Consult Your Dentist First Before Doing Teeth Whitening in Carrollton

Do you think your smile is not ready for the summer because of the many years of discoloration that has formed? If you’re considering teeth whitening in Carrollton, you’ll quickly learn there are many benefits to consider. However, some patients may be more sensitive to whitening treatments than others, including treatments inside and outside of the office.

With that being said, it’s always worth consulting with your dentist first so you know your expectations prior to treatment, as well as if you’d prefer to whiten your teeth through other methods.

Why Are My Teeth Sensitive During and After Whitening Treatment?

If you experience teeth sensitivity during or after whitening, just know that you are not alone. According to reports from Reader’s Digest, 78 percent of people experience sensitivity after undergoing bleaching treatments using carbamide peroxide. When peroxide-based bleaching agents soak through enamel, it exposes the nerves in the dentin beneath it. These are the same nerves that react negatively to hot and cold foods, aggressive brushing, and sweet/acidic foods.

In some cases, over-the-counter whitening trays can put you at higher risk of experiencing sensitivity because they aren’t as well catered to individual patients. This can also be the case for whitening toothpastes and whitening strips.

Why Will Seeing My Dentist Before Starting Help?

By asking your dentist about whitening and your levels of sensitivity, your dentist can customize the bleaching agents in a way that minimizes sensitivity as much as possible. They can make more precise adjustments to the strength of the bleaching agents and provide customized whitening trays that minimize contact with other parts of the mouth. This will work to minimize gum irritation, sensitivity, and provide a more efficient whitening treatment overall. She can also give tips on minimizing sensitivity by changing your whitening follow-up schedule, adjusting the amount of time you should wear whitening trays, and inform you of what products to avoid.

Furthermore, if your sensitivity is more severe, they can recommend other cosmetic treatments that can whiten your teeth without the use of whitening agents. For example, your cosmetic dentist in Carrollton can place porcelain veneers or use cosmetic bonding to whiten teeth and cover imperfections without the worry of sensitivity.

What Treatments Does My Dentist Offer?

Most professional whitening treatments work to minimize sensitivity as much as possible, so they’re usually the better option if you have issues. If you decide to go forward with teeth whitening in Carrollton, you can expect two options. They include:

• In-Office Zoom! Whitening – Ideal for brightening your smile up to eight shades whiter in a single, one-hour treatment.
• Take–Home Whitening Kits – Used to whiten teeth on your own time over a two-week period. Ideal for patients with higher levels of sensitivity.

When you have a cosmetic dental professional by your side, you can minimize sensitivity and still get a smile you’re proud to show off. Schedule an appointment with her today to get started!

About the Author

Dr. Durga Devarakonda earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. She’s always working to create treatments that cater to patients’ needs as much as possible for optimal comfort and results. To learn more about her cosmetic treatments or practice, contact her through her website.