A Quick Guide To Getting Your Teeth Whitened at a Dental Clinic
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that is gaining popularity among people who want a brighter and more youthful smile. At Ablantis Dental in Encinitas, CA, we understand the importance of healthy teeth and a boost in self-confidence. That’s why we have put together this quick guide to help you understand what to expect when getting your teeth whitened at a dental clinic, as opposed to using over-the-counter types of products.
How to Prepare for Teeth Whitening at the Dental Clinic
Before your teeth whitening appointment, there are a few things you should do to ensure the best possible outcome.
First, you’ll need to schedule a dental cleaning and exam in advance. This will help to ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy enough to undergo the whitening treatment. You never want to apply whitening gel if you have active cavities or periodontal disease. Plus, we can polish off any surface stains so that the whitening gel works more effectively! You’ll also want to avoid dark food and drinks that can stain your teeth, such as coffee, tea, and red wine, for at least 48 hours before your appointment.
On the day of your appointment, brush and floss your teeth before your visit to remove any food debris or plaque. Remember to wear comfortable clothing. Layers are always a great idea. And if you like, you can also bring a pair of headphones or earbuds to listen to music or an audiobook.
What Happens on the Day You Get Your Teeth Whitened?
On the day of your teeth whitening appointment, our Encinitas dental team will guide you through the following steps:
- Preparation: Our dentist will examine your teeth and gums to ensure that they are healthy enough for teeth whitening. Your teeth will be lightly polished to remove any plaque or debris, for maximum contact with the bleaching agent.
- Protection: A protective barrier will be placed over your lips and gums to protect them from the whitening solution. It’s best to avoid wearing any cosmetics or heavy moisturizers around your mouth, as they’ll just need to be wiped off anyway.
- Whitening: The whitening solution will be applied to your teeth and left on for a specific amount of time, usually around 15-20 minutes. Then it’s rinsed away and reapplied for another 2-3 times until we achieve the desired results. Some dental clinics use a special light to activate the whitening solution, which can speed up the process.
- Rinse: After the whitening process is complete, your teeth will be rinsed thoroughly to remove any remaining solution. We’ll also remove the barrier on your gums and lips. You might want to bring some lip balm with you, in case your lips feel a little dry afterward.
What Do You Do After Your Teeth Whitening Treatment?
After your teeth whitening treatment, it is important to take care of your teeth to maintain the results as long as possible. Avoid foods and drinks that can stain your teeth, such as coffee, dark berries, soda, tomato sauce, tea, and red wine, for at least 48 hours if not longer. Any dark foods or drinks can just cause new stains to develop. Brush and floss your teeth regularly to keep them clean and healthy between checkups. It’s also a good idea to schedule regular dental cleanings and exams to maintain your oral health; we’ll polish away any new surface stains that build up between visits.
Dental Cleanings & Exams in Encinitas
If you’re curious about whitening your teeth, you can discuss your cosmetic dental options during your routine checkup with our Encinitas dentist. We’ll be able to monitor your oral health over time and provide you with guidance on selecting the best teeth-bleaching products for your smile.
Schedule Your Visit Today
Getting your teeth whitened at a dental clinic can be a quick and effective way to improve the appearance of your smile. By following the steps we’ve outlined, you can prepare for your appointment and ensure the whitest possible results. Ablantis Dental in Encinitas is here to help you achieve a healthy and confident smile. Contact our office today!
