A bright smile tells others that you are friendly and approachable. Almost everyone wants a whiter smile, but achieving it takes more work than just going to the dentist and asking for tooth whitening. If you would like your teeth to be 4-6 shades whiter, a great place to visit is Blake Ristvedt Dental Care near Fargo, ND. Keep in mind that you must fulfill certain requirements before you may receive tooth whitening treatment.
To be considered as a candidate for tooth whitening, you must be over age 16. Children’s teeth have enlarged nerves. Tooth whitening at such a young age can cause irritation. Women who are pregnant or nursing should also forgo tooth whitening. Additionally, persons who are allergic to peroxide are unable to use most forms of tooth whitening.
Some dental problems prevent patients from getting tooth whitening, but only until those problems are fixed. For example, cavities must be filled and exposed roots must be bonded or sealed before proceeding with tooth whitening. This is required due to sensitivity issues. Smokers should quit the habit before seeking tooth whitening. Otherwise, whitening effects will be limited.
Patients with certain dental issues may not necessarily be refused tooth whitening procedures, but they are discouraged from them. Anyone with naturally sensitive teeth, worn enamel, or gum disease is a less-than ideal candidate for tooth whitening. In these situations, tooth whitening may cause excessive discomfort.
Even good candidates for tooth whitening may experience some problems with sensitivity during the whitening process. Be sure to use “sensitive” toothpaste. It contains potassium nitrate, which soothes nerve endings. If you are using the dentist-prepared home whitening system, reduce the time you use the whitening tray from 60 to 30 minutes. You may also wish to take a break from whitening for 2-3 days until you adjust to the process.
What if you are interested in tooth whitening, but need dental restorations? These include veneers, crowns, bridges, and fillings. Perhaps surprisingly, it’s better to make the drive from Fargo, ND to Blake Ristvedt Dental Care and get the whitening done first. The reason is that restorations are made to match the color of your existing teeth, and cannot be whitened. If you fulfill all the requirements and follow the proper procedures for tooth whitening, your dentist can help you achieve the beautiful smile you always wanted.
