How to Avoid Tooth Sensitivity After Teeth Whitening (Part 2)

One side effect of whitening your teeth is sensitivity to hot and cold. This article explains what causes tooth sensitivity and how to prevent it.

Why Does Tooth Whitening Sometimes Cause Tooth Sensitivity?

Hydrogen peroxide is the most commonly used bleaching agent in whitening gels. This is also the ingredient in blonde hair bleach. It actually penetrates the surface of your teeth, which is how it does more than just remove surface stains. Beneath the enamel of the tooth is the dentin, which is made up of tiny tubules. The bleaching agent enters these tiny tubules, exposing the nerve of the tooth to external temperatures. Drinking hot coffee or tea, or eating a bowl of ice cream, can become a painful experience when you have tooth sensitivity. In more severe cases, even cold winter air can make your teeth hurt. If you have tooth sensitivity, you should avoid any tooth whitening agents and seek out a good toothpaste that will help improve the structure of your teeth to prevent and treat sensitivity. Then, consult a teeth whitening dentist in NYC before choosing any form of cosmetic whitening treatment. When your tooth sensitivity is successfully treated, a mild-acting whitening agent may be used. 

Why Do Teeth Whitening Agents Cause Sore Gums?

As discussed previously, hydrogen peroxide that is used in most teeth whitening products has an abrasive nature that can “burn” your gums or create canker sores and redness. However, this is usually temporary and your gums heal relatively quickly after the whitening treatment is discontinued. If you use the product as directed by your dentist in New York or by the package insert, you can avoid most gum irritation unless you have sensitive gum tissue already.

Most tooth whitening gels only require a pea-sized amount for optimal effectiveness. Applying too much of the gel to the whitening tray can cause it to overflow and get on your gums and other soft tissues of the mouth. You only want the whitening gel to cover your teeth since this is the only thing you are trying to whiten. A custom-made tooth whitening tray will also prevent mouth sores because it will fit your mouth better than a one-size-fits-all mouth tray. Using an ill-fitting tray that is too large or too small for your mouth can cause soreness even without any bleaching agent. You definitely don’t want to combine a poorly fitting tray with too much whitening gel! You should also avoid using the strongest bleaching gel on the market. A lighter-strength whitening gel takes a little longer to whiten your teeth, but it can prevent nearly all side effects from occurring.

How to Avoid Tooth Sensitivity After Teeth Whitening (Part 1)

One side effect of whitening your teeth is sensitivity to hot and cold. This article explains what causes tooth sensitivity and how to prevent it.

Tooth whitening is probably the most common cosmetic treatment worldwide -- even more popular than Botox! This is likely because the effects of good tooth whitening products can last for several months to over a year, and the results bring about a positive change in appearance. Just whitening your teeth can make you look 10 years younger, and that can’t be said for many other therapies that are much more expensive. Even though tooth whitening in NYC is relatively safe, it isn’t 100% free of side effects. The most common side effect reported is tooth sensitivity. This is more often the result of misuse of the product, such as leaving the product on too long. Another cause of tooth sensitivity can be using too strong of a solution, especially if you already have sensitive teeth. Some teeth whitening solutions can also be abrasive to your gums, causing some bleeding or canker sores in the area.

Teeth Whitening Side Effects

In an unofficial survey conducted by one prominent tooth whitening company, it was found that a small percentage of users experienced some temporary side effects to the tooth whitening treatment. Because of the bleaching process, some chemicals such as hydrogen peroxide are used as the bleaching agent in most products. Many people do not have any reaction to this bleaching agent, especially if only used for a few hours at a time. Other people, for some reason or another, will have side effects to the hydrogen peroxide solution.

The most common side effect is sensitivity to hot or cold liquids, soups, or ice creams. Usually, the sensitivity is only temporary. In rare cases, the sensitivity may be permanent and special toothpastes may be required to alleviate symptoms.

The second most common side effect is canker sores or other abrasions in the mouth as a result of the chemicals used to bleach the teeth. Using a custom-fitted mouth tray made at your dentist’s office will usually prevent this side effect because the tray is less likely to rub the soft tissues of your mouth when it is made specifically for your mouth and isn’t a one-size-fits-all dental tray.

As long as you follow the directions precisely given to you by your dentist in New York or on the package insert of the product you choose to use, you can avoid most side effects. Overfilling a tooth whitening tray with the gel can be abrasive to your gums. You only want the gel to cover your teeth, and not your gum tissue. Usually, only a pea-sized amount of whitening gel is needed to cover each of your teeth. Leaving the gel on for longer than directed can also cause problems with tooth sensitivity and mouth sores.

Teeth Whitening Methods: Which One Is Right For You? (Part 2)

This article describes the methods for teeth whitening to help you better decide which method is right for you.

This is part 2 in a 2 part series.

Over-the-Counter Whitening Strips and Gels

Most of the over-the-counter whitening strips and gels contain either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. This lightens the color of your teeth several shades, slowly over time. You will likely be required to use the strip or gel twice a day for at least a couple of weeks. The entire process can take up to four months. This sounds like a long time, but a gradual whitening process allows you to get the right shade without having teeth that glow in the dark!

Whitening Mouth Rinses

A whitening mouth rinse is used in the same way as a mouthwash, and the primary benefit is that it freshens the breath, prevents gum disease, and reduces plaque buildup on the teeth. You’ll need to use a mouth rinse twice a day, swishing in your mouth for about 60 seconds. A mouth rinse often accompanies a whitening toothpaste and is best used to maintain a white smile after whitening your teeth with another teeth whitening product. You will probably need to use a mouth rinse for 4 months to see any noticeable changes in shade of white.

Tray-Based Tooth Whiteners

A custom-made tray tooth whitening system is quite possibly the best choice for most people. Your dentist will create a tray that is crafted to fit your mouth precisely. The whitening gel that accompanies the tray is generally a hydrogen peroxide based solution that you wear at night in the dental tray. The whitening process takes four to six weeks in most cases. The whitening process is slow and gradual, but quicker than most over-the-counter products. This helps you get the perfect shade of white, while safeguarding against tooth sensitivity or gum inflammation. A solution provided by your cosmetic dentist in NYC is usually also safer for your tooth enamel. Ask your cosmetic dentist in NYC about tray-based tooth whitening for more information.

In-Office Whitening

There are many different “brands” of in-office teeth bleaching. Most can whiten your teeth dramatically in less than an hour. This option tends to be expensive, and the rapid whitening process can cause your teeth to feel sensitive for an indefinite amount of time after the treatment. It may also be a little more difficult to control how white your teeth actually get. If the treatment is left on too long, or if your teeth tend to whiten faster than average, an in-office whitening treatment in NYC can result in unnaturally white teeth. Some brands of in-office treatment require multiple dental visits, which can be inconvenient for many people.

Teeth Whitening Methods - Which One Is Right For You? (Part 1)

This article describes the methods for teeth whitening to help you better decide which method is right for you. Some unofficial surveys that have been conducted recently reveal that simply whitening your teeth can cause you to look 10 years younger. This is not surprising, as whiter teeth are associated with youthfulness and darkened teeth are associated with aging. Rather than going under the knife and getting a facelift, the simplest way to look younger is to whiten your teeth! It’s no wonder that there’s a rapidly growing demand for teeth whitening, and it’s one of the most popular service offered by cosmetic dentists in NYC. Teeth can become stained by the use of tobacco products, drinking coffee, tea, or soda, eating some types of candies, or even taking certain medications such as tetracycline. Additionally, teeth naturally become gray or yellow as people age. Teeth whitening reverses the effects of all these things by whitening the enamel of your teeth and bringing out your naturally beautiful smile. There are now a variety of different methods of whitening your teeth, and some of these methods are simply not suitable for everyone. It’s important to do your research before you choose any kind of tooth whitening in NYC. Some teeth whitening products use bleach, and others use harsh abrasives. These are not appropriate for anyone with sensitive teeth. If you have gum disease, dental caries, dental fillings, or porcelain restorations, consult your dentist before using any products. Teeth whitening could result in a mismatch between the color of your restorations and the color of your other teeth. When using a peroxide-based tooth whitening product, you may not necessarily need the strongest percentage of peroxide. Most products range from 10% to 22% peroxide. If you have sensitive teeth, you will likely want to use a product that has the least amount of peroxide. If you have gum disease or cavities, you should address these issues before whitening your teeth. In some cases, your teeth may not respond to the whitening treatment. If you have has root canals or metal fillings, or if you have damaged/thinning tooth enamel, the dark stains on your teeth are likely not surface stains. You may require a different therapy, such as porcelain veneers. Allow your dentist to recommend whether or not you should try tooth whitening, and which type is right for you. Some of the many options available include over-the-counter strips and gels, whitening mouthwash, whitening toothpaste, custom teeth whitening trays, and fast in-office whitening. Except for the in-office procedure, most of these take a few weeks to totally whiten your teeth. Teeth Whitening Toothpaste In general, teeth whitening toothpaste are good for removing surface stains, polishing the teeth, and maintaining a whiter smile in between annual teeth whitening treatments. These toothpastes can whiten your teeth about one shade, and should be used on a daily basis in order to keep your teeth as white as possible. Not all whitening toothpastes are the same, and some are definitely more effective than others.

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Porcelain Veneers In A Nutshell, Part-2

This article explains what porcelain veneers are, including the procedure, and the aftercare.

After Your Impressions Are Made....

The next thing your dentist will do is prepare your teeth for the porcelain veneers by removing some of the outer portion of your enamel. This way, when the veneers are placed on your teeth they will not add "extra" thickness to your teeth that might interfere with speech or comfort. You will be given a local anesthetic, so the procedure of shaving down the outside surface of your teeth will not cause you any discomfort.

Then, to protect your teeth from hot and cold while you are waiting for your porcelain veneers in NYC to be made by the ceramicist, you will immediately be given temporary veneers to wear home. The temporary veneers will look somewhat like your porcelain veneers in shape and size, and in many cases they will actually look much better than your natural teeth did to begin with. Therefore, the temporary veneers are a "step up" from what you started with naturally, but still far less glamorous than your actual porcelain veneers will look.

The temporary veneers are made from an acrylic material, so they won't have the glossy, captivating texture that the porcelain veneers will have. They will also not be as durable as the porcelain. Therefore, while you're wearing the temporary veneers it will be important to stick to soft-textured foods (to prevent damaging the temporaries) and clear liquids (to prevent staining). In most cases, you will only have to wear these temporary veneers for a few days. Since you will not be able to brush and floss your teeth normally with the temporary veneers, you will have to use a hydrofloss or similar instrument to clean them with water pressure. Your cosmetic dentist will give you the appropriate cleaning instruments, with instructions.

The Final Step: Your Celebrity Smile

Finally, when your custom-made dental veneers in NYC have been made by the ceramicist and sent to your dentist's office, you will go in for the final step towards getting your beautiful, celebrity smile. You will be glad to say goodbye to the temporary veneers, and eager to sa y hello to your new smile.

During this final procedure, you can simply sit back and relax in the dental chair while your dentist does all the magic. Getting your porcelain veneers put onto the surface of your teeth is a painless process, and you'll receive a local anesthetic to ensure your optimal comfort. Your dentist will place the veneers on your teeth with no adhesive first to make sure they all fit properly and are free of any imperfections. You can look at them and make sure they are just as lovely as you expected.

Then, to prepare your teeth for the dental adhesive, a material called acid etch will be used. This makes the surface of your teeth rough so that the adhesive will stick and your veneers won't be in any danger of falling off when you bite into a hard or chewy food. After the acid etch, the dental cement will be applied to the front of your teeth as well as the back of each veneer. Each veneer will be added individually to each tooth.

When the entire procedure is finally done, your dentist will make a final impression of your mouth to safeguard against any bite misalignments or other problems. Your veneers should feel comfortable and your speech should not be affected.

Aftercare

You will be able to brush and floss your teeth with the veneers the same way that you brushed and flossed your teeth before. Unlike dental bridges, porcelain veneers in NYC are meant to function just like natural teeth. The only precautions you may need to take are to avoid biting into hard items such as ice cubes or hard candy because they may chip or fracture the veneers. You will also want to avoid using your teeth to open things, such as beer bottles and bags of chips. After 10-15 years, you may need to have one or more veneers replaced or repaired. Regular dental cleanings three or four times each year are recommended. You may also want to wear a mouth guard at night to prevent grinding your porcelain veneers into your natural enamel.