Going for teeth whitening? Here’s what to expect

We all deserve to feel confident about our smiles. While the term “perfect smile” may seem far-fetched, cosmetic dentistry has come a long way, and there are ways to enhance your smile. If you visit a known Richmond family dentistry for teeth staining, the most common procedure that you will hear about is teeth whitening, also known as bleaching. This is a non-invasive procedure, which is meant to improve the color of your teeth. There are at-home teeth whitening kits, which work well, but you may want to go for an in-office procedure, which is certainly more effective. Here’s what you need to know. 

When is teeth whitening recommended?

Various factors, including what we eat and drink, impact the color of teeth enamel. Your dentist may recommend teeth whitening if you have fluorosis or staining because of medications or your eating habits. 

What’s the procedure like?

If your dentist suggests that you get home teeth whitening, you will have to come for two appointments. In the first appointment, the impressions of your teeth will be taken, which will be used to order plastic trays. During the second appointment, the dentist will check if the teeth whitening trays fit as required, and adjustments will be made. You are required to wear the trays with a special solution that will help whiten the color. You may have to wear the teeth whitening trays overnight for at least two weeks or may need just 30 minutes each day. It depends on the extent of the staining. 

Is teeth whitening permanent?

No. As you stop using the trays, your teeth will again get stained, and therefore, you will have to come back after a few months or a year for a second session. Ensure you listen to your dentist regarding care instructions for your teeth and the teeth whitening trays. If you don’t see the desired results, your dentist may do the procedure in the clinic using stronger bleaching agents. 

Choose a good local dentist in Richmond 

While teeth whitening is a safe and simple treatment, you should always choose a dental clinic you can trust. Make sure that you don’t miss the basic details related to the procedure, and ask the dentist if you need additional treatments. In some cases, patients may need to consider other whitening options and cosmetic procedures if teeth whitening wouldn’t resolve their concerns. Talk to your dentist to know more.