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.
One of the most common side effects is tooth sensitivity, which can occur during or after treatment. Overuse or misuse of teeth whitening products can also lead to enamel damage, gum irritation, and discoloration. Additionally, some types of tooth discoloration may not respond well to teeth whitening treatments.
Risks commonly reported with tooth whitening include increased tooth sensitivity and mild gingival irritation. The degree of these side effects is directly related to the concentration of the peroxide bleach component, duration of the treatment, and the non-bleach composition of the product used.
If you are younger than 16, you are not a candidate for teeth whitening. This is because the pulp chamber in young teeth is larger than that of an adult, and whitening treatments could cause irritation. If you are pregnant or lactating, teeth whitening is not recommended.
Teeth are thought to become more sensitive after whitening because the whitener weakens the teeth slightly, exposing “dentinal microtubules” that connect the outside of the tooth to the nerves inside.
Tips for Maintaining Teeth Whitening Results
Usually, you can expect: For Zoom in-office treatment, results often last between 1-3 years. For the take-home kits, results often last for several months, depending on how regular your use is.
If used over time and without the aid of a professional cosmetic dentist, this treatment could cause tooth sensitivity and at times pain. The worst part for these patients is that by affecting the enamel and causing teeth to become more sensitive overall, the teeth are then primed to become even more stained over time!
Even at that, you need to allow their teeth to harden and become calcified. This requires two more years after the last tooth erupts. Simply put, the ideal age to have the teeth whitened is around 16 years old.
Yellow teeth can regain whiteness through various methods, including good oral hygiene, professional dental cleanings, and teeth-whitening treatments. Stains from coffee, tea, or tobacco can be removed with adequate oral care, while professional procedures like bleaching or laser treatments offer quicker results.
What are the risks of teeth whitening? No matter what treatment you use, there's a chance your gums will be sensitive to the chemicals used in teeth whitening, particularly if you already have sensitive teeth. There's also a chance of burns to gums and some of the whitening kits used at home can harm tooth enamel.
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.
Tooth whitening in professional hands
Dentists can treat you with 6% hydrogen peroxide (the bleaching agent that whitens teeth) – this is nearly 6,000 times stronger than any over-the-counter tooth whitening product. Because of this, tooth whitening by a dentist will give you the very best results.
Occasional touch-ups are completely fine, but you don't want to use an entire bleaching system more often than every 3-4 months, and only then if you have serious tooth stain. If you're wanting to know how often you can whiten your teeth with strips, it might be that you need something stronger.
However, there is no set age where you are too old for a teeth whitening procedure. In fact, as long as you are in good overall health and your dentist agrees that a whitening procedure is safe for you, there is no upper age limit on this procedure.
laser teeth whitening is the safest, quickest, and most effective option among the types of teeth-whitening treatments available. However, there are ultimately several ways to whiten teeth, and the most suitable option will depend on your timeline, budget, and priorities, as well as the nature of the discoloration.
As well as cosmetic dental treatment and teeth whitening procedures, people also get their teeth so white by avoiding food and drink that stains teeth yellow.
Who Shouldn't Have Their Teeth Whitened? Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not get their teeth whitened because they are more likely to experience inflamed gums and sensitivity after teeth whitening due to hormonal changes as part of pregnancy.
While they are extremely popular, many people still question whether or not they actually are effective at whitening teeth. The short answer is yes, they do in fact whiten your teeth over time, but whitening strips are not the best way to whiten your teeth!
Teeth that have yellowed with age
Dentin is naturally yellowish and cannot be lightened with teeth whitening products.
Teeth whitening is an effective way to brighten your smile, but it's not a permanent solution. After teeth whitening, your teeth can turn yellow again due to several factors.
Teeth whitening products can be effective and safe if used correctly. But don't underestimate what regular dental cleanings can do for your smile. Seeing your dentist once or twice a year can help manage plaque and surface stains. “If you want a brighter smile, teeth whitening products can be good tools,” says Dr.
Can white spots on teeth disappear? Typically, your dentist can remove the white spots, but in some severe cases damage is permanent. The only way to remove permanent white spots is to repair your teeth with dentures, tooth bonding, or dental veneers.