We all want the perfect smile with beautiful white teeth, but daily life works against us, with coffee, tea, tobacco, red wine, and food with dyes staining the outside of our teeth or penetrating them within. If your teeth are stained, then you likely need teeth whitening treatment to bring back their original sparkle. Several treatments are available, including professional in-clinic treatments using carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide, at-home treatments using a custom fit tray, or over-the-counter or dentist dispensed teeth brightening gels. However, you may be concerned about whether dental whitening will damage your teeth. We can put your mind at rest and assure you that your teeth are not damaged during whitening administered by our dentists or when you follow the guidelines for at-home products. Whitening gels will not damage your tooth enamel. Enamel is the hardest tissue in your entire body and consists of tiny tubules. The enamel may be discoloured, but most often, it is the layer beneath the tooth’s enamel that picks up most staining. This layer is called dentin, and when teeth brightening gel is used, it flows through the enamel’s tubules to reach and lighten the stains on your dentin.
A Professional Teeth Whitening Service Vs. At-Home Treatment
At-home dental whitening gels may clean away outside stains, but professional teeth whitening may be needed to get the results you seek. This is particularly the case for intrinsic discolouration, which is staining within the tooth. Many things can cause intrinsic discolouration, such as infections, aging, childhood illnesses, certain medicines, radiation treatments, and tooth trauma. Our teeth whitening dentist can advise you on the best approach for your teeth. They may dispense a treatment for you to use at home or recommend professional whitening in the dentist’s practice. The recommendation will be based on the type of discolouration, your age, dental history if you have crowns, fillings, or receding gums, and your affordability preferences.
Potential Side Effects
Temporary tooth sensitivity is a potential side effect of tooth whitening. When a gel is used, it undergoes a process from an active to an inactive state, and during this time, the enamel’s tubules remain exposed and open, in a state called dehydration. Over a few hours, the tubules remineralise and close themselves using organic materials found in your saliva. While this rehydration process finalises, it is important not to eat or drink food or liquids containing colour. You can avoid the feelings of tooth sensitivity by refraining from drinking or eating very hot, cold, salty, or sweet substances for a few hours after the treatment is concluded. Now you understand how dehydration opens the tubules; you might like to avoid other activities that dehydrate your enamel, giving an opening for discolouration and staining to occur. Things you may do that cause dehydration include smoking, giving you another reason to stop. To discuss which treatment is right for you, please arrange an appointment with our teeth whitening dentists by calling 01922 414372.
FAQs
While teeth whitening is considered safe, you may experience some side effects from treatments: Teeth sensitivity. Your teeth may become more sensitive following teeth whitening. You may experience this on your first or second treatment, and it may diminish with time.
Does teeth whitening at the dentist damage your teeth? ›
Bleaching agents are used by targeting the enamel and to hide any stains within the underlying dentin. The dentin can be considered as the shade that forms on the tooth. The more stain molecules that appear in the dentin, the darker the smile. Therefore, teeth whitening does not damage your enamel.
Is teeth whitening harmful to your teeth? ›
“Generally speaking, whitening kits are not harmful to your teeth,” explains Dr. Greg Scheier, DDS of Scheier Dental Group. “There are, however, potential temporary sensitivities, both in the teeth and gums, that may result from the use of both over-the-counter and dentist-administered whitening kits.”
What teeth whitening is least damaging? ›
At-Home Custom Tray Whitening
For the safest and most effective at-home teeth whitening method, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) recommends you use custom-fitted trays supplied by your dentist.
What is the safest method of teeth whitening? ›
Custom-fitted trays and in-office treatments are the safest and most effective ways to whiten teeth. ADA-approved over-the-counter toothpastes, gels, and strips are more affordable and convenient options.
Does teeth whitening have long-term effects? ›
Although teeth whitening rarely causes long term damage, temporary sensitivity is not uncommon. If you experience any discomfort following your treatment, your dentist can help you minimize irritation in the future.
What do dentists say about teeth whitening? ›
Key Points. Whitening treatments can be effective on both extrinsic and intrinsic staining. Only natural teeth can be whitened, not tooth-colored restorations. Whitening treatments include in-office bleaching procedures, dentist-supplied products for use at home, and over-the-counter (OTC) whiteners.
Who shouldn't get teeth whitening on? ›
If you are allergic to peroxide, you will not be able to have your teeth whitened, since peroxide is the active ingredient in whitening systems. If you have a lot of fillings, dental bonding or crowns, you may not be a candidate for dental whitening.
What are the pitfalls of teeth whitening? ›
Some home kits don't contain enough whitening product to be effective. Also, if a dental professional isn't doing the whitening, the mouthguard provided may not fit properly so some of the bleaching gel may leak out onto your gums and into your mouth, causing blistering and sensitivity.
What is the bad side of teeth whitening? ›
The potential side effects of teeth whitening include teeth sensitivity, gum irritation, and ineffective results. However, most patients do not experience any notable side effects from professional teeth whitening, as the dentist can monitor the process and perform treatment in a way that minimizes risk.
As a result, you may wonder if professional tooth whitening is worth the cost. Lots of patients are curious about in-office treatment and ask if it is really better than at-home options. The answer is a resounding yes. The most effective way to whiten teeth is with a professional in-office treatment.
Can yellow teeth become white again? ›
Yellow teeth can be completely whitened with teeth whitening technologies at the dentist or at home. Depending on the status of your yellow teeth as well as your needs, the doctor will advise and prescribe the appropriate method.
What is the number 1 recommended teeth whitening? ›
The Crest Whitening Emulsion with LED Light stands out as the best overall teeth whitening product due to its ease of use, effectiveness, and comfort.
Does professionally whitening your teeth damage them? ›
We all want a white brighter smile. But this begs the question “does teeth whitening damage the enamel?” The answer is no. While there may sometimes be side effects, whitening treatment is safe on tooth enamel.
Who is a bad candidate for teeth whitening? ›
Brown or gray teeth, or teeth striped or mottled from tetracycline or too much fluoride, may not whiten evenly when bleached. People with periodontal disease or particularly sensitive teeth may want to avoid chemical whitening techniques that can irritate tender gums.
How long does professionally whitened teeth last? ›
Typically, you will begin to see results some weeks after the procedure. And depending on how you care for your teeth, the result can last as long as six months to three years after the procedure. Teeth Whitening Tip: The results from the procedure and its duration vary from one person to another.
