Does Professional Teeth Whitening Require A Consultation
Does Professional Teeth Whitening Require A Consultation

Professional teeth whitening is a great way to remove old stains and get your smile shining brightly again. Yellowing teeth can really hinder your self-confidence, but you’ll feel like yourself again with a bright white smile. Although there are over-the-counter whitening products available today that can produce some results, nothing beats the results you will see with professional teeth whitening. You might be wondering what the process is for getting your teeth professionally whitened. Do you need a consultation or can you just walk in and have the service done? Dive into all the details below.

Does Professional Teeth Whitening Require A Consultation 

You’ve decided it’s time for a professional teeth whitening treatment. You’re ready to get rid of those old stains and improve the whiteness of your teeth. So, what next? Do you need to make an appointment or get a consultation first? Keep reading as we tell you everything you need to know about teeth whitening consultations.

The Pre-Teeth Whitening Consultation: Necessary Or Not?

So, does professional teeth whitening require a consultation prior to the whitening appointment? The answer is yes. Remember that professional teeth whitening is not a one-size-fits-all service. Unlike over-the-counter teeth whitening products, professional whitening treatments are overseen by a dentist. Your dentist will want to make sure that you and your teeth are as prepared as possible for the treatment so that you see the best results. There are several things that occur at the consultation, and those will be discussed in more detail in the next section.

What Happens At A Teeth Whitening Consultation

You might be wondering why a teeth whitening consultation is necessary. Why not just make the whitening appointment and apply the bleaching agent? There are several reasons why a consultation is necessary, and those reasons are outlined below.

First, a thorough exam is necessary prior to the whitening treatment. This includes both a visual exam and X-rays in most cases. The exam can help uncover any existing issues, like gum disease, cavities, or damaged teeth. Fixing these issues prior to the whitening treatment is crucial not only to the effectiveness of the treatment but also to your comfort. Since whitening treatments can be a little harsh on your teeth and gums, any pre-existing issues that are not corrected could cause you pain and discomfort during and after the treatment.

The exam might also reveal the fact that your teeth need to be cleaned prior to the whitening treatment. Tartar can build up on your teeth, and brushing alone will not remove this buildup. Tartar buildup will also decrease the effectiveness of the whitening treatment since the bleaching agent will not be able to fully reach your teeth in some spots due to the tartar.

Finally, the dentist may need to take molds of your teeth at the consultation. Some whitening treatments utilize custom trays that fit around your teeth and help the whitening agent coat your teeth evenly. Additionally, they can help keep the bleaching agent off your gums and prevent gum irritation. These custom trays are created using molds of your teeth, and they can take a couple of weeks to produce.

Other Teeth Whitening Options

It is no secret that professional whitening treatments can be somewhat expensive. Perhaps your consultation revealed that you are not the best candidate for professional treatment. What other options are there for getting whiter teeth?

There are many whitening products available today that can be purchased and used on your own at home. These products include whitening strips, whitening gel, whitening toothpaste, and others. Most of these products are safe and fairly gentle on your teeth. They are also fairly effective, although you will not see the same level of results as you would with professional treatment. Make sure to look for products that are approved by the American Dental Association and always follow the instructions on the label. If you have existing teeth or gum sensitivity issues, your dentist may be able to help you select the product that would be the best for your situation.

Schedule A Teeth Whitening Consultation Today

Northern Virginia Orthodontics is here and ready to help you with all your teeth whitening needs. During your consultation, we can walk you through the entire whitening process and answer any questions you might have. We always strive to make sure you are as comfortable as possible at every appointment, and that includes whitening treatments as well. If you are ready to make your smile bright and white again, contact our office to schedule an appointment today.