Walk into almost any chemist and you’ll find plenty of products promising a whiter smile. Strips, gels, trays and kits, plus even more choices online. So if your teeth are looking a little dull, grabbing one and giving it a go can seem like the obvious next step.
The catch is that you can’t always tell what’s happening with your teeth just by looking at them. A small area of decay, a crack or irritated gums may not be obvious at home, and that can matter when whitening products are involved. Having your teeth checked first gives you a better idea of whether whitening is suitable and whether anything needs attention beforehand.
Why a Checkup Comes First
Your dentist can look at your teeth and gums, talk with you about what you’d like to change and explain the whitening options available. It’s also a chance to ask about sensitivity, existing dental work or anything else you’re unsure about before you start.
“A dental check before whitening lets us look for anything that may need attention first. It also gives us a chance to talk about what you’re hoping to achieve and what may work best for your teeth,” says Albury dentist Dr Ruchi Chandra.
Why Fit Matters With Whitening Trays
Off-the-shelf trays have to fit a wide range of mouths. The trouble is, teeth come in all different shapes and sizes.
A custom tray is made from an impression or scan of your own teeth, so it follows their individual shape more closely. This helps keep the whitening gel in contact with the intended tooth surfaces and may help produce a more consistent result.
How At-Home Whitening Works
Our Colgate at-home whitening kits use hydrogen peroxide to help break down stains on the teeth. Once your custom tray is ready, you’ll be shown how much gel to use and how long to wear it according to the recommended instructions.
How quickly you notice a change, and the amount of whitening achieved, will vary from person to person.
Before You Whiten at Home
If you’re considering whitening at home, start with a conversation about your teeth and the options available to you. Contact The Tooth Affair today.