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.
Dentists take every precaution possible to minimize the risk of teeth sensitivity and gum irritation during treatment. However, side effects can occur in some instances, especially for those that use an over-the-counter whitening kit that is not prescribed by a dentist.
Teeth sensitivity is one of the most commonly reported side effects of teeth whitening. This can occur if the patient has weakened enamel or if the whitening is not properly administered. In-office whitening is the best way to minimize the risk of sensitivity during and after treatment as the dental professional can apply the bleaching agent in the safest way possible. Dentists often recommend certain treatments before whitening, if necessary, to reduce the risk of sensitivity. For example, dentists may recommend a patient with dental cavities receive dental fillings before the whitening procedure.
In-office whitening involves isolating the teeth from the gums using a dental dam. This significantly reduces the risk of gum irritation. However, gum irritation can occur if the gums are not properly isolated or if the take-home or store-bought kit is not properly applied. Most patients do not experience any issues with gum irritation, particularly when it is performed in the office and administered by a dental professional.
It is important to have realistic expectations as to what to expect from treatment. Teeth whitening can remove most minor stains, but it is not effective in treating more severe stains, known as “intrinsic stains.” The dentist can show you on a shade guide the type of results you can expect and go over your alternative options if the ideal results cannot be achieved through teeth whitening.
As mentioned, most patients do not experience any side effects from teeth whitening treatments, particularly when it is performed in-office. Before treatment begins, talk to the dentist about ways to reduce the risk of side effects during or after treatment.
Most people who experience complications from teeth whitening do so by trying store-bought whitening kits. While for some patients they may be useful, they are not nearly as safe or as effective as professional treatment. Instead, it is best to visit a professional for teeth whitening, and the results can last much longer with less of a risk of side effects.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Teeth Whitening in Saratoga Springs, NY
Reach out to our team today to learn more about the potential side effects of teeth whitening and to arrange a visit for treatment. Here at our practice, it is our mission to ensure our patients achieve a smile that brings them joy and that they enjoy showing off, and many of our patients achieve this through professional teeth whitening.
Request an appointment or call My Saratoga Dentist PLLC at 518-675-3094 for an appointment in our Saratoga Springs office.
Teeth whitening treatments get you whiter teeth in as little as 60 minutes. These treatments are performed under the supervision of a dentist, and the American Academy for Cosmetic Dentistry states a treatment session can improve the color of a person’s teeth by up to eight shades.Over-the-counter teeth whitening alternatives typically provide a cheaper alternative,…
Dentists typically recommend delaying teeth whitening treatments when you are struggling with gum disease. Gum disease is a condition that is caused by a bacterial infection of gum tissues. This leads to an immune system response, causing irritation and inflammation. The result is damage to teeth structures and the tissues that hold them in place.Gum…
Minor to moderate teeth stains can be removed with professional teeth whitening. However, to achieve ideal results, there are certain things to avoid after treatment, such as foods and drinks that can cause stains. The following overview discusses five things you should avoid to keep your smile bright after teeth whitening treatment.You can reduce the…
Dental implants can be an effective tooth replacement option for anyone missing one or a few teeth or those needing all their teeth replaced. Many consider implants state-of-the-art tooth replacement. However, to enjoy this option's many benefits, the patient must be a suitable candidate for the procedure. Here are some key factors to take into…
Receding gums can be a symptom of gum disease, or they can be caused by poor oral hygiene habits, like brushing too hard. Some people also have a genetic predisposition toward developing gum recession. Regardless of the cause, gum recession leaves teeth roots exposed to acids in the mouth. This increases their risk of decay,…