In our dental office, we provide teeth whitening services for those looking to improve the appearance of their smile. The results are dramatic, as this simple procedure can whiten teeth by up to eight shades or more. This makes it perfect for those wanting to have a more youthful appearance and for those looking to get rid of dark stains on their teeth. With the popularity of the procedure, many people with sensitive teeth ask us if it is safe to have their teeth whitened, and as with many things, the answer is – it depends.
A professional teeth whitening in our office is entirely safe and the American Dental Association has even published a paper titled, “Tooth Whitening/Bleaching: Treatment Considerations for Dentists and Their Patients” providing further tips on how to prevent or reduce sensitivity. In their report, they suggest that patients with sensitivity concerns use a toothpaste containing potassium nitrate for a week or two before having their teeth whitened and afterwards if necessary. They also suggest having a dentist place potassium nitrate into teeth whitening trays and placing the trays on the teeth for thirty minutes prior to beginning the treatment. This simple step, when performed by a dentist, can prevent any potential sensitivity according to their findings.
The reason that it is safe for those with sensitive teeth is that we complete a dental exam first. In order to ensure that your teeth are ready for a treatment, we will check to see if there are any cavities or gum disease in the mouth prior to starting the bleaching or whitening process. This is important because many people that use an over the counter teeth whitening solution find that they experience sensitivity, not because of the whitening but because their teeth were not healthy enough for the treatment in the first place. This is a common risk that is entirely avoided when having the procedure done professionally.
Another concern with over the counter whitening kits is that if you buy the whitening trays, they are designed to fit everyone. Technically, nothing can so it's like buying an XL t-shirt and expecting it to be the perfect fit when you are a medium – it won’t be. Whitening trays are the same way, and since they won’t fit perfectly, when buying them at the store, the whitening solution may leak out and as it does, your gums can become irritated. Gum tissue is fairly sensitive so anything abrasive touching it may cause unnecessary irritation, and this can be avoided by having the trays custom-made in our dental office. With the perfect fitting tray, the solution will remain in place, and the treatment will be far more comfortable.
If you would like to learn more about the procedure, we recommend that you schedule a consultation. While there are many commercials promoting products that will transform your smile, it is always wise to be under the care of a dentist. After examining your teeth, we will make a recommendation for the best way to proceed.
