Answers To Questions About Teeth Whitening
Do you have teeth that are less than an ideal shade of white? Are you considering talking to your dentist about having your teeth whitened? Teeth whitening is a great way to improve your smile and, as a result, your self-confidence. But before you talk to your dentist, you may have a few questions to help you decide whether or not the conversation is even worth having.
How long does teeth whitening last?
If you follow your dentist's instructions and refrain as much as possible from eating or drinking things that might stain your teeth. your whitening could last several years. But if you just can't help enjoying a daily cup of coffee or tea, your teeth whitening might only last a few months. Using a straw when drinking coffee or tea can help prevent those liquids from coming in contact with your teeth and prematurely causing them to yellow once again. Your dentist will be able to give you further tips that can help you to keep your teeth as white as possible for as long as possible.
Does teeth whitening hurt?
You may experience some sensitivity for a few days after your teeth have been whitened. This is normal and usually isn't more than a minor nuisance. If you are especially bothered by the pain, taking an over-the-counter painkiller before eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth can help alleviate some of this discomfort. After a few days, the sensitivity should subside and your teeth will go back to normal. If your teeth continue to experience pain, this is likely a separate issue that you should discuss with your dentist as soon as possible.
How long does it take to whiten teeth?
This will depend upon how yellow your teeth are and what your final goals are. If your teeth are just barely off-white, a single session of just an hour or so in your dentist's office should be sufficient to bring your teeth to a beautiful shade of bright white. On the other hand, if your teeth are extremely yellow, you may need multiple longer teeth whitening sessions in order to obtain your final goal. A dentist like Pike Dentistry will be able to come up with a plan to help you get the color that you want, as quickly and as easily as possible. He or she may suggest that you do a session of whitening in the office, then give you some whitening products that you can use at home to help continue the process.
