Teeth whitening can help improve the appearance of your smile, but many people worry about enamel damage, tooth sensitivity, and uneven results. A cosmetic teeth whitening treatment is generally safe when appropriate products are used as directed and a dental professional assesses your oral health beforehand. However, temporary tooth sensitivity and gum irritation can still occur. Whitening may not be suitable for everyone, and the results depend on the cause of discoloration. Crowns, veneers, and fillings, for example, do not respond to whitening treatments in the same way as natural teeth.
How Does a Cosmetic Teeth Whitening Treatment Work?
In a cosmetic teeth whitening treatment, a bleaching agent such as carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide is used to whiten discolored substances in the teeth.
For professional teeth whitening treatment, the dentist performs an initial oral checkup. The patient’s mouth is checked for any conditions such as cavities, gingivitis, exposed roots, and others that need to be addressed first.
In accordance with the dental condition, the dentist will choose between in-office teeth whitening and at-home treatments using the custom-made whitening trays. The at-home treatment involves the gradual whitening process with the help of the prescribed bleaching gel. This procedure aims to give you brighter teeth.
Is Professional Teeth Whitening Safe for Enamel?
Professional teeth bleaching is usually deemed safe on sound teeth if it is conducted correctly and based on the guidelines of the particular product. Overusing of the procedure, inappropriate products, and wrong application of the technique can make the person more prone to irritation and sensitivity.
Temporary tooth sensitivity is the side effect most often observed. Some people may suffer from irritation of their gums caused by contact with the whitening gel. Such reactions tend to disappear after the procedure is completed.
The process of whitening is not about peeling off some enamel layer. It is rather about the decomposition of stain molecules with peroxide-containing products. Nevertheless, whitening products’ overuse can cause troubles.
People who suffer from untreated cavities, periodontal disease, enamel problems, and extreme sensitivity are advised to visit a dentist prior to a whitening procedure.
What Types of Smile Whitening Services Are Available?
Various types of whitening procedures are designed for various needs.
In-office whitening: A professional whitening solution is applied by a dentist, while the gums are protected from the whitening procedure. Results can be visible in one procedure, although it can vary.
Whitening at home under supervision of a dentist: Customized trays and professional whitening gel give patients an opportunity to whiten their teeth at home gradually. Patients can have more control over the process of treatment in this case.
Over-the-counter products: There are a lot of various whitening solutions that can be bought at the pharmacy, such as whitening strips, gel, and toothpaste. It depends on the formula and type of staining on how effective such products will be. Whitening toothpaste works well in removing surface stains but not in whitening the actual tooth color.
It is up to you which method of whitening is the most appropriate for your situation. Existing crowns, veneers, and fillings do not get whitened as natural teeth do.
How Long Do Whitening Results Last?
The effects of whitening treatment will last a number of months or years depending on your lifestyle, hygiene, and treatment method. This is because the teeth might get stained slowly with regular use of products such as coffee, tea, red wine, and foods, and smoking.
In order to preserve your whitened teeth, one should brush teeth twice a day using fluoride toothpaste, floss, and go for dental checkups. It may also be helpful to rinse your mouth with water after drinking beverages that cause stains.
Do not repeat whitening procedures frequently in order to have unnaturally white teeth. More procedures do not necessarily guarantee better effects but increase sensitivity in teeth.
Your dentist will suggest how frequently you need to whiten your teeth based on their condition and the chosen treatment. Lit Dental in McKinney, TX, offers dental care services to help patients maintain a healthy, bright smile.
Conclusion
The cosmetic teeth whitening treatment can be done safely in order to enhance the appearance of one’s teeth, provided that the procedure is the right one and the guidelines are strictly followed. The professional process has the advantage of providing a dental check-up.
First of all, before the process, it is highly recommended to have a check-up and consult the dentist on how to make your teeth whiter and what will suit them best.