Best Teeth Whitening for Safe Results

How Does Tooth Whitening Work?

The American Dental Association has approved several different teeth whitening options, ranging from everyday whitening toothpastes to professionally applied bleaching products.  Understanding how different tooth whitening options work will help us understand the benefits and risks of each. First, there are two different types of whitening products: (1) those that use a bleaching agent and (2) those that use non-bleaching agents.  Each comes with its own benefits and risks.

• Bleaching Agent Tooth Whitening Options: The active ingredient in these procedures is carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide in concentrations of 10-35%.  This active ingredient penetrates your tooth’s enamel. As a result, it can remove both deep and surface stains on your teeth.  After bleaching procedures, your teeth can be 5 to 7 shades brighter.

• Non-bleaching Agent Tooth Whitening Options: As the name implies, these procedures do not rely upon an active bleaching ingredient.  Rather, they use an abrasive to essentially rub off surface-level stains and polish teeth.  The most common non-bleaching products are whitening toothpastes you can find in stores. While these options do give your smile’s brightness a boost, they can remove the deeper stains.

What Are the Risks?

Whether you use a bleaching or non-bleaching procedure, you face the same potential risks.  We look at the three most common risks to tooth whitening products and procedures below.

1. Sensitive teeth is the most common side effect.  People with sensitive teeth can experience sharp pain when teeth feel pressure during chewing or when exposed to hot or cold beverages or most people, this occurs during the early stages of the teeth whitening treatment and disappears once the treatment is complete.
2. Soft tissue irritation is another common side effect.  The soft tissue inside your mouth is delicate and sensitive.  Some people’s cheek, tongue, gums, and lips may be more sensitive to the bleaching agents or abrasives found in whitening products than others.  Also, ill-fitting whitening trays to hold the solutions can cause further irritation by roughly rubbing against gums and cheeks.
3. Mismatched tooth color can happen if you have dental work already in your mouth.  Crowns, fillings, and bridges will not react the same way to cosmetic tooth bleaching as your natural teeth.  Hence, after whitening, your natural teeth can appear a different shade than teeth with crowns or fillings.

How Can You Minimize the Risks and Maximize the Benefits of Bleaching Your Teeth?

Before trying any tooth whitening product or procedure, you should consult with your dentist. They will be able to discuss your individual tooth health and find the safest, most beneficial route for your desired results.  In addition, consider the following tips for the best results:

• Consider having your whitening trays professionally made by your dentist.  This will ensure the proper fit to reduce soft-tissue irritation and give you the highest concentration to achieve the best results.
• If you’re using at-home treatments like strips or gels, consult with your dentist first. They will be able to suggest the best OTC whitening product for your mouth and dental work history.  
• Obey all follow-up instructions carefully.  Whether you have your teeth brightened in the dentist’s office or at home, be sure to follow your dentist’s instructions carefully.  These instructions help ensure your procedure has more of the results you want, and fewer of the potential unwanted side effects you don’t.

So, is it Safe to try for a Hollywood-level Smile?

With proper guidance, tooth whitening can be absolutely safe!  Moreover, it can give you that brighter smile you desire. At Munroe Falls Family Dentistry, Dr. Evan and Dr. Bartels are experts in the latest in teeth whitening products and procedures. They have the experience to help you achieve the best results possible, too.  They are happy to consult with you about a brighter smile! Both are accepting new patients, and scheduling an appointment is just a phone call away!