Teeth whitening done without first consulting with a cosmetic dentist can result in less than satisfying results. Learn common side effects and how to avoid them.
Did you know that tooth whitening is the most common cosmetic treatment in the entire world? Indeed, teeth whitening is even more popular than Botox injections. It shouldn’t be a surprise either. Simply whitening your teeth can take 10 years off your appearance, whereas Botox treatments are not quite so powerful. We tend to associate whiter teeth with youthfulness as well as better health and higher overall attractiveness. What other cosmetic treatment can truly boast those benefits and be minimally invasive? With tooth whitening, you can get professional results at home -- no scary injections required! Let’s not fail to mention that tooth whitening is a lot more economical than any other cosmetic treatment too.
Tooth whitening in NYC is a safe treatment, and millions of people do it every year. However, it’s always best to consult with a cosmetic dentist in New York before buying any over-the-counter whitening products. There are some side effects to be aware of so you can know how to avoid them.
One reason why some people have side effects to teeth whitening treatments is that they used the wrong whitener for them. We all have different thicknesses to our enamel, different dental histories, unique genetics that affect the teeth, and overall differences in how our teeth react to common bleaching substances. If you already have sensitive teeth or sensitive periodontal tissue, you are more likely to experience pain as a result of using too strong of a whitening solution. You will require a gentle strength solution -- often only available from your dentist. On the other hand, if you have darkening of the teeth as a result of root canals, dental caries, or gum disease, no amount of tooth whitening will produce good results. You’ll likely need some immediate dental care, as well as a different cosmetic dentistry treatment such as porcelain veneers.
Even if you are using the right strength of whitener on your teeth, if you leave it on too long there can be problems. The most common problem is sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, or even pain when eating or chewing gum. Another common side effect is burning of the gums and eventual canker sores and bleeding. Be sure to follow the directions included with any product, and don’t try to get your teeth whiter faster by leaving the whitener on longer than the package insert recommends.
Why does leaving the product on your teeth for too long cause these side effects? The ingredients in tooth whitening products that actually whiten your teeth are usually hydrogen peroxide mixed with some inactive components. When these bleaching agents are applied to your teeth for a few hours at a time, your teeth slowing become whiter. Most dentists in New York, recommend using these products for a few hours at a time over a period of a few weeks, until the desired color is achieved. When left on your teeth for too long without giving your teeth a “rest” from being bleached out, this can result in pain and sensitivity at the level of the nerve that is deep beneath the enamel of your tooth.
Another problem with over-the-counter products is that it becomes far too easy to apply the whitener completely evenly on all your teeth. Therefore, some teeth will get whiter than others and produce less desirable results. Also, some teeth can become more sensitive and leave others not so sensitive. The gum tissue around some teeth can become inflamed when those teeth receive a thicker application of whitener than they are supposed to have.
With a custom-made dental tray, for instance, you can avoid the side effects of uneven whitening and inflamed gums or canker sores. When a whitening tray is made to fit your mouth only, you can then apply the whitener evenly over all teeth and get a much better result.
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