Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures available today, and for good reason.

That’s because teeth whitening can give you a brighter, whiter smile that makes you look and feel your best. It's also a relatively simple and affordable procedure that can be done in one or a few short visits to your dentist.

But before you whiten your teeth, there are a few things you should do to ensure that you get the best results possible. Here are 11 little known things you should do before teeth whitening at a midtown dentist:

• Understand the process
• Choose the right method
•  Be prepared for the results
• Have realistic expectations
• Follow instructions for at-home treatments
• Consider your dentist's recommendation
• Ask about side effects
• Be aware of the risks
• Know when to whiten
• Consider the cost
• Maintain your results

There's one crucial note about teeth whitening that you need to know:

A professional cleaning and examination can also help ensure that your teeth are healthy enough to withstand the bleaching process and that any existing dental problems are addressed before treatment begins.

Your dentist can help you determine if teeth whitening is right for you and develop a customized treatment plan to help you achieve your desired results.

1. Understand the process

Teeth whitening can be done either at home with over the counter products or in office at a local dentist.

Each method will have it’s own process.

Over the counter products are generally safe and effective and could be an easier way to start. They’ll have detailed information on what to do, step by step. Dentists will also provide information and explain the entire in-office whitening process. Additionally they’ll also guide you through the process from start to finish, including maintenance after the visit.

It is important to understand the different options for teeth whitening so that you can make an informed decision about what is best for you. In this other post we speak at length about 6 types of teeth whitening. There you’ll also find out which teeth whitening method can whiten your teeth in minutes:  https://smilesofmidtown.com/blog/6-types-of-teeth-whitening-one-of-these-can-whiten-your-teeth-in-minutes/

2. Choose the right method

At-home vs professional teeth whitening.

At-home teeth whitening kits can be found at most stores and provide a more affordable option for those looking to achieve brighter teeth. One issue though, can come from the overuse of at-home whitening products, which can lead to gum irritation and tooth sensitivity.

Professional teeth whitening, on the other hand, like at a midtown dentist will usually give you better results. This is due to trays that are customized to fit your teeth all the while avoiding your gums. One issue here though can also be tooth sensitivity since a more professional whitening involves well, more whitening.

3. Be prepared for the results

Make sure you have a good idea of what results you're hoping to achieve.

Teeth whitening can make a big difference in the appearance of your smile, but it's important to have realistic expectations about what it can do. Talk to your dentist about what you're hoping to accomplish and ask if teeth whitening is likely to help you reach your goals because sometimes it may not.

Also be prepared for some sensitivity after your teeth whitening treatment. This is normal and should go away within a day or two.

And be sure to avoid hot or cold drinks and foods, and brush gently for the first few days to avoid more feeling from your teeth.

4. Have realistic expectations

Many people think that they will see results immediately after their teeth are whitened either at the dentist or in-home.

This is not always the case.

Depending on the method used and the severity of the staining, it can take several days or even weeks to see a difference. It is important to be patient and understand that not every treatment will work for everyone.

Some dentists may tell you that you will need multiple sessions to achieve your desired results. This is because certain types of stains are more difficult to remove than others.

If your teeth are severely stained, it may take a few sessions to get them as white as you want them.

5. Follow instructions for at-home treatments

To ensure you get the best results, you should follow all of the instructions for at-home treatments.

At-home treatments, when used in combination with professional teeth whitening treatments, can help to achieve optimal results. By following the instructions for at-home treatment, you can help to ensure that your teeth are not damaged by the bleaching agents and that your gums are protected from irritation.

Your dentist will give you more information when discussing an at-home teeth whitening treatment, usually after a procedure is done and maintenance is required or wanted by the patient.

6. Consider your dentist's recommendation

You should always consider your dentist's recommendation before whitening your teeth.

Your dentist knows your mouth and can offer a more professional service. They can also help you to avoid any potential problems that may occur during the whitening process.

You should listen to your dentist's recommendation in order to get the best possible results from your teeth whitening treatment and to avoid damaging your teeth and gums.

A reputable dentist can provide all the information needed for a long lasting white smile.

7. Ask about side effects

You should always ask about side effects before teeth whitening at the dentist.

The main reason you should do this is because some people, although not common, can have allergic reactions to the whitening agents.

Also, if you have sensitive teeth, the whitening process could actually end up causing more pain and discomfort. Finally, it's just good to be informed about all of the possible risks and side effects before undergoing any sort of medical treatment.

8. Be aware of the risks

Similar to the side effects of teeth whitening, it's just as important to be aware of the risks before you undergo treatment.

There are a few potential risks associated with teeth whitening, including tooth sensitivity and gum irritation. It's important to talk to your dentist about these risks before undergoing treatment. Additionally, it's important to follow your dentist's instructions carefully during and after treatment to minimize any additional side effects.

9. Know when to whiten

You should always consult with your dentist before whitening your teeth, there might be more to your mouth than you think.

Teeth whitening is a process that uses bleaching agents to remove stains and discoloration from your teeth. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you consult with your dentist before beginning any teeth whitening regimen.

The main reason is that a dentist will be able to tell you if your teeth and gums are healthy enough to withstand the bleaching process. Plus if you have sensitive teeth, they might suggest a different type of whitening treatment.

It's important to consult with your dentist before whitening your teeth so that you can be sure you are doing it safely and effectively.

10. Consider the cost

In some cases, teeth whitening can be expensive.

Depending on the severity of the stains on your teeth, the cost of professional teeth whitening at the dentist can range from $100 to $600. And while there are some at-home teeth whitening kits that claim to be just as effective as in-office treatments, they tend to be much less effective.

But it doesn’t always have to be expensive.

If you’re looking for a way to get a wholistic view of your dental health and get free in-office whitening, the following can show you how:

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11. Maintain your results

Teeth can remain white for up to 3 years after a whitening session.

But there are things you should do like avoid drinking coffee, tea, red wine and other dark colored drinks.

The pigments in these drinks can quickly re-stain your teeth. You may not see the staining right away, but over time the stains will start to show. To maintain your results, minimize having these drinks as much as you can, try drinking them through a straw, and swish your mouth with some water afterwards.

Most importantly, to truly maintain your teeth whitening results, make sure to follow your dentist’s advice and maintenance routine. After all, you took the time and your resources to have your teeth whitened so it’s a good idea to make sure your investment pays off for as long as possible.

Overall, teeth whitening can give you an impressive smile and boost your confidence.

It's usually quick and a mostly easy way to improve your appearance and can also be affordable, but it's important to do your research before you undergo treatment. Also very import is finding a reputable dentist who can give you the best results.

Some are here locally in the Midtown Houston area.