3 FAQs About Teeth Whitening Procedures

Teeth whitening is a common dental process performed by dentists. It lightens teeth and removes discoloration and stains. It can make your smile brighter and whiter. Over the years, it has become more popular. If you are thinking about whitening your teeth, get the facts first. Learn more about the procedure, the side effects and when it may not be the right choice for you.

Teeth whitening procedures

These procedures are effective. They can help improve the smile of a patient. Learning about the process is important. An individual should learn as much as possible about the procedures before making a decision. Here are three of the most commonly asked questions about the treatments.

How does teeth whitening work?

Teeth whitening is a simple process. Whitening products usually contain either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. The bleaches break down stains into small pieces, which makes teeth brighter and their color less concentrated. There are many ways to brighten teeth. The two main options are professional bleaching, which requires an individual to visit a dentist, and over-the-counter whitening.

What are the side effects of teeth whitening?

Some individuals who use whiteners experience tooth sensitivity. This occurs when the peroxide gets through the enamel and the soft dentin layer and irritates the nerve of the tooth. With tray-based and whitening strip treatments, sensitivity may develop within the first two to three days at the start of the procedure and usually goes away by the fourth day after the treatment. Several factors may influence the development or extent of tooth sensitivity. These include the presence of adhesive restorations, the concentration of hydrogen peroxide and the intensity and duration of light use. Sensitivity is a common side effect and is often temporary.

A person may experience gingival irritation. This may result from contact with gels containing peroxide when whitening strips or a gel-based product is used. Sometimes it is because of the improper application of the protective gel or barrier and poor fitting trays. Overuse of whiteners can also damage the gums or tooth enamel.

When might tooth whitening not work?

Visiting the dentist before opting to whiten teeth is always encouraged. Whitening will not deliver the desired result on all teeth. It does not correct all types of discoloration. For instance, yellow teeth will bleach well, but teeth with gray tones may not bleach.

Tooth whitening only works on natural teeth. It can only lighten the existing tooth color. Whitening will not work on false teeth such as veneers, crowns and dentures. It will also not work if the discoloration is because of a tooth injury or medications.

Learn more about teeth whitening procedures

Teeth whitening is a process that involves applying bleaches to the teeth. It has several side effects including tooth sensitivity and gingival irritation. Even though it is effective, it does not work on all teeth. Ask your dentist questions about the whitening treatments. Your dentist is the only one who can tell you if your teeth are healthy enough to go through the process. The information will help you decide whether the treatment is good for you.

Request an appointment here: https://www.roswelldentalsmiles.com or call Roswell Dental Smiles at (770) 238-1209 for an appointment in our Roswell office.

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