Whitening your teeth can provide a significant boost to your self-confidence by helping you achieve a desire for a brighter, whiter smile. However, the process could seem complicated if you’re not familiar with it. This comprehensive guide brought to you by Somerset dentists is designed to walk you step by step through the teeth whitening process, helping you understand what’s involved and exactly how you can expect to achieve those pearly whites.
Step 1: Initial Consultation
Start with scheduling an appointment with your dentist for an examination. Your dentist will take a good look at your teeth and describe the whitening options that suit your oral health. There are a variety of methods available, from over-the-counter products to professional in-office whitening treatments, and your dentist will advise on the most effective method.
Step 2: Cleaning and Exam
Before you start any whitening process, it’s important to have your teeth professionally cleaned. This is to ensure there are no plaque or tartar dentist somerset remnants that might interfere with the whitening process. Your dentist will carefully check your teeth for any signs of cavities or gum diseases, as these conditions should be treated before teeth bleaching.
Step 3: Taking Dental Impressions
If you opt for a custom tray-based teeth whitening, your dentist will take impressions of your upper and lower teeth. These impressions are used to make custom trays tailored to fit securely over your teeth.
Step 4: Fabricating Personalized Trays
The impressions are used to construct a clear, comfortable plastic tray that fits perfectly over your teeth. This usually takes a few days to a week. Once the trays are ready, you’ll have another appointment to ensure they fit properly and to receive instructions on how to use them.
Step 5: Applying the Whitening Products
This part can vary depending on the type of products you’re using. If you opt for tray-based whitening, your dentist will show you how to apply the whitening gel to the trays and then place them onto your teeth. This process is usually done overnight or for a few hours during the day.
Step 6: Follow-Up
After beginning the teeth whitening process, you’ll have follow-up appointments with your dentist to monitor the progress and make any necessary adjustments. It’s during these meetings that any issues or discomfort associated with the process can be addressed.
Step 6: Maintenance
Teeth whitening is not permanent and depends largely on diet and lifestyle. Regular cleaning and avoiding food and beverages that stain teeth can help maintain your results. Touch-ups every few months or annually can also help maintain the brightness.
Teeth whitening is a process that is both safe and effective when conducted under the guidance of professional dentists like those in Somerset. However, it’s important to have realistic expectations and understand that teeth whitening does not suggest bleaching your teeth to unnatural shades of white. The objective is to bring back the natural whiteness of your teeth, giving you a bright, healthy smile. Remember, a whiter smile is just a few steps away, as long as those steps are taken with the help of a certified dental professional.
