If the eyes are the window to the soul, the teeth are the door to the heart. Your smile plays a big role in how others see and interact with you, acting as a figurative door to show others you’re approachable and friendly. Many patients come looking for Tamarac teeth whitening procedures to feel prouder and show off their smiles.
Our diets, habits like smoking, and even aging can cause stains and discoloration in our teeth, hampering our confidence in our smile. To revert it and start showing off your pearly whites with pride once again, many consider whitening treatments—but is teeth whitening safe?
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
Teeth whitening is a procedure that aims to make stains on teeth disappear. There are two main types of dental whitening procedures, each using different techniques and components to brighten your smile.
You can buy several at-home whitening products, like whitening toothpaste or trays. These typically contain a bleaching agent that whitens teeth at the molecular level, such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, a chemical that contains hydrogen peroxide.
After all, tooth stains are just a buildup of substances known as chromogens that have darker hues. Hydrogen peroxide lightens the stains by breaking down the bonds in those compounds. Teeth become brighter as the discoloration becomes less concentrated due to the smaller size of those compounds.
Additionally, some whitening toothpastes contain an abrasive (like baking soda) that helps to lessen surface stains on your teeth.
On the other hand, professional whitening procedures are conducted in a dental office. Dentists also use a solution mix of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, but these are used in higher concentrations thanks to the supervision of a knowledgeable professional.
Is Teeth Whitening Effective?
Certain teeth whitening methods offer noticeable results, while others may not. Your teeth may noticeably lighten a few shades if you use at-home teeth whitening products.
According to researchers, gel-filled trays produce the best results, sometimes showing results in a matter of days. Teeth can usually be whitened in two weeks with whitening gels and strips, while whitening rinses and toothpaste take longer to work.
Professional whitening procedures employ higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide and are the most successful choice. You might only need to see your dentist for 30 minutes to see a much brighter smile. Furthermore, depending on your habits, the effects last anywhere from one to two years.
Teeth Whitening Safety
Teeth whitening is generally regarded as safe. Millions of people, including many dentists, have been using over-the-counter teeth whitening products for decades, and there has not been any discernible rise in issues like cavity risk or tooth fractures following whitening.
However, there are other risks. After using a whitening product, it is normal to experience short-term gum irritation or tooth sensitivity. However, both of those usually disappear rather quickly. Discomfort from teeth whitening is usually temporary, lasting no longer than two days.
To lessen sensitivity following teeth whitening, people can:
- Use toothpaste for people with tooth sensitivity
- Brush gently
- Consume only room-temperature foods and beverages
Furthermore, professional teeth whitening is safe as long as a licensed dental professional performs the procedure. Anyone else who lacks the necessary skills or understanding could permanently harm your teeth and gums.
For instance, some bleaching gel may leak and result in excruciating chemical burns if the mouthguard does not fit correctly. In severe instances, people have become ill after ingesting the bleaching solution.
For this reason, it’s important to receive whitening procedures only from properly trained professionals.
The Dangers of Unprofessionally Supervised Teeth Whitening
Even though teeth whitening is usually considered safe, using these chemicals excessively can harm oral health.
The gums’ cells may sustain damage from the peroxide in teeth-whitening bleach. Additionally, it may harm the tooth’s connective tissues, blood vessels, and nerves. Overusing these chemicals can cause gum irritation and tooth sensitivity in either scenario.
Increased tooth sensitivity typically happens after applying bleaching agents and can manifest as brief, sharp pains in response to hot or cold foods and beverages.
Incorrect or excessive use of whitening products can cause the peroxide in the whitening gel to erode tooth enamel and aggravate the dental nerves. If the whitening product repeatedly gets to the gums, there is also a chance of a chemical burn, which would cause more intense pain and inflammation.
Whitening products may harm patients with cavities, exposed roots, or severely worn enamel. Therefore, before deciding to whiten your teeth, it is recommended that you visit a dentist to ensure that the teeth are healthy. Similarly, teeth with dental crowns and fillings cannot be whitened, so they stand out rather than blend in when whitening products are applied.
While some people find at-home teeth whitening kits more cost-effective and convenient, in-office options are safer and provide longer-lasting results. Stronger bleaching agents can be used for quicker and brighter results because a dentist supervises the whitening process.
So, Is Teeth Whitening Safe?
Generally speaking, at-home kits are trouble-free for patients who have never experienced gum irritation or tooth sensitivity. Professional in-office whitening procedures are advised for people with sensitive teeth or gums in order to shield the gums and avoid irritation.
Additionally, human error—such as the overuse and misuse of whitening products—can be eliminated with professional care. If you suffer from extreme teeth sensitivity or pain from teeth whitening, abandon the product’s use right away.
Get a Safe Tamarac Teeth Whitening
In the last few years, more Americans have been getting teeth whitening procedures. According to data from the American Association of Orthodontists, nearly 90% of patients asked for teeth whitening. A bright, white smile is frequently linked to feelings of attractiveness, youthful appearance, and self-confidence.
While teeth whitening is a safe procedure for most patients, it’s important to ensure that your mouth is healthy and free of cavities before trying one. If you want to ensure the safety of this procedure while enjoying longer-lasting results, getting a professional whitening is your best option. Contact Friedman Dental Group to learn more about this treatment!