Strategies to prevent teeth bleaching complications

Teeth whitening is a popular solution to combat tooth discoloration caused by drinking coffee, eating certain foods, smoking, and the natural aging process. When you decide to whiten your teeth, important questions always come to mind, such as how white will my teeth become? How long will the treatment take? Are there any side effects? We’ve reviewed common teeth whitening questions, along with tips on how to avoid teeth whitening side effects. Remember, all your questions are important, and you should ask your dentist about your concerns before undergoing teeth whitening treatment.

Potential Side Effects of Teeth Bleaching

While teeth whitening can be safe and effective, using the wrong method can also lead to permanent damage to your teeth. Examples of the side effects you may experience when whitening your teeth using certain products or using improper methods include:

• Tooth sensitivity
• Gum irritation
• Teeth are more likely to become discolored than before whitening
• Increased risk of tooth breakage
• Teeth absorb more stains than before teeth whitening
• Loss of protective enamel – if you lose enamel, your teeth will become sensitive and darker.

To avoid these risks, it is best to choose safe at-home teeth whitening options or have your teeth whitened by a professional.

How white do teeth get after teeth whitening?

Not all teeth whitening treatments are equally effective, so you should be realistic about your expectations when getting your teeth whitened. Teeth whitening is different for everyone, and there are many variables that determine how white your teeth will be, including:

• The primary pigment (color) of your teeth
• Your lifestyle habits such as eating, drinking, smoking, etc.
• The type of teeth whitening treatment (in-clinic, at-home, over-the-counter)

How well your teeth respond to the whitening agents When you whiten your teeth, two to three shades can make a difference in anyone’s smile. While whitening treatments can make this difference, these variables should be factored into your expectations.

Be aware that many of the white smiles you see on social media pages may not be real teeth, but are actually “coatings” or composites on the surface of the teeth. Again, remember to factor this into your expectations and do your research before you buy.

How long do teeth stay white after bleaching?

You’ve completed your teeth whitening treatment, your teeth will be white and shiny, but how long will the treatment last?

Long-term results depend on your lifestyle habits and behaviors. Eating and drinking staining foods and drinks, smoking, and impacting your teeth can increase the rate of discoloration. However, with proper care, the effects of teeth whitening can last for several years. Some of the necessary aftercare and ways to prevent complications from teeth whitening include:

Daily care: It’s important to maintain a daily routine. Brushing and flossing regularly will help keep your teeth brighter. Rinsing your mouth with water after eating staining foods can also help your whitening treatment last longer.

Customized at-home kits: Some chairside treatments also offer booster kits that maintain the whitening treatment.

See your dentist: Regular check-ups and cleanings will help prolong the whitening treatment. Your dentist can remove any surface stains during these visits.

How to avoid any side effects of teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening is a non-invasive treatment and is completely safe for the patient when performed correctly. If performed incorrectly by inexperienced professionals, teeth whitening treatments can cause uneven results and possible damage.

If a foreign substance comes into contact with the gums or soft tissues of the mouth, it can lead to “burning” of the gums. Although this is usually temporary, otherwise follow your instructions carefully to avoid such damage.

Tooth sensitivity is a possible side effect of whitening, and some patients experience this problem after treatment. Sensitivity can be the result of certain areas around the gum line being accessible due to recession. When the teeth whitening agent is applied to such areas, the sensitivity of the teeth increases.

Also, the higher the concentration of the whitening gel, the greater the risk of tooth sensitivity. Dentists in Richmond Hill are trained to minimize the risk of such tooth sensitivity, even when using higher concentrations of whitening gels, to achieve better results than over-the-counter products.

Pregnant women and new mothers are advised to avoid teeth whitening treatments until they have given birth and are no longer breastfeeding.