Teeth Whitening: Does it Work and is it Safe?

1. Blog: maxwellheightsdental.com Teeth Whitening: Does it Work and Is it Safe? Daily brushing and flossing can keep your teeth healthy and bright. But there are cases when a good dental cleaning routine isn’t enough. Does your smile lack sparkle or is yellower than it used to be? Don’t worry—there are teeth whitening options available in our dentistry clinic in Oshawa. Here’s everything you need to know to make an informed decision on whether this cosmetic dental procedure is the right choice for you. Does teeth whitening really work? Yes—for as long as the procedure used is suitable to your condition (what caused your teeth to lose its brightness). Our dentist can examine you and explain your options. Teeth whitening is a fairly simple process that uses whitening products containing one of two bleaches for teeth—either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. They work by breaking stains into smaller pieces, making the yellowish color less concentrated and ultimately making your smile whiter. However, whitening does NOT work on ALL kinds of discoloration. This is why it’s important to consult a dentist, as whiteners cannot correct certain types of discoloration. For instance, yellow teeth generally bleach well, but brown teeth don’t always respond to whitening agent sand grayish teeth often don’t bleach at all. Whitening also won’t work on fillings, crowns, caps, and veneers. If the discoloration on your teeth is caused by tooth injury or medications, then bleaches may not be the best

2. Blog: maxwellheightsdental.com choice, either. But don’t worry—there are other cosmetic solutions available. Visit our Oshawa dental center for a consultation. Is teeth whitening safe? Yes, dentist-approved methods are safe. In-office whitening or take-home whitening trays are often recommended by the dentist as per the requirements of the person. And if your dentist sends you home with a product that you can use yourself, make sure to follow the directions. You may be wondering: Are there any side effects? Some people experience tooth sensitivity when the peroxide in the whitening agent gets through the teeth’s enamel and reaches the dentin, irritating the nerve. This sensitivity is temporary in most cases. Overuse of teeth whiteners may also damage the gums or the enamel, so be careful in following directions. Talk to your dentist should these side effects persist.