Stained teeth are a problem that many people face. You may have some that leave you feeling self-conscious, but what can you do about them? Visiting your dentist for a professional whitening treatment is an effective option, but you’ll need a consultation beforehand. They’ll want to make sure you are cavity-free, or there may be some complications! Keep reading to learn more.

Why Is It a Bad Idea to Whiten My Teeth If I Have Cavities?

In order to brighten your smile, a bleaching gel is often used. It gets applied to your teeth to break down dark particles in your enamel. This is generally pain-free, but cavities can make it more uncomfortable. When you have decay, the dentin underneath the top layer is often exposed. This portion of your tooth has tiny channels that lead down to the nerve. So, putting the gel over it can trigger some sensitivity.

Whether it’s a store-bought kit or professional treatment, this can happen if you do whitening over this oral health issue. It irritates your teeth and gums; instead of enjoying your results, you’ll be doing what you can to get rid of the discomfort.

But thankfully, your dentist is here to help. They’ll do a thorough consultation before giving you this service. They’ll look for any decay and get it fixed beforehand. Then, they will talk to you about professional treatments or recommend over-the-counter products that help you get to your goals.

How Does My Dentist Whiten Teeth?

Your provider likely offers two different ways to get the pearly white you want. The first would be an in-office treatment. For this one, you’ll sit back and relax in your treatment room while your dentist does all the work. They’ll first protect your gums with a rubber dam and then apply the high-quality bleaching gel on top. It takes about an hour to get results that are six to eight shades brighter.

If you want a more convenient option, then they can give you a take-home kit. You’ll be given customized trays where you’ll put a professional bleaching solution in them. After two weeks of wearing them for a specified time, you can get similar results as an office visit.

Although you’ll need to treat any cavities before whitening your teeth, it’ll be well worth it in the end. You can get pearly whites that you feel confident in without any discomfort. That way, you can show them off proudly.

About the Author

Dr. Dean Hutto earned his dental degree from the University of Texas Dental Branch in Houston. He now has over three decades of experience that he uses to give the Baytown community the best care they deserve. While stained teeth might bother you, Dr. Hutto can help tackle them with professional teeth whitening. By talking to him about your smile goals and having a consultation, you can trust you’ll find out what you need to get a grin you love.

If you are interested in this treatment, schedule an appointment or call his office at (281) 422-8248.