Two Common Questions About Teeth Whitening

A common reason that people go to a cosmetic dentist is because they are not happy with the color of their teeth. They may have staining that has happened over the years and now they are looking for a way to fix it. Thankfully, there are teeth whitening procedures that can help get your smile to the shade of white that gives you confidence. Here is what you need to know before you make a decision.

What Are the Whitening Options?

Your dentist will let you know of all the different ways that you can whiten your teeth. They may offer an in-office treatment or a home treatment, both of which can be very effective. A home treatment will involve getting custom made trays that fit over your teeth, which hold a peroxide gel against them. The whitening gel that you get from your dentist is going to be stronger than the kind that you can get at your local pharmacy, and can be more effective at whitening your teeth quickly.

The other option is to perform the procedure in the office. This involves putting a whitening gel on your teeth and activating it with a special light. The great thing about an in office treatment is that you get immediate results, and can keep going until your teeth reach the shade of what that you want. 

What Are the Risks of Teeth Whitening?

A common side effect of teeth whitening is sensitive teeth. You may notice that your teeth are more sensitive to hot and cold foods, or even feel different when you breath in through your mouth. Know that this sensation is temporary and should go away over time. If the sensitivity is too much to deal with, you can use a desensitizing gel or simply take a pain reliever while the teeth are most sensitive. 

One way that your dentist helps avoid sensitivity is starting with the lowest concentration of peroxide gel needed to get the job done. The dentist will also try to leave the gel on your teeth for the least amount of time possible.

Your dentist is going to be concerned about your gums when performing a whitening procedure to make sure that they are not hurt during the process. This is done by placing a protective barrier over the gums so that they are not touching the whitening gel that is put on your teeth. This will help reduce irritation that you may experience afterward.

For more information about teeth whitening, contact a cosmetic dentist in your area.