What Happens To My Teeth When I Get Whitening Treatments?
A bright white smile is irresistible.
It means confidence, it means health - so you want to do all you can to keep those teeth as bright as can be.
Brushing, flossing and regular dental cleanings all help to keep your teeth white, but sometimes, a little extra help is needed to bring the ‘pearl’ back to those pearly-whites.
How does teeth whitening work?
Most tooth whitening treatments contain a powerful bleach peroxide which breaks down surface staining into small pieces, deteriorating the colour and in turn, lightening the overall shade of each tooth.
You have two options for teeth whitening:
Over the counter, at-home treatments, which are cost-effective and convenient
Professionally, at the dentist, which is faster and more effective
Depending on which one is right for you, many folks wonder what’s actually happening during those whitening treatments. To inform you and alleviate any concerns about the process, we’ll go over exactly what happens so you can make a more informed decision for whitening your teeth.
Because everyone’s teeth are a different colour, with different procedures (such as fillings, crowns and veneers) affecting the shade, it’s important to consult with your dentist before you decide on which whitening treatment you should use. Professional teeth cleaning by a dental health professional is the best idea if you want the closest colour match.
Will whitening damage my teeth?
Professional teeth whitening is a completely safe dental aesthetics procedure, however some people experience tooth sensitivity with the treatment. This is the result of the peroxide in the whitening agent seeping through the tooth enamel to the soft layer of dentin, which then irritates the nerve of the tooth. This common side-effect is usually temporary, and can be solved by taking longer breaks between tooth whitening treatments.
It’s worth it to mention that overuse of tooth whiteners can damage tooth enamel and even your gums, so follow the directions carefully for OTC tooth whitening treatments. This is another reason why professional teeth whitening is a better option, as a dentist will ensure the correct amount of treatments are administered.
Tooth whitening options
In-office professional teeth whitening: In just one hour, you get immediately whiter teeth. Each tooth is isolated in a special dental-grade whitening gel.
Take home professional teeth whitening: The best of both worlds, you get professionally whiter teeth but in the comfort of your own home. After we take an impression of your teeth, we create a custom tooth tray and give you the special whitening gel to take home and complete at your own pace over the next couple of weeks.
Over the counter at-home teeth whitening: Strips, trays, toothpastes, etc. available at local drugstores and grocers, these whitening agents are not as concentrated as what your dentist will use. Over a period of weeks or months, you’ll slowly get whiter teeth (remember to follow instructions carefully, and if you experience tooth-sensitivity, ask your dentist about it immediately)
Tips to keep your teeth white
As well as regularly visiting the dentist for teeth cleaning and periodontal maintenance, be sure to limit acidic and tannin-rich food and drinks such as:
black coffee/tea
red (and white) wine
carbonated beverages
berries
sauces like soy, tomato and curry
You don’t have to rid your diet of these items, but be mindful when you’re ingesting them. A good practice is to rinse your mouth out or even carry a toothbrush to brush your teeth after eating/drinking these items.
For additional information on teeth whitening read our blog: Everything You Need to Know About Teeth Whitening, or Contact Us!