Teeth Whitening Before and After: What to Expect

You’ve undoubtedly heard about teeth whitening, but once you decide to commit to this remarkable cosmetic dentistry procedure, you might find yourself with questions. Sure, it can whiten your teeth… but how? And what should you do to prepare for it? Or take care of your smile afterward?

Bethesda Dental Associates helps you understand what to expect from teeth whitening before and after your treatment. You’ll feel ready for your procedure and equipped to tackle post-treatment aftercare. Check out our tips below. 

Before: Consult Our Bethesda Cosmetic Dentist

Before embarking on any cosmetic dentistry endeavor, talking to a dentist can help you know what to expect from teeth whitening before and after the procedure. A professional evaluation can assess the health of your teeth and gums, identify the cause of discoloration, and determine if you’re an ideal candidate for whitening. 

During this consultation, our dentist will consider factors like existing dental work, tooth sensitivity, and any underlying dental conditions. This conversation helps us establish a foundation for safe and effective teeth whitening.

Before: Learn About Different Whitening Methods

There are a lot of teeth whitening methods available, each with its own set of requirements and benefits. In-office teeth whitening, for instance, is performed by our team and uses a higher concentration of whitening agents compared to at-home kits. This method delivers quicker results, typically within one session.

On the other hand, at-home whitening kits can offer convenience and affordability. However, the results take longer to achieve, and you may run the risk of irritating your teeth and gums. Always check with our team to verify if at-home teeth whitening is the best choice for you. 

Before: Pre-Treatment Tips for Optimal Results

To maximize the effectiveness of your whitening treatment, follow these tips:

• Eat Mindfully: Avoid staining foods and drinks like coffee, tea, red wine, and berries at least a few days before your session.
• Get a Clean Slate: You may want to get a professional cleaning from Bethesda Dental Associates beforehand to remove plaque and tartar buildup.
• Listen to Directions: We’ll provide you with any specific instructions related to the whitening agent we use, ZOOM teeth whitening.
• Freshen Up: Before your appointment, brush and floss your teeth to make sure they’re free from food particles.

During: In-Office Teeth Whitening Sessions

While the teeth whitening before and after is your primary question, we’ll make sure you also know what to expect during your appointment. Here’s what you can expect from a typical session:

1. Preparation: Our dentist will begin by protecting your gums and lips with a special barrier to prevent irritation from the whitening agent.
2. Application: We’ll carefully apply a whitening gel to your teeth’s surface. This gel contains active ingredients that lift stains from teeth. 
3. Activation: A specialized LED light activates the whitening gel, enhancing its brightening and stain-fighting effects.
4. Rinsing: After a set period, the gel is removed, and your teeth are rinsed. Depending on the desired level of brightness, multiple applications may occur during the session.
5. Evaluation: Our cosmetic dentistry team will assess the results and may recommend follow-up treatments if necessary.

After: Post-Treatment Instructions 

Right after a whitening session, your teeth will be more susceptible to staining. For the first 48 hours, avoid foods and beverages that could discolor your teeth, such as what we mentioned in your pre-treatment prep, as well as tobacco products.

We’ll also provide specific aftercare instructions, which may include:

• Hygiene Advice: To strengthen your tooth enamel, seek out fluoride products.
• Sensitivity Help: Use toothpaste for sensitivity and avoid hot or cold foods and drinks.
• Lifestyle Guidance: Steer clear of acidic and staining foods to preserve your whitening.
• Maintenance Tips: Schedule your dental checkups to monitor your teeth’s condition.

After: Maintain Results 

To make sure that the “after” part of “tooth whitening before and after” is long-lasting, incorporate these habits into your routine. Keeping up with your regular dental hygiene can prevent plaque buildup, which is not only essential for maintaining your white smile but also for protecting your oral health. 

If it’s safe for your teeth, you can use a whitening toothpaste once or twice a week to help keep up the brightness of your teeth. You can also continue to avoid foods or drinks that tend to sabotage your results, or you can use a straw to minimize their contact with your teeth. Lastly, consider touch-up treatments every 6-12 months to keep your smile looking its best.

Take the First Step Toward a Brighter Smile

If you’re planning to get teeth whitening at Bethesda Dental Associates, we’ll make sure you’re prepared for every part of the process. Contact our office today to set up a time to understand what to from teeth whitening before and after treatment. With our personalized advice and guidance, you’ll be ready to show off your new smile.