Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic procedure that can deliver instant enhancement of the appearance of your smile. But do whitening treatments damage teeth? In this article, we address this question and talk about potential side effects of the procedure.
Do Whitening Treatments Damage Teeth?
If teeth whitening is done professionally by an experienced dentist with prior consideration of the condition of your oral health, the procedure typically does not cause permanent damage to the teeth.
Teeth whitening procedures typically use a bleaching solution, such as hydrogen peroxide, along with additional tools, including lasers, if necessary. Hydrogen peroxide works by temporarily making the enamel of your teeth more porous, allowing it to penetrate deeper levels. There, the bleaching agent breaks down the darkly pigmented particles, thereby removing stains and discoloration from the teeth. You can achieve up to 8 shades of lift in the color of your teeth in one in-office procedure.
However, as we mentioned before, teeth whitening should be done on healthy teeth with strong enamel. The following issues can worsen due to a whitening procedure:
- Cavities and tooth decay
- White lesions on the teeth
- Gum disease
- Receding gums
- Tooth sensitivity
- Enamel erosion or cracks
If you have any of these issues, a responsible dentist will recommend treating them before a whitening procedure can be considered.
Are There Any Side Effects of Teeth Whitening?
Since a whitening procedure makes the enamel of your teeth temporarily more porous, you can expect an increase in tooth sensitivity to cold and hot foods and drinks in the first several days after the procedure. If the whitening is done responsibly, such sensitivity is not permanent and will typically subside as the enamel heals.
Professional Teeth Whitening vs Over-the-counter Whitening Kits
As we discussed earlier, existing oral health issues may make teeth whitening unsafe for your teeth. Additionally, if the solution used for the procedure is too strong for your teeth’s enamel, whitening can cause permanent damage. Such damage can result in various adverse consequences, including recurring cavities, decay, and tooth sensitivity. That is why it is crucial to consult your doctor before considering the procedure.
Additionally, even if you have healthy teeth, we recommend opting for a professional whitening procedure rather than over-the-counter solutions. In a controlled dental office environment, your doctor will be able to select an optimal strength of the whitening solution, ensuring it does not cause permanent damage to your teeth. This way, even if an in-office whitening procedure seems costly, it can prevent potential expenditures on future pricy treatments of the issues that an unprofessional whitening can cause.
Another Bonus
Another pleasant bonus is that the results of professional procedures are always more noticeable and predictable than those of any over-the-counter solution, as they are tailored to your specific goals and needs.
As an alternative to in-office whitening procedures, many dentists offer at-home whitening kits. Do not confuse these with over-the-counter solutions. At-home whitening kits provided by your dentist are also tailored with your oral health and goals in mind. The difference between an in-office procedure and at-home professional whitening is the time you will need to achieve the desired results (at-home whitening can take several days of wearing the whitening trays).
Get Safe Teeth Whitening at My Dentist Upland
If you are considering a procedure of teeth whitening, do not hesitate to make an appointment with a reliable dentist at the My Dentist Upland office today. Our specialists will thoroughly examine your oral health condition to provide you with an optimal and safe whitening solution. We are looking forward to your visit.