For those looking to achieve a whiter, brighter smile, a cosmetic dentist can help people meet their goals with satisfying and long-lasting results. A professional tooth whitening is a relatively simple and straightforward procedure. However, it is important that patients understand the process and necessary follow-up care to enjoy a more favorable outcome.
Professional teeth whitening procedure
When a dental patient experiences a yellowing or discoloration of the teeth, a whitening treatment can help remove years of staining for a more beautiful smile. As preparation, a cosmetic dentist may recommend a routine cleaning from a general dentist to remove any plaque or tartar buildup. During treatment, a whitening solution or gel is brushed onto the surface of each affected tooth. Many times, this solution is cured with a blue light to activate the ingredients for more noticeable results. Depending on the level of staining and treatment plan chosen, a patient may need one or multiple whitening sessions.
Due to the nature and composition of whitening treatments, tooth enamel is temporarily weakened. This process breaks down some of the surface minerals to remove deep staining. As a result, it is critical to take certain precautions to protect the teeth and prevent stains from recurring.
Follow-up care
After a whitening treatment, a cosmetic dentist will likely address several areas to ensure the patient is utilizing proper home care. If patients are unsure about which products to use or avoid, they should contact the office first, rather than run the risk of ruining a recent treatment.
The recovery timeline
The natural process of remineralizing the teeth can take anywhere from 24-72 hours, depending on overall oral health and the type of whitening treatment used. Patients should take extra care to follow these rules during the first two or three days after a whitening treatment. However, for more lasting results, it is wise to make a habit out of whitening follow-up practices.
Brushing and flossing
Patients should wait to brush and floss for at least one hour after a whitening treatment from a cosmetic dentist. Once it is safe to resume oral home care, a soft-bristled brush should be used in a gentle, circular motion to avoid enamel loss. A high-fluoride toothpaste is recommended.
Dietary and lifestyle choices
Most dentists recommend a white or clear food diet after treatment. Patients should avoid foods and beverages that can contribute to staining, such as:
- Red wine
- Coffee
- Soda
- Dark berries
- Beets
- Tea
Also, patients should not smoke or use tobacco products. Many experts also recommend that lipsticks be avoided, as these can seep onto the teeth during use.
Addressing sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity is common after a whitening treatment of any kind. While it typically subsides after a few days, some patients experience lingering effects. Using a toothpaste and mouth rinse designed to combat sensitivity can be helpful. In addition, patients should avoid extremely hot, cold, or acidic foods until the discomfort subsides.
Conclusion
A professional tooth whitening from a cosmetic dentist can help remove stains for a stunning smile. However, proper follow-up care is required to maintain results both immediately and long term.
Request an appointment or call John D. Aston, DMD at 201-620-9996 for an appointment in our Ridgewood office.
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FAQs
Use white toothpastes and clear mouthwashes – Avoid colored toothpastes and mouthwashes as they could prematurely stain your teeth. Rinse your mouth with water – If you do happen to eat or drink something that could stain your teeth, you can thoroughly rinse your mouth with water to help remove the residual particles.
How do you take care of your teeth after whitening? ›
Use white toothpastes and clear mouthwashes – Avoid colored toothpastes and mouthwashes as they could prematurely stain your teeth. Rinse your mouth with water – If you do happen to eat or drink something that could stain your teeth, you can thoroughly rinse your mouth with water to help remove the residual particles.
How long does it take for teeth to remineralize after whitening? ›
The natural process of remineralizing the teeth can take anywhere from 24-72 hours, depending on overall oral health and the type of whitening treatment used. Patients should take extra care to follow these rules during the first two or three days after a whitening treatment.
How long does it take for teeth to rehydrate after whitening? ›
Tooth stains break down and enter through those pores. The whitening gel raises your tooth's internal temperature, releasing its moisture and potentially leading to dehydration of the tooth. The teeth rehydrate themselves within a few days, but there are things you can do to improve the process.
How long does it take for teeth pores to close after whitening? ›
Follow the White Diet for 24-48 hours after a teeth whitening treatment. Once the pores close, which usually happens within 24-48 hours after the procedure, you can resume your normal habits. An easy rule to remember is anything that would stain white fabric; Avoid it!
Do and don'ts after teeth whitening? ›
For both over-the-counter and professional teeth whitening, the first few days after treatment are the most critical. Avoid dark foods/liquids, drink through a straw when you can, don't smoke, brush/floss frequently and you should be looking great.
What should you avoid after whitening your teeth? ›
For 48 hours after a professional teeth whitening, it's recommended that you avoid acidic, pigmented foods and beverages and stick to things that won't cause discoloration. This is commonly called the “White Diet”, a short-term diet consisting of white and light-colored foods and drinks.
How to close teeth pores after whitening? ›
By gently coating your teeth with a product like MI Paste or Colgate's Pro-Argin Toothpaste, you will plug up open pores on your teeth and reduce sensitivity. Additionally, the remineralizing effects of these pastes help to improve whitening.
How do you strengthen enamel after whitening? ›
Consider a Fluoride Treatment
After an in-office whitening session, a fluoride treatment can help to strengthen your tooth enamel. This can help them to stay hydrated. Ask your dentist if they recommend a fluoride treatment after whitening your teeth.
What is the best toothpaste to use after teeth whitening? ›
We recommend Sensodyne Pronamel Gentle Whitening Toothpaste, Colgate Optic White Renewal Toothpaste, and Crest 3D White Brilliance Toothpaste as our top picks for toothpaste after teeth whitening.
As long as you stop the bleaching treatment quickly, the good news is that gum irritation usually resolves on its own after a few days.
Do teeth become weak after whitening? ›
Teeth are thought to become more sensitive after whitening because the whitener weakens the teeth slightly, exposing “dentinal microtubules” that connect the outside of the tooth to the nerves inside.
Why do teeth go patchy after whitening? ›
What Causes Uneven Color After Teeth Whitening? Here are a couple of reasons why your teeth may appear patchy after undergoing teeth whitening near you: A lot of the time, the edges of your teeth respond more quickly to bleaching than the inner areas since the bleach can penetrate the enamel more rapidly.
Do teeth get whiter days after whitening? ›
Your teeth will continue to lighten for a couple of days even after you stop a whitening session.
Why do my teeth look more yellow after whitening? ›
Teeth can become temporarily dehydrated after using whitening strips. Your teeth may appear more yellow as a result of this dehydration because the enamel may become dry and lack moisture. Dehydrated enamel sometimes has a transparent appearance that makes the naturally yellowish dentin underneath visible.
Should you brush teeth after whitening? ›
Should You Brush Your Teeth After Using Whitening Strips? The answer is yes – brushing your teeth after using teeth whitening strips is an essential part of the process. Brushing teeth after using teeth whitening strips helps to remove any excess whitening agent and also helps to reduce teeth sensitivity.
Are you supposed to wash your teeth after whitening? ›
As for whether you should brush your teeth after using whitening strips, there is no definitive answer. While some experts recommend brushing immediately after removing the strips to ensure all residue is removed, others advise waiting for 30 minutes to allow the enamel to rehydrate and minimize potential abrasion.
Do teeth turn yellow again after whitening? ›
The level of whitening obtained depends on the bleaching agent's concentration in the gel and how often you use the strips. Results can last for several months, but over time, factors like diet and oral hygiene may cause teeth to regain some of their original color gradually.
