When you have decided to proceed with whitening its important to follow a few simple steps to ensure an optimal result and to ensure it’s completed safely.
Dental check-up
Its important that before teeth whitening treatment commences that a comprehensive check-up is completed. This is to ensure that you are a suitable candidate. Those with heavily restored teeth, untreated/uncontrolled gum disease. Or those with widespread severe gingival recession would not be suitable for whitening until the underlying problem is corrected. However, your dentist may be able to give you alternative options to brighten your teeth.
Are Radiographs required before teeth whitening
Radiographs are generally taken before teeth whitening treatment. This is to ensure that there is no recurrent decay under existing fillings. They are also to ensure that there is no undiagnosed dental caries or periodontal disease.
Dental treatment
When undergoing whitening treatment its essential that your dentally fit and that means getting any outstanding treatment completed before commencing with whitening. Any untreated dental conditions can be exacerbated by whitening if not untreated before treatment. This is a major factor in increased sensitivity while whitening and for problems arising from whitening when not completed by a dental professional.
Pre-teeth whitening Cleaning (scale and polish)
Before teeth whitening a dental scale and polish is always undertaken. This is completed to remove any plaque, tartar and staining from the teeth. It allows the whitening to work quicker and more effectively. This is alone will help in freshening up you smile and its preferable to have your teeth cleaned every 6 months.
White Diet
In the weeks running up to commencement of whitening its preferable to avoid strongly staining drinks such as tea, coffee, red wine, fizzy drinks and foods such as curries, pasta sauces, and vegetables such as beetroot. This is more commonly knows as the “white diet” and becomes more important while actually whitening. For more on this check out our blog on what to do while whitening. (link)
Sensitive toothpaste
This will aid in a reduction of sensitivity and a more enjoyable whitening experience