Can You Eat After Teeth Whitening? And Other FAQs
Getting your teeth whitened can dramatically improve your smile in just one visit to your dentist. Unlike at-home teeth whitening kits, a professional teeth whitening can lighten your smile several shades for an immediate and noticeable effect.
The best part is that you can customize how white you’d like your new smile so you have the shade that looks best on you. Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures, and for good reason.
We understand you have questions about the teeth whitening process, like can you eat after teeth whitening? Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about whitening your teeth.
Is Teeth Whitening Safe?
Yes, when the whitening solutions are used properly, such as when you get a teeth whitening with your professional dentist, teeth whitening is considered to be safe.
Can You Eat After Teeth Whitening?
Yes, you can eat immediately after getting your teeth whitened.
However, we recommend avoiding dark foods and liquids that have the potential to stain your teeth immediately following the whitening procedure. These include foods like blueberries, soy sauce, red wine, dark beers, tomato sauce, fruit juice, balsamic vinegar, cola, and tea and coffee.
Don’t worry, you won’t have to avoid these foods forever. We recommend avoiding them for at least 48 hours following your teeth whitening procedure to minimize staining and protect your newly whitened smile.
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Take?
The teeth whitening process can vary slightly from person to person. Generally, patients can expect to be in our office for about an hour, but some appointments may take up to 90 minutes.
A few of the factors that affect how long teeth whitening will take include how stained your teeth are, how white you’d like your teeth, and how your teeth respond to the whitening process. Your Asheville dentist can give you a more accurate estimate of how long your teeth whitening process will take during your consultation.
Will Teeth Whitening Last Forever?
No, teeth whitening won’t last forever. However, the good news is that you can help your teeth remain as bright as possible for as long as possible with daily brushing and flossing and visiting your dentist in Asheville every six months.
Some patients may also need “touch-ups” to help keep their teeth white, which we can do at various intervals as needed. Most patients will need to have their teeth whitened again at some point, but by taking excellent care of your teeth and visiting your dentist, you can help reduce stains and keep your smile bright.
You can also help keep your teeth as bright as possible for as long as possible by avoiding or minimizing dark foods or drinks, particularly coffee and red wine. However, you can still reduce teeth staining by drinking water when consuming these items or using a straw when possible.
How Do I Know Teeth Whitening Will Work for Me?
It’s difficult to know if teeth whitening will be effective without first having a consultation with your dentist in Asheville.
Some people have stains that are more resistant to teeth whitening than others. Others may have deep intrinsic staining from tetracycline, which can cause teeth to have a blue, gray, black, or even green cast. You may also have dental fluorosis, which can require additional treatments or teeth whitening procedures to improve your appearance.
Your dentist will let you know all your options for improving your smile, whether a teeth whitening would do the job or if you would need to consider additional treatments to have the smile you want.
What Is the Teeth Whitening Process Like?
The teeth whitening process first begins with a consultation. You and your dentist will discuss your treatment options, your goals for your smile, your budget, and your oral health. If you decide to move forward with a teeth whitening, you will schedule a separate appointment.
If it has been more than six months since your last dental cleaning, you will need to have your teeth cleaned before booking a teeth whitening appointment. A teeth cleaning will remove surface stains and naturally brighten your smile, which can help you make an informed decision when selecting the shade of white you want for your teeth.
On the day of your teeth whitening procedure, you can eat up to about an hour before your appointment. When you arrive, your dentist will begin the process of protecting the soft tissues of your mouth, especially your gums, by covering them to keep the whitening agent from causing irritation.
Your dentist will apply the whitening solution and leave it on your teeth while they use a special light to help accelerate the process. This process will be repeated if needed to achieve the shade of white you’d like for your smile.
After the procedure is done, you’ll be able to return home or back to work that same day without any restrictions.
Will My Teeth Be Sensitive Afterward?
Some patients experience tooth sensitivity after getting their teeth whitened. However, you can expect the sensitivity to be temporary and subside after a few days. Your dentist can let you know what to expect after the procedure.
Let your dentist in Asheville know if you experience tooth sensitivity prior to the procedure. Some patients may need to avoid very hot or cold foods or drinks for a few days after the procedure to help minimize any sensitivity.
Does Teeth Whitening Work With Dental Restorations Such as Crowns and Veneers?
Dental crowns and veneers are not affected by teeth whitening. This means that if you have dental restorations such as a bridge, crown, or veneers, the whitening agent will not make these artificial teeth whiter or brighter.
It’s best to consider teeth whitening prior to any dental restorations you may need, as you can make the restorations match your newly whitened teeth after the procedure. Otherwise, you may need to replace your crown or veneer to match the new shade of your teeth.
Schedule a Consultation for Teeth Whitening With Us
Considering teeth whitening? If so, find out if you’re a candidate for teeth whitening by contacting Saunders DDS today. We can help you get the smile of your dreams in preparation for a big event or just to improve your everyday confidence! Call us at (828) 277-6060 or reach us online.
A teeth whitening treatment can improve your smile. Saunders DDS can answer any questions you may have about this treatment. Contact us today to start your treatment.