Are Teeth Whitening Treatments Safe

Professional teeth whitening treatments are monitored by dental professionals, ensuring the procedure is as safe as it can possibly be. While there are some potential side effects, most patients do not experience any notable discomfort or harmful side effects after professional teeth whitening from a licensed dentist.

The teeth whitening experience and its safety

There are different types of teeth whitening. There are store-bought kits, although they often prove unsafe or ineffective. For professional teeth whitening, dentists can provide either a take-home kit or perform an in-office professional teeth whitening procedure. Visiting a dentist for treatment is the safest and most effective way to brighten your smile.

The teeth whitening procedure explained

For in-office whitening, the process involves using a lip retractor and dental dam to isolate the visible enamel. A whitening gel is placed over the visible enamel and a dental light that activates the whitening gel is placed over the teeth. It is left there for approximately twenty minutes before the whitening gel is removed. If the desired results are not achieved, then the dental professional can reapply the whitening gel until the patient is satisfied with the new color shade of their teeth.

Potential risks of professional teeth whitening

Teeth whitening is a safe and non-invasive procedure. However, there are always potential side effects with any form of treatment. The potential side effects of professional teeth whitening are increased teeth sensitivity and gum irritation. This is most notably reported in patients that have weakened dental enamel or that use at-home whitening kits rather than choosing an in-office teeth whitening procedure.

The ideal professional teeth whitening candidate

Most patients that have extrinsic teeth stains are eligible for teeth whitening. This refers to stains that do not extend to the deeper layers of the tooth. Also, patients should have realistic expectations about the results they can achieve from professional teeth whitening. The ideal candidate is also willing to care for their smile after treatment.

When teeth whitening is not the best choice

Patients that have weakened or eroded enamel may not be eligible for professional teeth whitening. Also, patients that have intrinsic teeth stains (rather than extrinsic) are also not ideal candidates for treatment. This occurs when the stains extend deeper past the enamel and stain other layers of the tooth. The best way to treat these stains is through dental veneers, dental bonding, or dental crowns.

How to minimize the risk of complications

The best way to minimize the risk of complications is to choose a reputable dentist for treatment. They can ensure optimal safety and quality of treatment by dealing with any potential concerns that could increase the risk of side effects.