What to Consider Before Getting Teeth Whitening

What to Consider Before Getting Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening has rapidly become one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments in Manchester, and with good reason. A brighter smile often translates into a boost of self-confidence and an overall enhanced sense of well-being.

Before you go ahead and book your appointment at your chosen practice, there are essential factors you need to think about. Here’s our guide to the top things to consider before getting your teeth whitened.

1.     Your Dental Health

The integrity of your dental health is paramount when considering teeth whitening. Dental practitioners, including our team here at Ringway Dental, strongly advocate for treating any pre-existing oral health issues before undergoing whitening treatments.

Gum Disease and Cavities

If you suffer from gum disease or have untreated cavities, these dental issues need to be addressed first. Failing to treat these conditions could exacerbate problems, causing increased sensitivity or even infection.

Professional Assessment

Before you embark on any teeth whitening journey it’s vital that you have a comprehensive oral examination. This usually involves a dental x-ray and thorough cleaning to remove plaque and tartar, ensuring the whitening agents have an even surface to work on.

2.     Your Smile Goals!

When it comes to enhancing your smile, teeth whitening is often the first step many consider. However, it’s important to assess your specific smile goals.

Teeth Colour

Whitening your teeth can dramatically improve the colour of your smile, making teeth several shades lighter. This is an important factor to consider, as there are so many options when it comes to choosing your ideal shade! Some opt for the brightest white possible, whilst others may seek a more natural look.

When you come in for a consultation at Ringway Dental, our cosmetic experts will guide you through a shade assessment. We use a professional shade guide to compare your current tooth colour with various shades of white. This helps us to identify what would work best for you, whilst also giving you the option to choose exactly what you’d like. This ensures that you achieve a more natural, flattering result that aligns with your smile goals.

Tooth Alignment

Many of us seek teeth whitening treatments with the goal to uplift our overall smile. However, if you’re more concerned about alignment, gaps, or the shape of your teeth, it may be worth considering other treatments like subtle braces or even veneers first. These types of treatments will enhance your teeth and any imperfections much more effectively; and you can always have them whitened, too.

Consultation

A professional consultation will allow your dentist to offer personalised advice tailored to your needs. Remember, whitening mainly addresses colour, not alignment or shape. If you do have concerns about the structural appearance of your teeth, your dentist will be able to help you address these too.

During a tooth whitening consultation, whether that consultation be online or in-person, any reliable dentist will be able to answer all your questions. Here are a few of the most common questions we’re asked by patients before they have their teeth whitened:

• Can you show me any before-and-after whitening photos of similar cases you’ve handled?
• How many sessions will I need to achieve the desired results?
• What is the cost of the procedure, and are there any financing options available?
• Will the whitening process affect any crowns, veneers, or fillings I already have?
• What type of maintenance will be required to keep my teeth looking their whitest?
• How soon before an event (like a wedding or job interview) should I schedule the procedure?
• How long will the results last?

These are all excellent questions to ask during your appointment and can help you get the most out of your teeth whitening treatment.

3.     Your Budget

Teeth whitening services come in various price ranges, from over-the-counter solutions to professional in-clinic treatments. The treatment you opt for is ultimately down to you, though considering important factors such as your budget can help you decide between them. Dental practices should be upfront about the costs involved in treatments, and many display price lists online.

Over-the-Counter vs In-Clinic

While over-the-counter options are generally more affordable, they usually contain a lower concentration of whitening agents, which might not provide the results you desire. On the other hand, professional whitening treatments in dental clinics in Manchester and Greater Manchester are more effective but come at a higher cost.

Financing Options

Many dental practices now offer financing options or packages that might make the treatment more budget friendly. It’s always worth discussing this with your chosen dental provider. At Ringway Dental, we can offer 0% interest dental financing plans.

4.     Your Flexibility

Time and commitment are also important aspects to consider before teeth whitening. You may want a quick, in-and-out treatment that fits around your busy schedule, or a more extensive treatment plan requiring multiple visits to the practice.

At-Home Options

Many at-home whitening kits are available, offering the flexibility to carry out the treatment at your leisure. However, the results usually take longer to manifest and may not be as dramatic as in-clinic options. Our Boutique home whitening kits cost £250.00. Alternatively, our luxury Enlighten premium whitening package costs £550.00 and involves both in-clinic and at-home treatments.

In-Clinic Treatments

For those looking for quicker, more noticeable results, in-clinic treatments are the better option. These typically involve a higher concentration of whitening agents and the oversight of a dental professional, ensuring not only better results but also a safer process. Our Zoom in surgery whitening treatment costs £450.00.

Time Commitment

Either way, both options will require some commitment on your part. Whether it’s multiple clinic visits or regular applications at home, be prepared to invest some time into achieving that brighter smile.

Teeth Whitening in Manchester at Ringway Dental

Teeth whitening is an effective way to enhance your smile, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. By considering your dental health, smile goals, budget, and time flexibility, you can make an informed decision about the best course of action for you.

For those in Manchester, Cheadle, or the Greater Manchester area, feel free to consult with us at Ringway Dental for expert advice tailored to your specific needs. You can call our lovely reception team on 0161 437 2023, or leave us a message via our online contact form.

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