Teeth whitening can dramatically change the appearance of your smile in just one dental visit, boosting your self-confidence and the quality of life as a result. But is teeth whitening safe? Please read our article to learn about the advantages and disadvantages of teeth whitening and who can be a good candidate for the procedure.
Is Teeth Whitening Safe?
In general, professional in-office or at-home teeth whitening is considered safe. However, some considerations can make teeth whitening not an ideal procedure for you. Let us look at the three main factors that will determine whether or not teeth whitening is safe for you.
The Condition of the Enamel of Your Teeth
Most teeth whitening procedures employ hydrogen peroxide as a bleaching agent. The bleaching solution temporarily makes the enamel of your teeth more porous and penetrates its deepest levels to destroy the dark pigment that causes staining and discoloration. Before the enamel gets back to its original state, your teeth can become more sensitive for a couple of weeks after the procedure.
Due to the nature of the procedure and the bleaching agent used for it, teeth with weak or damaged enamel might be damaged by the whitening procedure. Unfortunately, once damaged, the enamel can not be restored medically or heal on its own, and teeth can not survive without the enamel. Thus, if your doctor determines that your enamel is damaged or too weak, they will most likely advise you against the procedure of teeth whitening.
Teeth enamel, and general oral health issues should always be considered before teeth whitening. That is why it is crucial to consult a professional before proceeding with the procedure, especially if you are going to use over-the-counter solutions.
Your Oral Health in General
Such issues as periodontal disease (gum disease) and tooth decay should also be taken into account before proceeding with teeth whitening. If you have cavities, your dentist will most likely recommend getting necessary fillings before the whitening procedure to avoid harming decaying teeth. Some patients with gum disease, especially in its advanced stages, may not be eligible for the procedure of whitening at all.
The Types of Teeth Whitening
There are three main types of teeth whitening:
- Professional in-office teeth whitening offers the most noticeable results with up to 8 shades of lift in color. At the same time, an in-office procedure is considered the safest option, because your dentist controls its every step. In addition, your oral health is thoroughly examined prior to the procedure to determine what concentration of bleach can be used on your teeth without the risk of damage.
- Professional at-home whitening kits provided by your dentist are also a safe option as they are custom-made with regard to your concerns and goals. An oral health examination is also conducted prior to at-home whitening.
- Over-the-counter whitening solutions are the least safe option as these products are not custom-made to accommodate your oral health considerations. As we mentioned before, some people might not be recommended to have whitening at all, and by using an over-the-counter solution, you can harm the enamel of your teeth. As a result, the enamel will be more susceptible to damage, stains, and discoloration than before the whitening.
Alternative Procedures if Teeth Whitening is not Safe for You
As we mentioned before, teeth whitening might not be safe for some people if they have weak enamel or other oral health considerations. However, your cosmetic dentist might recommend some alternative procedures to enhance the appearance of your smile:
A professional dental cleaning might be effective at lightening surface staining and discoloration by removing plaque and tartar—one of the causes of discoloration. On top of that, regular cleanings will improve your oral health.
- Dental bonding with resin composite, a tooth-colored material also used for dental fillings, can be used to cover up the stained areas on the teeth. This solution can also be used if the stains do not respond to teeth-whitening solutions.
- Dental veneers are typically made of porcelain, and cover the entire front of the tooth, offering a brighter and more unified smile. However, the downside of dental veneers is that this is an irreversible procedure.
Get Professional Teeth Whitening at Turquoise Dental
Do not hesitate to make an appointment with an experienced cosmetic dentist at our office today to get effective and safe teeth whitening. We use leading methods and state-of-the-art techniques to deliver stunning results to our clients. Our specialists are looking forward to your visit.
