If You Have Questions About Teeth Whitening, You're In The Right Place!
Teeth whitening is the most requested dental treatment available. Let’s face it, everybody likes to have a white smile, and the fact is that a bright, esthetically pleasing smile goes a long way. If you are interested in teeth whitening but are concerned that it may harm your teeth, be painful, or not work, today’s blog will answer your questions.
Questions and Answers About Teeth Whitening
Question: Will teeth whitening damage my teeth in any way?
Answer: Extensive research on the effects of teeth whitening have shown that low concentrations of peroxide are safe when used as directed. The most common bleaching substances that have been tested are 10 percent carbamide peroxide, used in home whitening kits, and 35 percent hydrogen peroxide, usually used for in-office treatments. Tooth sensitivity, however, can be a side effect of bleaching, but usually goes away in a few hours or a few days.
Question: Does whitening really work?
Answer: Teeth whitening works for most people. However, in certain instances you may require dental veneers or dental bonding to whiten your teeth, such as if you have intrinsic (internal) staining due to:
- Overexposure to fluoride during early childhood
- Use of tetracycline antibiotics when you were eight-years-old or younger
- Use of tetracycline antibiotics by your mother during the second half of her pregnancy
- You were born with a rare condition called dentinogenesis imperfecta
- You experienced tooth trauma that caused bleeding inside the tooth
For those who do not have intrinsic tooth stains, be aware that all teeth do not reach the same whiteness. For instance, you may want your teeth to become eight shades whiter but they only become three shades whiter. In such cases, if you are not pleased you may opt for veneers or bonding.
Question: What if my teeth do become sensitive during the whitening process? What can I do?
Answer: If you are aware that you have sensitive teeth, brush with a desensitizing toothpaste containing potassium nitrate for two weeks prior to bleaching. This can help reduce tooth sensitivity. Other methods that may help include:
- Adding potassium nitrate to the bleaching tray while bleaching
- Decreasing the frequency of whitening
- Reducing the length of treatment