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://www.bridgewaterfamilydental.com or call Bridgewater Family Dental at (513) 712-9642 for an appointment in our Hamilton office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Seeing a preventive dentist is a vital part of your oral healthcare routine each year. However, many people skip this essential step because they do not want to spend time at a dental office. Fortunately, a preventive dentist provides many valuable services that can help your smile last a lifetime and stop future issues before…
Endodontics treatment, which is the treatment of the tooth's inner pulp and structures, is one of the most efficient ways to save decaying or damaged teeth. Many individuals, however, get anxious when they learn they need it. This is mostly due to the widespread misconception that undergoing endodontic treatment is unpleasant. It is incorrect —…
Your teeth are one of the first things that people notice about you, and if you are not confident about your smile, a dental veneer might be on your mind as a possible solution. It is one way to change how a tooth looks, but there are many other options. So, why opt for veneers…
General dentistry focuses on routine oral health care for patients of all ages. This includes oral maintenance such as cleanings and examinations, as well as general treatments and preventive care. Preventive care often gets overlooked as it relates to general dentistry, however, it plays a key role in oral health. Keep reading to learn more…
Fortunately, a preventive dentist provides many valuable services that can help your smile last a…
Endodontics treatment, which is the treatment of the tooth's inner pulp and structures, is one…
Dental veneers are coverings that sit on the front, visible surfaces of the teeth.
Preventive care often gets overlooked as it relates to general dentistry, however, it plays a…
In the unlikely event that you suffer from a significant laceration to the inner mouth,…
You should know the symptoms that indicate the need for a root canal, so you…