Achieve Predictable Results from Dental Whitening

Are you wondering how to get whiter teeth? Among the big ways to make an impact on a smile, in-office dental whitening (or bleaching) stands as the less costly and more conservative than the rest. Although nothing can provide the intense whiteness of bleach shades on veneers, in-office bleaching allows for the maintenance of a natural look. For lovers of Nespresso, red wine, and dark teas, periodic in-office dental whitening can give smiles a desirable boost.

The following tips will ensure success in associateship when it comes to in-office whitening.

01. Set patient goals and expectations prior to dental whitening.

Questions that can help with treatment planning are:

  • Have you ever whitened your teeth before? If so, what product did you use?
  • Were you satisfied with your previous teeth whitening experience? Why or why not?
  • Do your teeth experience sensitivity to cold beverages or foods?

02. Perform a comprehensive oral examination before dental whitening.

Assess the etiology of stains and note existing restorations. Also, make note of any existing dental restorations, and a plan with the patient to replace any restorations due to post bleaching color mismatch. Establish whether any other dental treatment treatment (restorative or periodontal) is necessary.

  • Scaling and root planning, if indicated, often increases tooth sensitivity postoperatively. It is wise to wait at least one week after scaling and root planning for in-office bleaching.
  • Perform restorative work two weeks after in-office dental whitening so that color can accurately be matched.
  • Existing dental restorations will not bleach. Discuss with patients the possible need for replacing any restorations post-bleaching that exhibit color mismatch.
  • Take a pre-operative intraoral photo of existing tooth shade with manufacturer included shade tab as well as postoperative photo. In-office bleaching will generally whiten teeth by four to five shades.

03. Give post-operative instructions.

  • Teeth may appear “blotchy” with white spots for a few days following dental whitening due to dehydration of demineralized areas.
  • Color should settle in two weeks.
  • Avoid extreme temperatures as well as any colored foods for three days following procedure.
  • Expect tooth sensitivity following the bleaching procedure. Take over the counter anti-inflammatory medication and use desensitizing toothpaste to help with sensitivity.
  • Maintenance of dental whitening with at-home toothpaste and trays is required to sustain results depending on frequency of use of staining substances.

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