately, so fewer particles enter into the pores of your teeth.
Is your radiance dimmed by discoloration? We can help you reveal it. Call Lerner & Lemongello at (561) 627-9000.