Before performing your teeth whitening treatment, Dr. Fleschler will conduct a thorough examination and cleaning. There are a few reasons you don't want to skip this step if you want to brighten your smile. Your pre-treatment exam and cleaning achieve the following:
Confirmation that you're a good candidate for teeth whitening. One of the primary factors that makes you a good candidate for teeth whitening is that you have extrinsic stains. This means that your discoloration is within the layer of enamel but not beneath it. Stains that are beneath tooth enamel, called intrinsic stains, involve the tooth's structure, which cannot be improved. If you have intrinsic teeth stains, you may be a good candidate for veneer treatment. Other factors that can affect your teeth whitening treatment include your tooth health and gum health. If, for example, you have gum disease that has exposed tooth roots, you may experience exaggerated sensitivity or discomfort from teeth whitening. Addressing existing dental issues before teeth whitening enables you to get the best results with the fewest side effects.
Ensure optimal results. After examining your teeth and confirming that you are a good candidate for teeth whitening, we'll clean your teeth, too. This removes the biofilm of plaque and any tartar that may be present. Without these invisible layers in the way, the whitening gel is better able to permeate tooth enamel and break up stains.