Teeth Whitening: Before and After Results

Everyone’s smile is precious, and so is yours. And today, it’s as easy to get pearl-white teeth as it is to buy groceries. Teeth whitening procedures are completely safe and effective if you get them from a professional. Thanks to the BDA, the UK has been flooded with fake professionals, so only authorized dental practitioners such as Natural Smiles can perform it.

Let’s see what happens inside the dentist’s office once you decide to get the teeth whitening procedure.

What happens before the treatment?

Since teeth whitening involves teeth bleaching, you should be aware that no magical transformation will happen. What will really happen is that your teeth will get 5-6 shades lighter; if they’re already close to white, they'll likely become even whiter.

On your first consultation, most dentists will:

• Check if you are 18+. Dentists don’t usually conduct this procedure on children.
• Check that your gums and teeth are healthy enough to withstand the bleaching process.
• Ensure that you know what shade you can expect your teeth to be post-treatment. For this, the dentist will show you a chart comprising different shades of teeth.
• They will give you a tentative timeline for the procedure. It depends. It can take an hour to 3-4 weeks.

Is it right for you?

Before you make up your mind, you should be extremely sure whether it’s right for you or not. Here are a few points that I suggest my clients keep in mind before they sign up for the treatment:

• Be sure that your teeth are healthy.
• It would be best if you were not pregnant or breastfeeding. It’s not clear yet whether bleaching can harm the baby. However, your teeth can wait. So, please don’t risk it.
• If you have a crown or bridge, be aware that the treatment will not change their color. In such cases, I often try to apply a shade specific to the color of the bridge or crown.
• Make up your mind. Be prepared to make sacrifices for the best results after the treatment.

What happens during the treatment?

Let’s first talk about the commonly used teeth whitening option: the Home Teeth Whitening Kit.

The vital ingredient that dentists use to whiten teeth is hydrogen peroxide. According to the new law passed in 2012, practitioners are limited to 6% hydrogen peroxide for teeth whitening.

This takes place at home within a limited time. Here’s how treatment will be undertaken, step by step:

• Your dentist will take the impression of your upper and lower sets of teeth in the first sitting. It will be used to create a mouthguard.
• Next, the dentist will provide you with a bleaching gel such as the Enlighten Whitening tray. S/he will brief you about the gel and how to use it. The gel would ideally have 5-6% hydrogen peroxide, which will give you the desired results, and you have to use the mouthguard before applying the gel. Use hydrogen peroxide for the period your dentist specifies. Over a period of 2-4, they may ask you to keep the gel on for 6-8 hours at a time if you are in a hurry to finish the treatment. I suggest you go at a regular pace and not rush things.
• Fr the first part of the treatment, you’ll have to consult the dentist once again. It will be a 1-hour session in which the dentist will use the same tray and an in-office gel.

Another type of treatment you can opt for is Laser Teeth Whitening Treatment.

This treatment is typically done in 1 2 hours at a dental clinic.

However, you’ll be given a home tray to take care of your teeth afterward.

Here are the steps that dentists follow for this treatment:

• At the consultation, the dentist will check whether the treatment is suitable for your teeth and what shade you're expecting.
• Once you're ready, they’ll prepare your tray and ask you to wait for some time.
• When the tray is ready, the dentist will apply a whitening solution across your teeth.
• Next, s/he will shine a special blue light from a machine on your teeth. This light activates the solution.
• The process will be repeated over time, giving each session time to work. But be ready for a 2-hours ap2-hournt. It won’t be done within an hour.
• Once the process is finished, your practitioner will provide you with the tray kit and instruct you on how to use it.

Here’s a tip: It’ll be overwhelming to go to a whitened-teeth appointment at the clinic, but listen to your dentist's instructions carefully. The instructions written on the knot usually usefusually ul.

How do I maintain my bright smile?

That’s a big question. Your teeth are white, and your confidence is back. Now how do you keep it?

Well, here’s some expert advice to keep your pearl-white teeth intact for a long time:

• Cut down on sugar, caffeine, alcohol, and cigarettes for at least 2-3 months.
• Keep visiting your dentist for regular cleaning and polishing.
• Floss and brush
• Try using a neutral mouthwash before bed to help keep your teeth clean overnight. Treatment. You’ll have to take care of your teeth and practice good dental hygiene to sustain it. The treatment can last up to 3 years with proper care