Thinking about trying teeth whitening?
If you are, you’re not alone. Millions of Americans try teeth whitening every year to cosmetically enhance their smiles. Why? Because teeth whitening is non-invasive and it can be an effective way to make your smile even more noticeable,
We say “can” because, unfortunately, many teeth whitening treatments or methods just aren’t very effective, efficient, or even long-lasting.
Fortunately, if you’re thinking of brightening your smile, your teeth whitening efforts don’t have to be a waste of your valuable time.
You can have a successful whitening experience, with good results for your valuable time and efforts, if you follow some tips.
9 Tips for Better Teeth Whitening Results
- Choose the Right Whitening Treatment
– Professional Whitening: Look no further than your friendly North Seattle dentists for a professional whitening treatment that will meet your whitening goals. Our whitening treatments offer stronger whitening agents and we can offer both instant in-office treatments, or custom take-home whitening trays. You can rely on us to help ensure that your whitening meets your cosmetic goals while also protecting the health of your teeth and gums, and lowering possible tooth sensitivity.– Over-the-Counter: Whitening strips or gels can be effective, but be sure to choose ones with a proven track record and proper concentrations of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Please keep in mind tat take-home trays won’t fit as snugly as the ones we custom design for your teeth, and the whitening solutions may irritate your gums too, especially if the solutions leak out of the trays. If you do decide to try an over-the-counter DIY whitening, please do let us know, so that we can make sure that your gums and tooth enamel aren’t being compromised.
- Be Consistent With Your Efforts
Whichever whitening method you choose to take staying consistent with your efforts is the key. Please do follow the instructions for the treatment you choose, and complete the recommended full course to get the best results. - Brush Before You Whiten
Brushing your teeth before you use a whitening product helps to ensure that you start your treatment with a clean tooth surface. This will help the whitening agent to work more effectively. Tip: Don’t brush your teeth immediately after you whiten your teeth, as your tooth enamel may be temporarily softened and could be susceptible to damage, especially if you brush too hard. - Watch Out for Tooth Staining Culprits
Don’t let your whitening efforts get thwarted by certain teeth staining foods and drinks. Some of these culprits include coffee, tea, red wine, or berries. Consuming any of these while you’re trying to brighten your smile can reverse or slow down the whitening process. Can’t live without coffee? No worries. If you do drink or eat foods that stain your teeth, you help flush out any staining residue by rinsing your mouth with water immediately afterwards. - Don’t Overdo Your Whitening Treatments
Whether you’re using our professional take-home whitening treatment or an over-the-counter whitening product, give your teeth some time to recover between sessions. This will prevent you from overdoing your whitening and minimize potential tooth enamel damage, as well as reduce possible tooth sensitivity issues. - Use a Straw
Using a straw to drink some of the beverages that can stain your teeth is another way to give your whitening efforts a better chance. This will help minimize beverages like coffee, tea, soft drinks, or wine from contacting your teeth. - Drink Plenty of Water
Drinking water during and after your teeth whitening efforts will help wash away the whitening agent and keep your mouth moist. Keeping your mouth moist will also help minimize dryness and discomfort. - Try a Desensitizing Toothpaste
Some people may be more prone to tooth sensitivity during their teeth whitening. Adding a desensitizing toothpaste before and after whitening treatments can help. These toothpastes contain potassium nitrate or fluoride to help reduce sensitivity, so they can help make your whitening efforts more comfortable. If you already have sensitive teeth, please do let us know before you decide to start any teeth whitening treatment. - Don’t Miss Your Routine Dental Check-Ups
Your visits with us are crucial to ensure that your teeth and gums stay healthy during your teeth whitening efforts. Dr. Pickel and Dr. Face will monitor for tooth sensitivity and also check for any underlying issues, such as cavities, gum irritation, or any existing restorative dental work, that could affect your whitening treatment. They will also suggest the best treatment for your cosmetic goals, as well as your dental health needs.
Following some of these whitening tips will improve your teeth whitening efforts, so that you can reach your cosmetic goals, while also reducing any discomfort and avoiding possible damage to your teeth and gums.
When you’re ready to brighten your smile, you can rely on us for a safe, successful teeth whitening experience.
When you’re ready to brighten your smile, please call us at (206) 524-1000 to schedule your whitening consultation or schedule a whitening consult online.
P.S. Here’s Why You Can Rely on the Pros for Better Whitening Results!