Teeth whitening treatments are an effective way to remove stains and make teeth whiter. There are many different products that can be used for this purpose. Some can be purchased over the counter at grocery stores, but the most potent bleaching agents are reserved for professional use by dentists only.
The American College of Cosmetic Dentistry states that a single whitening session can improve the color of a person's teeth by as much as 10 shades after a single visit.
There are two major classes of products that are used for whitening treatments: bleaching and non-bleaching. The latter is used to eliminate surface stains from a patient's teeth, but it does not improve the color of a tooth's inner layers. On the other hand, bleaching products typically contain carbamide peroxide, and these seep into the inner layers of the tooth, whitening these areas as well as the surface.
Whitening treatments can lead to increased tooth sensitivity for some patients. It is caused by a bleaching agent soaking into the dentin and leaving the nerves inside exposed. It leads to enhanced responses when the patient's teeth come in contact with sweet, hot/cold foods or beverages.
Whiteners that do not contain a bleaching agent like carbamide peroxide typically lead to less sensitivity. On the other hand, over-the-counter products are usually more likely to lead to increased sensitivity, especially if the product is in gel form.
The degree of sensitivity a patient deals with often depends on factors such as how long contact lasted with the whitener and how concentrated the solution used is. Professional bleaching solutions have the highest concentrations since they are only used by trained professionals who can safely administer them.
Whitening treatments can also lead to the irritation of the gums if the product is allowed to seep into them. This is highly unlikely to occur when the procedure is being performed by a dentist, but it is a possibility when over-the-counter products are used. Over-the-counter whiteners often come with a standard, one-size-fits-all mouthguard that is used to apply the product. The fitting will not be as tight as if a customized mouthguard was used, so some of the product might make its way into the gums. Other side effects of bleaching treatments include:
The increased tooth sensitivity that is associated with whitening procedures is typically temporary. It can be reduced and managed by doing simple things like:
Reduce the odds of your teeth becoming more sensitive by getting your whitening procedures performed by a professional. Our dentist will take every step to ensure you end up with whiter teeth while dealing with little or no sensitivity. Call or visit our clinic today.
Request an appointment here: https://chambleedental.com or call Chamblee Dental Care at (770) 238-4316 for an appointment in our Chamblee office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Teeth whitening is one of the most popular procedures patients ask their dentists about. We all want a smile that is healthy and white. Our smile can sometimes make or break our first impression. Throughout our lifetime, we put our teeth through a lot. We eat hard candy, chewing gum, and munch on all types of…
It is helpful to have an in-depth understanding of teeth whitening before starting treatment. In general, teeth whitening performed in-office is a safe procedure with few risks, and knowing more about the process and what to expect can help you mentally and physically prepare for the procedure. There are certain questions that general dentists receive regularly.…
Everyone experiences teeth stains and yellowing, and teeth whitening can help. Regardless of the cause (injuries, genetics or discoloration from food and drinks), the truth is that staining occurs with time. Yellowing also happens as part of the aging process, even if you have a perfect oral hygiene routine.Although teeth whitening procedures can reverse yellowing…
Teeth whitening has become a very popular practice in modern society. The teeth are one of the most frequently seen parts of the body. Discolored or stained teeth can be very unattractive and can make affected individuals suffer from an inferiority complex.Teeth whitening is the process of removing stains or discoloration from the teeth without…
If you have sore spots in your mouth, it might be because your denture is not fitting properly. A general dentist can adjust your dentures in the office. This should alleviate the discomfort you feel. Learn more about getting your dentures fixed.When patients have sore spots from dentures, dentists perform an examination. The cause of…
Treatment with braces can improve your oral health and help you smile with more confidence. However, there are important instructions to follow for treatment to be safe and effective. Among these instructions is important information on foods to avoid during treatment, as they can be damaging to your braces and your teeth. According to Healthline, many…