There are many options available when it comes to teeth whitening or teeth bleaching, but as with any chemical treatment, it carries some heavy risks. Nobody wants to undergo a teeth whitening procedure intended to bring radiance back to their smile, only to completely lose that radiance and the smile with later complications! Be sure to go to a reputable dentist whom you can trust, and try not to pick just the cheapest option as it may spell danger for you if things go awry. It helps to understand a little bit more about how the teeth whitening procedure works, so that you can make an informed decision for yourself.
What Are The Risks Involved?
The first question on everybody’s minds, of course, is about risks. In fact, even the best teeth whitening procedures have a chance of causing minor side effects. Most commonly, these side effects include sensitivity of the tooth, as well as irritation of the soft tissues in the mouth. Typically, both of these symptoms do not last long, and if they seem to be serious, your dentist may be able to help.
Will Bleaching Harm My Teeth In Any Way?
There have been no instances of tooth whitening products causing damage to the teeth or gums. With only 10 per cent concentrations of peroxide contained in most over-the-counter bleaching products, there has been little to no effect on tooth enamel, not has there been any evidence of damage to a tooth’s nerve. For existing fillings or other restorations, they are also typically undamaged, but do note that if they were originally made to match the color of your existing teeth, they may no longer match the new color of your teeth as they do not lighten during the procedure.
Are The Products Safe?
Teeth whitening products sold through official professional channels will carry the ADA Seal of Acceptance, hence they are safe and effective. However, with the exception of several teeth whitening toothpastes, over-the-counter treatments have not received the Seal of Acceptance.
What If My Teeth Are Extremely Stained?
Certainly, the extent of the staining will have an effect on your results — you may not be able to achieve a brilliant white smile the color of white light, for example. If your teeth have yellow discoloration, bleaching would work fine. However, for brown stains, or other colors like blue, gray or purple stains, these may require additional treatment. Additional factors affecting results are the strength of bleaching agents used, the duration of treatment, and the condition of your teeth.
Do I Need To Touch-Up Regularly?
For the most part, you would not need a routine touch-up. However, this may not be the case for you if you happen to be a heavy smoker, avid coffee drinker, love wine, or other things that may cause staining. You can try to avoid these, or try to maintain your results with products you can self-administer at home, so you can last for longer without a touch-up.
