Professional teeth whitening will vastly improve the look of your smile. If you’re thinking of scheduling the procedure for the first time, you may be wondering how to prepare. The process is easy, low-effort, and convenient, so you won’t have to do much to get ready. The simple tips below will help ensure you get the best results possible. 

What to Do for Your First Professional Teeth Whitening 

Promote Oral Health

Practicing proper oral care is essential to maintaining the whiteness of your smile after your appointment. If you haven’t already started, begin a routine of brushing at least twice daily and flossing once nightly before your appointment. For enhanced results, use mouthwash or brush after meals. Your dentist may also recommend performing a teeth cleaning before your whitening appointment. This will remove plaque and tartar from your teeth before the treatment. 

Review a Shade Guide

The goal of teeth whitening isn’t to generically apply a brightening compound – it’s to craft a custom solution for a smile that looks healthy and natural. Your dentist will use a shade guide to help identify the existing color of your teeth and choose a goal that each of your teeth will match after the procedure. Work with your dental professional to decide the degree of whitening you’d like. Most patients opt for two to seven shades of improvement. 

Use Desensitizing Toothpaste

Some patients experience increased sensitivity after having their teeth whitened. You can reduce the chances of this occurring by changing your toothpaste about two weeks before your treatment. Desensitizing toothpaste contains ingredients, like strontium chloride and potassium nitrate, that block pain receptors in your teeth. Continue using this toothpaste for a week or two after the procedure to ensure complete comfort. 

North Chautauqua Dental PC in Dunkirk, NY, strives to make teeth whitening treatment as smooth as possible for all patients. They offer both in-office procedures as well as take-home kits, so you’ll maintain your beautiful new smile for longer. Visit them online for more information on teeth whitening, and call (716) 366-6822 to schedule an appointment today.