Having a bright, white smile can help you feel more confident when it comes to meeting new people or talking in front of others. It’s no wonder that professional teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental procedure. After all, this simple procedure can help achieve a brighter, healthier-looking smile in as quickly as one dental visit. But what comes after teeth whitening? How can you maintain your newly brightened smile? At Landmark Dental in San Diego, we share some best practices for keeping teeth healthy after whitening.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
Before your teeth whitening appointment, we will examine your teeth to determine if it is the right option for your smile. For instance, we don’t want to apply whitening gel if you have areas of recession or decay. If you’re a candidate, we’ll recommend the best method for your needs and goals. In-office teeth whitening can be completed in just one appointment and can deliver dramatic same-day results.
In-office teeth whitening is a popular method that delivers strong and more effective results than most at-home treatments. During the procedure, we will apply a bleaching gel to your teeth and use a special light to activate the stain-release process. This application is repeated a few times until the desired level of whiteness is achieved. Usually, you’ll be in an out of the chair in a little over an hour.
Teeth Whitening Aftercare
After the procedure, it’s important to take good care of your teeth to maintain your results for as long as possible. Teeth whitening aftercare involves a few simple steps that will help keep your teeth looking their best.
One of the most important things to do after teeth whitening is to remember what foods to avoid that can stain your teeth. This includes things like coffee, tea, red wine, and colored foods such as berries. You should also avoid smoking or using tobacco products, as they can cause stains and discoloration.
Another important step in teeth whitening aftercare is to maintain good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste twice a day, and floss daily to remove any food particles or plaque that can cause stains. Rinsing your mouth with water after eating or drinking anything that can stain your teeth can also help prevent stains from setting in. Some people prefer using whitening toothpaste to limit new stain formation between applications.
With proper care, you can maintain the results of your teeth whitening procedure and enjoy a bright, white smile for as long as possible. It’s important to remember that teeth whitening is not a permanent solution, and you may need to undergo touch-up treatments to maintain results over time.
How to Keep Teeth White After Teeth Whitening Treatment
Whitening toothpaste can be a useful addition to your oral hygiene routine after teeth whitening. While it won’t provide the same level of whitening as a professional teeth whitening procedure, it can help maintain the results and prevent future stains.
Whitening toothpaste contains abrasive particles that can help remove surface stains and polish the teeth. However, it’s important to choose a gentle whitening toothpaste and use it in moderation, as excessive use can irritate your teeth or make them feel sensitive.
For best results, apply professional whitening gel in custom bleaching trays for a few applications after every dental checkup. This will help boost your smile’s brightness and keep teeth whiter, longer.
Will My Teeth be Sensitive after Teeth Whitening?
In most cases, tooth sensitivity after teeth whitening is temporary and will subside within a few days. However, if your sensitivity persists or is severe, you should call our office to rule out any underlying dental issues. Sensitivity can be caused by the bleaching agents used to whiten the teeth, so fluoride or a desensitizing treatment can be helpful.
To reduce tooth sensitivity after teeth whitening, it’s important to follow our instructions for aftercare, which may include avoiding hot or cold foods and drinks, using a desensitizing toothpaste or gel, and alternating whitening sessions rather than wearing custom trays back-to-back each day. You may also want to consider taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to alleviate discomfort.
Schedule Your Tooth Whitening Appointment
Landmark Dental Arts in Kearny Mesa offers professional teeth whitening that delivers fast and effective results. If you’re ready to give yourself the gift of a whiter smile, schedule an appointment with a today.