Does Teeth Whitening Damage Your Teeth?

Our teeth can get discolored due to various factors, like age, medication, lifestyle, and oral hygiene. The stains that form are intrinsic, affecting the internal part of the teeth or extrinsic.

Several whitening solutions are available, and a dentist near you will choose an ideal option based on the severity of the discoloration, treatment cost, age, and dental history.

All the whitening products and treatments are classified into two—professional or at-home whitening kits.

• Professional teeth whitening 

Professional teeth whitening in Calgary, AB, is done at the dental office. The treatment is fast and more effective than commercial whitening products. The dentist uses whitening products with higher hydrogen peroxide levels that can offer effective results.

The dentist applies the whitening gel or solution to the teeth and leaves it for 15 minutes before rinsing. Sometimes, she will use a light to speed up the process. The whitening process will be repeated two to three times, depending on the severity of the discoloration.

The dentist can also recommend at-home treatments designed to supplement the whitening results. These are custom-made trays that you wear for 30 minutes daily or as the dentist recommends.

• At-home whitening products

Cosmetic products like gels, strips, or toothpaste can also remove stains. However, their effectiveness is in question because they contain low levels of the whitening agent, meaning they may not remove the stains effectively.

Is Professional Teeth Whitening Safe?

No matter the teeth whitening treatment you choose, there is a chance that the gums can become sensitive, especially if you have existing tooth sensitivity.

Professional teeth whitening treatment is considered safe because the dentist uses protective gel to shield the teeth from bruising. However, you may experience tooth sensitivity because of the hydrogen peroxide. The tooth sensitivity is transient and will clear with time. But, our dentist in Calgary, AB, will give you tooth-sensitive toothpaste to ease the discomfort. The tooth sensitivity may be significant the first and second time you get teeth whitening, but it will diminish in future treatments.

Remember that you cannot whiten your teeth permanently, and you must seek treatments when your teeth develop stains. If you want permanent teeth whitening, you can talk to the dentist about veneers and crowns (these procedures are irreversible).

How Does Teeth Whitening Remove White Spots?

White spots can develop on the enamel due to fluorosis. It can be caused by consuming too much-fluoridated water or fluoride supplements. Enamel hypoplasia can also cause white spots to form on the teeth. This is when the enamel does not develop properly and affects the teeth. Hypoplasia also increases the risk of decay. Other causes of white spots are poor dental hygiene, eating too many acidic foods, or wearing braces.

Bleaching or whitening can remove the white spots. The dentist will use two bleaching agents—hydrogen and carbamide peroxide.

These bleaches will break down the white spots into tiny spots and make them less pronounced. You can also get the over-counter teeth whitening strips to remove the stains.

Nevertheless, getting your teeth bleached by a dentist is advisable because she will take the necessary steps to protect your teeth. Furthermore, the dentist will examine your teeth to determine if bleaching is ideal. People with thin enamel, tooth sensitivity, dental restorations like veneers or crowns, and active cavities are not eligible to get teeth whitening.

How Can You Maintain the Whitening Results?

Teeth whitening results are not long-lasting, and the teeth will get discolored, but the rate at which they discolor depends on your habits. What you eat and drink can cause stains to develop on the enamel. Limiting your consumption of staining foods and beverages like coffee, wine, or tea is recommended.

If you take them, ensure to rinse your teeth to keep the enamel from absorbing the staining components. Maintain proper oral hygiene to keep the plaques from accumulating on the teeth.

Schedule an Appointment

Visit East Hills Dental Clinic for more information about teeth whitening and how you can successfully do it.