Are you thinking of getting your teeth whitened in Wilmington? Before deciding on any treatment, consult with your dentist to thoroughly understand the process and its ramifications. Consultation with your Wilmington general dentist, whether for in-office or at-home whitening, lets you make an informed decision about the best solution for you.
What causes the discoloration?
Consult your dentist to identify the source of tooth discoloration and whether whitening is appropriate. Different types of stains may react differently to whitening, with yellow teeth typically producing the best results. If the discoloration is caused by staining food, drinks, tobacco, or medication, avoiding these substances aids in the maintenance of whitening benefits. Before beginning whitening treatment, any underlying dental concerns must be addressed.
Can it cause any complications?
Although teeth whitening is non-invasive, it can nonetheless pose hazards if not utilized properly. To avoid chemical burns, over-the-counter medications in Australia must adhere to standards that limit hydrogen peroxide to 6% or carbamide peroxide to 18%. Higher concentrations necessitate the supervision of a licensed dental practitioner.
Along with that, incorrectly conducted teeth whitening treatments may cause harm or uneven results, including the danger of chemical burns if the bleaching solution comes into contact with gums or sensitive tissues. It is critical to see a dental professional before using any whitening solution to ensure safety. Some people may notice increased sensitivity following whitening, particularly during in-chair treatments, and dentists can advise on potential side effects. Pregnant women and new moms should avoid tooth whitening in general to avoid chemicals entering the placenta and breast milk.
Things you will need to do:
It is critical to control expectations appropriately prior to going for teeth whitening when you go for the treatment. This is because whitening methods work differently on various people, and your teeth may whiten differently compared to someone else’s.
What you need to know is that the procedure can lighten teeth by many shades, however, badly stained teeth may not whiten as much as lighter teeth. Consulting your dentist will help you create realistic treatment expectations.
Final thoughts:
What is also important to remember is that the effects of teeth whitening are not permanent, lasting between six months and two years, depending on the therapy and aftercare. However, avoiding smoking and stain-causing foods and beverages such as tea, coffee, and beetroot juice will help extend the whitening results.
