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Dental Implants: A Guide for Seniors

If you are a senior considering dental implants, you may have to worry about issues other dental patients don't have to think about. For example, you may need more time to recover after receiving your implants. My name is Jodi, and I've been working with seniors for years. I decided to create this blog to help the seniors I can't meet in person. In this space, I'm going to post entries on everything related to dental implants and seniors. From tips on flossing implants after arthritis has claimed some of your dexterity, to guiding you through the implants-vs-dentures debate, this blog is designed for you. Thanks for reading. I hope you find what you need!

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Dental Implants: A Guide for Seniors

3 Things Your Cosmetic Dentist Wants You To Consider About Teeth Whitening Goals

by Jimmy Carter

Teeth whitening is not a one-step procedure. Even if you buy an over the counter option, you will end up with several day's worth of the whitening treatment in order to reach your desired shade. If you decide to switch to an in-office teeth whitening option with your cosmetic dentist, there may be some things you should consider. One of those things is related to your actual teeth whitening goals and how you need to go about achieving them. Here are a few things your dentist may want you to know about setting those goals and your treatment schedule.

Choose a Realistic Shade

The first thing you are going to do when you begin looking at your teeth whitening goals is to look at a shade chart. This is a simple chart, generally provided by your dentist, that will give you the shade range available for the specific teeth whitening procedure you have chosen. Like most people, you will probably want to choose the whitest shade possible. Instead, consider the shade that looks natural and fits your lifestyle. For example, if you are an avid coffee or tea drinker you don't want to choose a shade that will be a constant fight to maintain.

Think Ahead about Your Treatment

You may be choosing a teeth whitening treatment due to an upcoming event in your life, such as a wedding. The problem is, many people will think about the shade they want for the event and making sure to follow the treatment plan to achieve those goals in time for their event. They don't tend to go a step further and think about maintaining that shade and how to do it after the big day. You should consider how to maintain your shade and what treatment plan will work best for you.

Remember, if you stop the treatments you may end up having your shade move away from the white you have chosen. This could leave you having to start the treatment again and possibly facing a more difficult or longer process depending on how dark your shade gets.

Ask About Home Treatment Options

One of the key things your dentist may want you to know about your teeth whitening goals, is that you can do some things at home to help. In fact, there are some home treatment options that may help you maintain your shade and your goals while receiving regular treatment at the dental office. Some of these options may include whitening toothpastes, gels, rinses, or a combination of these options. Your dentist can suggest options based on your whitening goals and any special dental needs you may have.

By sitting down and considering your realistic shade goals and how long you want to maintain that shade, your dentist can create a more sustainable treatment plan for you. Remember to schedule a consultation with your dentist to fully discuss your options instead of trying to cram in your questions to a pre-existing appointment where time may be limited.

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