Teeth Whitening Treatment: Is it Safe?

By Family Dentistry & Aesthetics Inc.

Is whitening treatment safe?

What is teeth whitening?

The general public is becoming increasingly inclined to get their teeth whitened. Several tooth whitening options became available as a result of the public’s expectation of whiter, more beautiful smiles.

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The process of teeth whitening involves bleaching your teeth to make them whiter. Despite not making your teeth brilliant white, it can lighten their color by several shades.

The products that qualify include items you might use at home, such as toothpaste, gel, and films, and systems that might be used in offices, where highly concentrated bleaching agents would be used in compliance with professional guidelines. The dental profession and the general public have long been aware of certain dangers associated with teeth whitening, such as increased tooth sensitivity and gingival irritation.

How does teeth whitening work?

Dentists and other licensed dental practitioners, such as dental hygienists or dental therapists, should only perform teeth whitening under a dentist’s prescription.

In some beauty shops, teeth whitening is offered, but this practice is unlawful without a dental practitioner present, and it may jeopardize your oral health.

You can also purchase DIY home teeth whitening kits, but they come with risks, too.

5 Treatment Options You Can Get to Whiten Your Teeth

Over-The-Counter Treatments

Stores and supermarkets offer a variety of products including, but not limited to: 

Whitening toothpaste 

In certain circumstances, this can be effective at erasing stains, but not at brightening your smile since it lightens your teeth by about one shade. Obtaining whitening toothpaste for less than $10 each is one of the cheapest but least effective options.

Whitening gel or strips

With this treatment, you can expect to see an approximately 2-3 shade difference between your teeth. The average price of these peroxide-based products is $40. Once or twice a day for two weeks will be required for this form of treatment, and the results should last for about four months. 

Read More: Are Teeth Whitening Treatments Really Better Than Store-Bought Products?

Professional Whitening

Dental practitioners will typically opt for a few teeth whitening treatments they know will produce excellent, long-term results. The average lifespan of a professional whitening procedure is 2-3 years.

Pre-Loaded Teeth Whitening Trays

Unlike over-the-counter whitening products, this is a take-home tray that’s prefilled with a stronger formula. It is worn for a period of 4 to 2 weeks for about 20 minutes per day. Treatment of this kind is most economical, costing only about $300 on average. 

Custom Whitening Trays

Comparable to preloaded trays, the personalized trays are tailored to fit your mouth accurately for a more pleasant experience. Using them is the same as using a preloaded tray. You wear them for the same period of time and for the same amount of time. Costs will range between $450 and $500, but a better-fitting prosthesis will feel more comfortable.

In-Office Teeth Whitening

You can easily complete this treatment in twenty minutes during your break. You will wear a protective mouthguard while the dentist applies a high-strength bleaching gel to your teeth. 

There is nothing like this kind of treatment, which you can only obtain at the dental office. For your teeth to be 8-10 shades whiter and brighter, only three visits are necessary. You can expect this type of procedure to last you for an average of 2-3 years, depending on how well you take care of your teeth.

2 Teeth Whitening Effects That People May Experience

Teeth sensitivity

You may feel more sensitive after having your teeth whitened. During your first or second treatment, you may feel it, but it will likely pass after some time. Your dentist may recommend potassium nitrate gel and sodium fluoride gel for treating sensitivity.

Irritated gums

Inflammation of the gingival tissues is another possibility. As a result, your gums will become irritated. Inflammation of your gums may result from an interaction with the whitening product. The adverse effect should disappear after you have received your treatments.

Factors to Consider Before Getting Your Teeth Whitened

Suitability

The process of tooth whitening isn’t suitable for everyone. In particular, pregnant ladies and nursing mothers must avoid this surgery.

In addition, teeth whitening uses a special ultraviolet light in conjunction with a bleaching gel in order to whiten teeth, which could be problematic for some people. 

Schedule an appointment with your dentist for a complete consultation to determine if you are a good candidate for this operation. You may not be able to have your teeth whitened if you have medical problems such as diabetes, tooth sensitivity, gum disease, etc. Chemotherapy patients or those who are light-sensitive should avoid having their teeth whitened.

Sensitivity to the treatment

Teeth whitening is a relatively painless dental procedure. It may be possible for some people to become hypersensitive during and after the treatment. Consult your dentist about your ability to tolerate pain in your mouth before scheduling teeth whitening sessions. 

Fractures in the teeth, sensitivity, receding gums, loose fillings, and other dental issues can increase your risk. As an aftercare measure, your dentist is usually going to give you a desensitizing gel to help you deal with any sensitivity issues.

How long it is expected to last

It generally takes three years for the effects of teeth whitening to wear off. There is no set period for this, as it may differ from person to person. The duration of the effect is also influenced by factors like your diet and the kind of food you consume.

It is also important to floss and clean your teeth on a daily basis to maintain good oral health and a bright smile.

The duration of the effect might be determined by your dentist.

Manage your expectations

A tooth whitening procedure should also be viewed in the context of your expectations. It is not only your dentist who determines the success and satisfaction you get from this procedure, but also your own expectations. Therefore, you should mention your goals to your dentist during your consultation.

The dentist should be informed if you want white teeth. You may be putting yourself at risk of health problems if your expectations are unrealistic. Your dentist will advise you against such a procedure if you have such an expectation.

Are teeth whitening treatments safe?

Getting your teeth whitened can make your smile more attractive and give your confidence a boost. You might be wondering which whitening option is best, with so many options available, including toothpaste, rinses, strips, gels, and in-office whitening. When you have gum disease, you may wonder if it is possible to whiten your teeth without harming them.

When your teeth and gums are in good health, teeth whitening is completely safe. When deciding whether to have teeth whitening if you suffer from gum disease or have had it in the past, consider a few factors.

6 Risks to Think About When Whitening Your Teeth

In spite of teeth whitening being relatively painless and non-invasive, there are some risks involved.

Any form of tooth whitening should not be used too frequently, according to the Canadian Dental Association.

The following are some of the effects of this practice, as noted by many dissatisfied users:

  • Result in hypersensitive teeth with hot, but mostly with cold
  • The enamel is permanently altered
  • Prematurely wear down teeth
  • The brittleness of your teeth
  • Mucous membranes can also become irritated.

Teeth that have undergone bleaching for an extended period of time or more frequently are prone to discoloration due to the modification of the enamel surface.

The process of whitening teeth, whether done at home or in a dental facility, should be carried out cautiously and with materials that meet hydrogen peroxide criteria.

Tips to Remember for Keeping Your Teeth White

Does your dazzling white smile tend to be marred by yellow or grey stains? Besides stains caused by aging, the dental discoloration can also occur as a result of certain foods, drinks, or mouthwashes. By using home remedies, teeth can be whitened and avoiding staining agents, the future discoloration can be prevented. You can whiten your teeth to regain a glittering smile by using these tips.

Maintain Regular Dental Cleanings 

A buildup of tartar on teeth can make them appear yellow. You can have dental deposits removed by visiting your dentist.

What is the optimal frequency of visits? A six-month interval is ideal. This will help you maintain a healthy mouth and teeth.

Practice Good Dental Hygiene 

Maintaining good dental hygiene is extremely important. Ideally, you should brush twice each day and floss once a day. Electric toothbrushes are recommended if necessary.

You should also consider the type of toothpaste you use. Whenever possible, use fluoride-containing products as they prevent cavities.

Use Whitening Toothpaste

Many of the chemicals found in whitening toothpaste can remove stains. Baking soda or activated charcoal are examples of mild abrasives they may employ.

Be aware, though, that they could weaken your enamel. Therefore, you shouldn’t use them for more than a couple of weeks at a time.

Avoid Drinks That Stain 

It is recommended to avoid stain-causing beverages such as red wine and tea. Having trouble getting rid of them? If you want to avoid the fluid passing over your teeth, consider using a straw.

Alternatively, do a mouth rinse after drinking. Just remember that brushing soon after can actually weaken your tooth enamel.

Quit Smoking 

In addition to being harmful to your health, cigarette smoking can stain your teeth as well. Moreover, they tend to become lodged in the gaps and grooves of your enamel, making them difficult to remove.

Given this, it may be wise to stop smoking entirely.

How much does whitening teeth usually cost?

Depending on the product used and your dentist’s fee, in-office teeth whitening usually costs $650, although it can cost up to $1,000.

Teeth whitening in the office pays off in many cases. An in-office treatment makes a more noticeable difference in the appearance of your teeth compared to at-home treatments.

Frequently Asked Questions About Teeth Whitening

What is the Most Effective Way to Whiten Teeth?

Teeth whitening procedures performed by dentists are fast, safe, and effective. In these cases, the dentist can provide immediate results. Despite this, professional whitening is expensive, which makes it unattractive to many people.

To whiten teeth at home, NewMouth recommends products that contain safe levels of hydrogen peroxide. Teeth whitening agents containing hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide can be safe and effective.

In-home products for teeth bleaching, hydrogen peroxide, or carbamide peroxide are usually present in amounts of 5 to 10 percent. These treatments are used for multiple days in a row, lasting 10 to 30 minutes each.

You should note, however, that higher concentrations of peroxide in at-home whitening products can cause gum irritation and increased sensitivity.

Can anyone have their teeth whitened?

It is not suitable for everyone to whiten their teeth. Checking your teeth before your appointment is very important to ensure they are in good health and to address any concerns you may have about whitening. Those with tooth holes (cavities), gum problems (periodontitis), or sensitive teeth need to have these problems corrected before treatment. The use of peroxides shouldn’t be done by allergic patients, pregnant women, and nursing mothers. It is useful to know the realistic results of whitening. Sometimes it may not be possible to get the shade you want, and spots of white may appear unevenly.

Patients ought to talk with their dentist before beginning the bleaching process, as existing fillings, crowns, and veneers will not respond to the process.

What happens during teeth whitening?

A couple of months will be needed for teeth whitening, so you will have to visit the dental office several times.

Afterward, the dentist will make a mouthguard according to the impressions taken of your teeth and instruct you on how to use it with a bleaching gel. After that, you apply the gel to your mouthguard each day over a period of two to four weeks, using the mouthguard at home. In some cases, you can leave whitening gel on for up to 8 hours and your treatment period will be shortened to one week.

During a consultation with a dentist, you can learn about other teeth whitening options, such as laser whitening or power whitening. Activating your teeth’s whitening process requires painting a bleaching product over them, followed by using bright lights or lasers. An hour’s worth of laser whitening is required for each patient.

How Long Do Whitening Effects Last?

Teeth whitening is not permanent. People who expose their teeth to foods and drinks that cause discoloration may find that the whiteness has faded after just 1 month. Whiteness varies from person to person depending on the condition of the teeth, the degree of discoloration, and the type of whitening system used. 

Here are some tips to keep your teeth shiny: 

  • After eating or drinking staining foods or drinks, brush or rinse immediately. 
  • Maintain good dental hygiene. Rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash at least once a day to destroy plaque-causing bacteria, brush twice a day, floss once a day, and use an antiseptic mouthwash at least twice a week to remove plaque. 
  • Invest in calcium-rich foods and calcium-rich produce. By munching on fruits and veggies, you can actually “scrub” your teeth. Just imagine how fresh your mouth feels after eating a crisp apple. Your teeth will stay white if you consume foods like cheese, which contain high calcium levels.
  • Visit your dentist regularly for cleanings. Plaque, which is picked up from food, can cause stains. A professional cleaning can remove these stains. You can maintain healthy teeth with the help of your dental hygienist.
  • Treatment touch-ups are a good idea. Your teeth may need to be touched up every six months or every year or two, depending on the whitening method. You may need to touch up more often if you smoke or drink lots of stain-causing drinks.

Read more: How Long Does It Take To Whiten My Teeth?

Contact Smile Fort Wayne and see for yourself how teeth whitening can be safe

Make sure you discuss your options with your dentist in Fort Wayne and decide what is best for you. Book an appointment to Smile Fort Wayne to build that bright white smile.

Read Next: The Best Age to Get Teeth Braces

Call Our Office Today at (260) 432-0561

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