How Does My Dentist Whiten My Teeth?

You’ve probably seen those over-the-counter teeth-whitening kits that make impressive claims. However, the best and most effective way to whiten teeth is to schedule a teeth-whitening procedure with your dentist in Reseda, CA. The process of whitening and brightening teeth is relatively simple, but it requires professional-grade materials and knowledge for best results. Here’s what you can expect at your appointment for teeth whitening in Reseda.

Expect a Routine Cleaning First

Before your dental professional begins whitening your teeth, they’ll perform a thorough cleaning. This is to remove any build-up of plaque or tartar that could inhibit your procedure. And if you don’t keep regular appointments at the dentist, they may want to schedule a consultation and routine exam before scheduling your whitening. While teeth whitening is painless and harmless, your teeth and gums must be healthy prior to having the procedure.

Anticipate the Use of Gauze

After cleaning your teeth, your dentist will probably use gauze to protect the sensitive tissues inside your mouth from the whitening agent. They may also paint your gums with a protective sealant before applying the whitening agent to the fronts of your teeth.

When it’s time to whiten and brighten, your dentist will paint your teeth with the whitening agent and then use a light to activate it. The whole procedure, from start to finish, usually takes an hour or less.

Enjoy Your Whiter, Brighter Smile

Once your procedure is complete and you’ve rinsed thoroughly, you may notice your teeth are several shades lighter. At this point, you can return to your regularly scheduled activities until it’s time for your next whitening. Over the next 48 hours, you may notice slight sensitivity to hot or cold foods and liquids, but a toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth may help. You’ll also want to avoid eating or drinking foods and beverages that can stain your newly whitened teeth, including:

• Coffee
• Tea
• Wine
• Soda
• Berries
• Tomato sauces

After 48 hours have passed, you’ll have more leeway, as the chances of staining your teeth decreases. Still, it’s good to practice prevention in the future to reduce the need to have teeth whitened too often.

If you’re ready to explore the possibility of a brighter smile with teeth whitening in Reseda, CA, call Canby Dental to schedule a consultation today.