Teeth Whitening Benefits and Risks

The benefits of teeth whitening are many; individuals are often more willing to smile, feel more confident, and are more active in social situations. These benefits have made teeth whitening one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatments in the country. However, like most dental procedures, teeth whitening treatment has its risks. Individuals considering professional teeth bleaching should be aware of the benefits, side effects, and risks associated with teeth whitening, and should consult with an experienced cosmetic dentist to make sure that they are candidates for teeth whitening.

Teeth Whitening Side Effects and Risks

There are some side effects and risks associated with the teeth whitening procedure. These include:

Gum Sensitivity

One of the more common problems with teeth whitening is that it can cause gum sensitivity, particularly if the patient is already prone to sensitive gums. Gum sensitivity can result if the whitening gel comes into contact with the gums. Though irritating, gum sensitivity is temporary, and can be greatly mitigated with experience and a proper treatment plan. Experienced cosmetic dentists will take great care to ensure that your gum tissue is not exposed to the bleaching gel.

Varied Results

While teeth whitening treatment almost always achieves beautiful results, it is important to remember that the results are not 100 percent predictable. Rather, the degree of whiteness a patient will achieve depends on several factors, including:

• The patient's degree of discoloration
• Whether the patient wears the whitening trays as directed (in cases of at-home teeth whitening)
• The patient's lifestyle and dietary habits
• The teeth whitening system that is used
• The number of treatments undergone (if multiple treatments are required)

Diminished Results

Patients should be aware that their results may fade in the months and years following professional teeth whitening. Unlike porcelain veneers, which are stain-resistant dental prosthetics, the natural teeth retain the ability to absorb stains, and a patient may need another whitening treatment in the future to maintain his or her appearance. This can be especially true if the patient smokes, drinks tea, coffee, or red wine, or takes certain medications that discolor the teeth.

Teeth Whitening Benefits

The teeth whitening procedure offers many benefits. These include:

Beautiful Results

A dazzling, white smile is the hallmark of professional teeth whitening. Whether you choose in-office or at-home teeth whitening - such as Zoom!® teeth whitening - the results are amazing and can take years off your appearance. This is because whitening systems:

• Penetrate the enamel to bleach deep-set stains that over-the-counter systems are unable to address
• Are controllable, allowing a cosmetic dentist to adjust the level of whitening to meet the patient's needs and goals
• Can complement porcelain veneers, Invisalign®, and other treatments for a complete smile makeover

A bright, white smile truly can have an effect on your overall appearance, and being proud of your smile can shine through your personality. With teeth whitening treatments you can take charge of your smile; whitening procedures can undo years of damage caused by aging and lifestyle habits such as smoking, coffees, colas, and wines.

Convenience

Teeth whitening is convenient, whether you choose at-home or in-office bleaching. At-home systems allow you to whiten your smile in the privacy of your own home and do not require a lengthy dental visit. Typically an at-home system will be used over the course of several weeks; though treatment requires more time, it is still effective. Alternatively, in-office whitening usually achieves results in just an hour or two, and you can leave the dentist's office with a dazzling new smile. The results of in-office teeth whitening are often slightly more dramatic than at-home treatment as well; in some cases, teeth can be whitened by up to eight shades in just an hour.

Bleaching is also non-invasive, making it a tremendous option for patients with dental anxiety and those who are seeking results without having to undergo cosmetic surgery. Though porcelain veneers and dental crowns can also transform a smile, it comes at a greater cost and requires greater commitment on the patient's part.

Contact a Cosmetic Dentist

To learn more about the benefits and risks of professional teeth whitening, locate a cosmetic dentist serving your community today. DocShop can link you with an experienced cosmetic dentist in your area who can provide further information. Many individuals find that the benefits of teeth whitening far outweigh the risks, and are more than happy with the results of their treatment. Nonetheless, it's always worthwhile to determine for yourself is a treatment is right for you or not. By consulting with a dedicated, experienced, knowledgeable professional, you can have your concerns put to rest and be confident that you are making the right decision.

Comment on this article →