If you are looking to alter your smile then you may be considering brightening it up with teeth whitening treatments. In this post, our Surrey and Langley dentists list the potential side effects of professional teeth whitening and other things to keep in mind.
What is the Purpose of Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure, so it does not have any oral health benefits. That said, many people find they feel more confident in revealing their smile if their teeth are white, and having a bright, white smile can encourage you to keep up with a great at-home oral hygiene routine.
As we age, our teeth can become discoloured for numerous reasons, whether as a result of our drinking or eating habits, smoking cigarettes or taking certain medications. Some patients also have tooth decay or damage.
Professional teeth whitening is a great way to quickly and non-invasively alter the appearance of your teeth.
What are the Different Teeth Whitening Options?
The dentists at our clinic are often asked if there is more than one option for teeth whitening. Patients at our dental clinic in Surrey and Langley have two choices for teeth whitening:
- Professional at-home bleaching kits offered by your dentist
- Teeth whitening products are available over the counter, without supervision from your dentist
Are There Any Potential Effects of Teeth Whitening?
Potential side effects with teeth whitening are minimal but some of the most common side effects include:
Sensitive teeth
After completion of the teeth whitening treatment, you may notice an increased sensitivity to temperature. The sensitivity will likely not last more than a week or two. In the meantime, ask your dentist about products that can help. They recommend products containing potassium nitrate and sodium fluoride to treat sensitivity.
Irritated Gums
You may notice a temporary irritation in your gums after teeth whitening if the solution has come into contact with them. Luckily this side effect is likely to fade fairly quickly after the treatment is done.
Things to Remember With Professional Teeth Whitening
One of the main things to keep in mind is that teeth whitening is not permanent and you will need to continue with touch-ups in order to keep new stains from forming. Also remember that teeth whitening will not work on restorations such as crowns, bridges, implants and dentures.
Ask your dentist whether teeth whitening is right for you. If you have certain dental work in progress or active cavities are an issue, your dentist may recommend against this procedure.
Teeth whitening methods approved by your dentist are considered safe. Before doing any treatment, always discuss with your dentist and pick the one that matches your needs. Remember to always follow the instructions that come with the product and contact your dentist if you experience any side effects.