Are you tired of having teeth that have yellowed or otherwise become discolored by age and environmental factors? Do you wish that your teeth had a cleaner and brighter appearance? Even if you dislike visiting the dentist, it's easy to see that modern dentistry is amazing. Not only can damaged teeth be repaired, but your entire smile can be brightened and lightened with relative ease. But before you agree to any dental procedure, it's a good idea to ask a few questions so that you're better aware of what's going on. Some of the things to be asking may include the following.

Is this the best way to whiten these teeth? Aside from creams and toothpastes that you use at home, your dentist may have several methods of teeth whitening available. However, your dentist may have gotten into the habit of using just one method if nobody asks about any other methods. Or your dentist may assume that you would prefer a certain method due to your budget. Even if you're trying to save money, it's still a good idea to review all of your options to ensure that you're doing what's best for you.

Will this treatment take more than one office visit? A basic teeth-cleaning job can get your teeth visibly whiter and typically only takes one office visit. On the other hand, laser teeth-whitening treatments can take multiple visits over the course of one or several weeks before you can actually see the difference. That doesn't mean that one method is definitively better than the other; it only means that the amount of time taken is different. It is, however, important to know exactly what to expect from the treatment option that you've chosen so that you're not disappointed if the results aren't going to be immediate.

How long will this treatment last? The results of teeth-whitening treatments can last for different amounts of time, depending on your lifestyle and the chosen procedure. Your dentist will be able to tell you what to expect from your treatment and when you can come back in for another one. He or she will also be able to tell you how to lengthen the amount of time that the whitening procedure will be effective, such as by your avoiding things like coffee or tea as much as possible. If you don't want to stop eating or drinking specific foods and beverages, your dentist should also be able to tell how to at least minimize their impact on your teeth.

Make an appointment with a healthcare provider such as Advanced Family Dental Care LLC to get started.