Professional teeth whitening is one of the quickest and easiest dental treatments for improving the look of your smile. While whitening is a relatively simple procedure, there are some steps you can take to ensure you achieve the best possible results. Following these tips will help you reach your goal of a bright, white smile:

• Schedule a consultation with your dentist prior to whitening. If you have any existing dental problems, have them treated prior to whitening to avoid any side effects or complications.
• Discuss with your dental professional what type of tooth discoloration you have to make certain whitening will work for you. Certain types of intrinsic stains will not be improved by whitening treatments. Whitening also will not work on veneers or dental crowns.
• Schedule a professional teeth cleaning prior to your whitening appointment to remove any build-up of plaque or tartar you cannot remove with home cleaning.
• Start brushing with a desensitizing toothpaste several weeks prior to whitening to limit the sensitivity that can be caused by whitening agents.
• If you are extremely prone to dental sensitivity, check with your dentist about taking a painkilling medication before your whitening appointment.
• Check with your dental office about how much time you should allow for your whitening appointment.
• Avoid eating or drinking anything but water for one hour after the completion of your whitening treatment, and refrain from ingesting foods and beverages that are known stain-causing agents for at least 24 hours.
• Don’t skip follow-up appointments with your dentist, and maintain excellent home oral care habits to extend the life of your whitening procedure.

With a little knowledge and preparation, you can be well on your way to a brighter and whiter smile through professional teeth whitening.