The History of Dentistry
Expecting realistic results from a tooth whitening procedure
Regina Carlson
Tooth whitening has become a popular and convenient procedure for restoring an attractive glow to the teeth. Through both extrinsic and intrinsic methods, the teeth can be whitened and stains removed to restore a complete smile.
In many cases, people don't understand the important role that they play in making their teeth whitening procedure a success. In addition to the dentist's role in carrying out the technical aspects of teeth whitening, patients also play a role in ensuring that they obtain meaningful results. This applies to their attitude before the procedure as well as how they take care of their oral health following tooth whitening.
It starts with healthy teeth
In many cases, patients rush for teeth whitening without addressing underlying oral problems. It can be both challenging and unhealthy to whiten teeth that have cavities, gum disease, or exposed roots. Therefore, you should be prepared to have underlying oral complications corrected before you undergo this cosmetic procedure. You first need a full set of healthy teeth before they can be whitened.
You should expect some sensitivity
Tooth whitening typically results in a certain level of sensitivity to the teeth immediately after the procedure. You may feel the teeth being more sensitive than usual, especially when they come in contact with hot or cold foods.
In most cases, the sensitivity does not cause too much discomfort. You may however receive painkillers from the dentist to ensure that the discomfort doesn't get out of hand.
It's not a one and done deal
Most patients mistakenly think that one tooth whitening procedure will last for a lifetime. However, teeth undergo many different conditions that will affect their ability to remain bright and shiny. In addition, the yellowing of teeth is a natural process that comes with aging as well as dietary habits.
Most patients enjoy teeth whitening results for anywhere between 6-24 months before the effects gradually wear off. It is recommended to receive a few treatments over time, depending on your desired results.
Each person has a unique experience
Tooth whitening is not a one size fits all procedure. Different patients will realise different results based on their oral structure and original state of their teeth.
Dentists will typically design customised trays that are made to fit your teeth and to minimise the risk of whitening gel spilling over to the gums. The results for each patient will be unique, based on their overall appearance and smile.
Share
Ever since I was a little girl, I have loved stories about the past. Whether the stories were about horses, wars, exploration or even dentistry, I loved to hear them. I find that knowing the history of something helps it to make sense and feel approachable. I know that some people have dental anxiety, and I too have suffered, but I also feel like the more you know about dental work and its history, the easier it is. This blog is dedicated to exploring the history of dentistry – What did ancient people use for fillings? How did early dentists numb their patients? Who was the first dentist? Those are just some of the questions I plan to answer here. Ready? Okay, let's dive into the history of dentistry together!