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 Turlock, CA
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 King Dentistry at 209-585-1474 for an appointment in our Turlock office.
Professional teeth whitening can restore a patient's confidence by giving them a bright, gleaming smile. There are many different teeth whitening products available for home use, but the methods used to whiten teeth by a dentist can be more effective than over-the-counter alternatives. Here is what a potential patient should know about how the process…
Various factors affect tooth color, including genetics, food and beverage choices, smoking, and medications. Stains can occur on the surface of the tooth or beneath the enamel. Surface stains are common, but stains can also occur due to changes within the tooth's material. Extrinsic stains are stains on the surface of the tooth, while intrinsic…
Teeth whitening treatments work wonders when it comes to improving the way your teeth look. These treatments typically involve using compounds like hydrogen peroxide or hydrogen carbamide to improve the way teeth look. The compounds have bleaching properties and can penetrate past enamel into the inner layers of teeth for a thorough whitening effect. With…
A leading reason people turn to a cosmetic dentist is to get a whiter smile.…
Dental veneers from a cosmetic dentist help patients achieve a more uniform smile. These wafer-thin…
A cosmetic dentist can help improve all aspects of a smile's appearance, including alignment. They…
Your cosmetic dentist can improve your smile with specific techniques. Assessing the issue comes first.…
An emergency dentistry office is accustomed to repairing trauma to teeth.
Professional teeth whitening involves applying whitening products that contain bleaching agents, like hydrogen peroxide and…
