When your smile doesn’t shine bright your confidence can wane. Whether your caffeine or nicotine addiction has caused your teeth to discolor, or you just didn’t win the genetic teeth lottery, whitening may be for you. You might find yourself a little nervous or worried about side effects when you consider teeth whitening or bleaching, but the truth may surprise you.
What are the side effects?
One of the biggest concerns for those considering having their teeth professionally whitened is whether or not they will have to deal with nasty side effects. In reality, the side effects are mild and short-lived. You won’t find yourself filled with worry when you go home with your new pearly whites.
No matter what type of whitening procedure you decide to choose, the most common side effect is sensitivity. Because of the chemicals used, it is normal to experience a bit of tooth sensitivity after your procedure. This can last for a few hours or a few days depending on your particular teeth. People who already know that they have sensitive teeth can expect to deal with this minor side effect for a bit longer than others. While this can be a bit uncomfortable, it is certainly nothing surprising or unmanageable for most. At-home whitening requires almost daily exposure to such chemicals, thus increasing your sensitivity window.
Many people also worry about the damage that teeth whitening can do to your enamel. It is true that bleaching chemicals are not the best for your enamel, but with proper dental guidance and care, teeth whitening procedures are not unsafe. Longer exposure to the chemicals can cause greater damage, so professional whitening is generally the safest thing for your enamel, as your dentist can get the job done quicker and more effectively.
Another concern that many people have with the dental chemicals is that they can harm your gums. If done improperly, it’s true that the bleaching chemicals can cause a small amount of gum discomfort or blistering. The risk of this happening though, is relatively low. Your dental professional is well trained to make sure that the whitening gel stays on your teeth and doesn’t cause you any discomfort. Their custom fit trays provide the perfect seal to protect your precious gums.
How long will my whitening treatment last?
The sad truth about teeth whitening is that it can never be permanent. Staining and aging are natural processes that you’ll have to deal with. With proper maintenance you can lengthen the amount of time you have to enjoy your freshly brightened smile. Dentists recommend avoiding foods and drinks that are likely to reverse your whitening. Stay away from red wines, coffee, and soda for at least 48 hours after you complete your whitening procedure. Brush your teeth twice a day and go to the dentist for your regular cleanings. These simple steps will help you lengthen the time between your whitening treatments.
If you want to learn more about Teeth Whitening from your Annapolis Dentist or if you wish to schedule an appointment, please contact Annapolis Family Dental Care by calling (410) 267-0766 or visit AnnapolisDentalCare.com today! Our diligent knowledge of all dental treatments and extensive experience in all fields of dentistry, ensure Annapolis Dental is best suited to care for your oral health. You can also follow Annapolis Dental Care on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.