Everyone wants a brighter, healthy-looking smile. From whitening products like strips and gels to in-chair whitening procedures, there are many options for people to get whiter teeth. So, there is no doubt teeth whitening is the most common treatment in cosmetic dentistry.
But the sad thing is, no matter what type of tooth whitening process you choose, it won’t last forever. And you might be wondering, is teeth whitening safe?
Read on to find out.
What is Teeth Whitening?
It is a straightforward cosmetic dental procedure that offers you an easy way to transform your smile. This painless yet effective procedure gives you brighter and whiter teeth and helps to enhance your smile.
Teeth whitening is also known to be dental bleaching. It’s a long-term solution to the discolouration of teeth, and it can lighten the current colour of your teeth by numerous shades.
Although it is natural to have tooth discolouration, it’s expected to some degree as you age. But if your teeth look yellow or brownish, a teeth whitening procedure can give you the confidence you need. After the process, you can easily maintain the colour of your teeth and retain your beautiful smile.
Is Teeth Whitening a Safe Procedure?
It is a procedure in dentistry that a qualified dentist should only carry out. But is teeth whitening safe? Regardless of the type of procedure you opt for, there’s a likelihood that your gums can be exposed to the particular chemicals being used in teeth whitening, notably if you have are having sensitive teeth.
Plus! A few at-home whitening kits can damage tooth enamel, and there is also a possibility of burns to your gums.
A few risks associated with teeth whitening procedures include:
- Whitening of Gums: The patient’s gums can become bleached and might lose their colour. But only for a short time.
- Gum burns and Irritation: In professional teeth whitening treatments, your dentist covers your gums before the procedure. But there’s still a possibility of mild gum burns and usually temporary irritations. However, if you’re using an at-home gel tray, you’ll likely get gum burns and itches.
- Damage to Tooth Enamel and Dentin: When the beaching agent is too strong, it can damage the enamel and even reach the dentin.
- Gastrointestinal Distress or Irritation: If a patient swallows the bleaching or whitening product, they’ll feel a burning sensation in the throat, mild stomach ache, and gastrointestinal distress.
- Pain: Some patients may also experience tooth pain after the teeth whitening procedure. If that’s the case, call your dentist as soon as possible.
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?
A wide range of at-home teeth whitening and in-office teeth whitening products and procedures are available today. The at-home treatments include whitening toothpaste, mouthwash, and pens. But they don’t last very long.
On the other hand, in-office teeth whitening can last longer. Still, it’s not permanent. In-office teeth whitening can last up to 3 years. In general, it ranges from one individual to other. Also, it would be helpful if you remembered that teeth whitening doesn’t function on crowns, dentures, fillings, or veneers. The bleaching agents can’t penetrate their surface since these products are made from ceramic.
The whitening effect on your teeth won’t prevail as long as you smoke or drink tea, coffee, or red wine. The treatments for teeth whitening are designed to reduce stains, but they can’t prevent stains. So, it’s crucial to have good oral habits to make your teeth whitening procedures last longer.
Do you want a dazzling smile?
At Dentist 4 U, we have many years of experience brightening our patients’ smiles. So, if you want a sparkling, whiter smile, give our team a call and schedule your appointment today. With the assistance of our professionals, you’ll get personalised teeth whitening treatment plan according to your needs and lifestyle.
