Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion or simply feel like refreshing your look, a brighter smile can make a noticeable difference. But before you book a whitening treatment, it’s important to take a little time to ensure your teeth are ready and to choose the option that works best for you.

Here are three things to discuss with your dentist before getting started.

1. Are your teeth ready to whiten?

A healthy, clean smile is the best place to start.

Before whitening your teeth, your dentist will check your teeth and gums to make sure treatment is suitable for you. If there is plaque, calculus or surface staining present, they may recommend a professional clean first. Removing this build-up helps the whitening product make more even contact with your teeth and may support a more consistent result.

It is also important to deal with any oral health concerns before moving on to cosmetic treatment. Cavities, cracked teeth, gum disease and other untreated dental problems can make whitening uncomfortable or unsuitable.

Do you have crowns, veneers or tooth-coloured fillings? Be sure to mention them during your consultation. Whitening treatments can lighten natural tooth enamel, but they will not change the colour of existing restorations. Your dentist can explain what this might mean for the overall appearance of your smile and help you set realistic expectations.

Not everyone is a good candidate for teeth whitening, so a quick conversation with your dentist is an important first step.

2. In-chair or take-home whitening?

There are two main ways to have your teeth professionally whitened: in the dental chair or gradually at home with a dentist-provided whitening kit. But it isn’t necessarily one or the other. -Sometimes a combination of both methods is used.

The right option for you will depend on your budget, your routine, whether your teeth are prone to sensitivity and how soon you would like to see results.

In-chair teeth whitening

In-chair whitening is completed at the dental clinic and supervised by a dental professional. Your dentist protects your gums and other soft tissues before applying a professional-strength whitening product to your teeth. Depending on the whitening system, a specialised light may also be used.

The big advantage is speed. Because in-chair treatment uses a higher concentration of whitening agent, it can create a noticeable change in a single appointment. That can be particularly handy if you have a wedding, celebration or important event coming up.

Your dentist will monitor your comfort throughout the appointment, although some people may still experience temporary sensitivity or mild gum irritation afterwards.

Dentist-provided take-home whitening

Prefer to whiten your teeth in your own time? A professional take-home kit may be a better fit.

Your dentist will create custom trays designed to sit closely and comfortably over your teeth. You will also receive professional whitening gel in a strength chosen for your needs, along with clear instructions about how much gel to use and how long to wear the trays.

Because the whitening gel is usually less concentrated than the product used for in-chair treatment, your smile will brighten more gradually. This option can work well if you prefer a slower approach, want the flexibility to whiten at home, or have sensitivity.

3. Are you ready to look after your brighter smile?

Teeth whitening is not permanent, and everyday foods, drinks and habits can gradually stain your teeth again. A little aftercare can help you enjoy your brighter smile for longer.

Your dentist may recommend temporarily avoiding or cutting back on strongly coloured foods and drinks after treatment, such as:

• Coffee and tea
• Red wine
• Berries and beetroot
• Curry and richly coloured spices
• Dark sauces
• Tobacco products

Your dentist will let you know how long you should avoid these items based on your treatment.

 

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MC Dental is here to help you explore your whitening options

Choosing a whitening treatment doesn’t have to be complicated. MC Dental offers complimentary 15-minute whitening consultations to learn about your options and help you decide which option is the best fit. MC Dental has six Melbourne clinics: Melbourne Central, Docklands, Doncaster, Glen Waverley, Brighton and Highpoint.

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Your dentist can check whether your teeth are suitable for whitening, talk you through the available options and explain the costs before you decide to proceed.

Results vary from person to person. Teeth whitening is not suitable for everyone. All dental procedures have risks. Your dentist will discuss your individual suitability, expected outcomes, possible risks and alternative options before treatment.