Miami Beach Teeth Whitening
Whitening your teeth is one surefire way to boost your self-confidence and improve the look of your smile. It is also a rather simple procedure that can be accomplished either at the dental office or at your own home. The only downside to whitening your teeth is the sensitivity that sometimes develops. There are ways to combat this issue and still allow yourself to whiten your teeth and achieve that beautiful smile.
Although the exact cause of sensitivity from whitening is largely unknown, we do know that the properties of peroxide (one of the main ingredients in most tooth whitening products) has been shown to irritate the tooth nerve. This irritation or inflammation causes symptoms such as cold sensitivity and a tingling sensation.
Try the following techniques when whitening your teeth at home if sensitivity occurs. If you have the procedure done in a dental office and start having issues with sensitivity, feel free to try some of these techniques, but be sure to follow any instructions given to you by your dentist.
- It is very important to follow the instructions of your dentist when using a professional product or the manufacturer’s instructions for the over the counter products. (Never whiten your teeth for longer than recommended.)
- Try cutting back to every other day once the sensitivity starts along with shorter application times. Sometimes just giving your teeth a short break between treatments can help to alleviate the symptoms.
- Taking Advil or Aleve can help reduce the symptoms if taken before applying the whitening product. Taking it ahead of time may prevent the symptoms from surfacing.
- Check to see if you are using a product with a lower peroxide level (6 to 10% is a relatively low peroxide level for most people). While you may think that the higher the level of peroxide, the better the result, it is not worth it if you and your teeth are miserable.
- Limit the cold drinks and foods while you are whitening. Teeth may be temperature sensitive under normal conditions, but whitening can really exasperate sensitivity issues.
- Overuse of whitening products can also cause sensitivity. When used to excess, they have the potential to make your teeth very sensitive or even damage them.
- Using fluoride rinses and/or sensitivity toothpaste can help alleviate the symptoms. Fluoride treatments are also sometimes recommended either before, during or after you whiten your teeth.
- Be sure you are using a soft bristled brush when brushing your teeth. The softer bristles are gentler on your teeth and gums and can help cut back on your symptoms.
- Always inform your dentist if your sensitivity issues persist or worsen. There may be another cause such as gum recession or cavities.
- Ask your dentist about desensitizing products that can be applied at the office. When used correctly, they have been known to be effective at reducing sensitivity due to many different causes.
Although tooth sensitivity with whitening is very common, it is usually of short duration, lasting typically 24-48 hours. Years ago, most teeth whitening products contained very harsh ingredients that were found to actually damage teeth and cause extreme sensitivity. Products have improved greatly since then and now use high quality ingredients that are gentler on your teeth.
Teeth Whitening Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Professional teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental treatment that uses safe, high-concentration bleaching agents to lighten the color of your teeth, removing stains and discoloration. It is performed either in-office or through take-home kits provided by your dentist.
Yes, when performed by a licensed dental professional, teeth whitening is safe. The products used in professional treatments are approved for dental use and are less likely to cause damage or sensitivity compared to over-the-counter options.
The results of professional in-office treatments typically last for up to two years before touch-ups may be necessary, while at home kits generally need to be reapplied every six months or so depending on usage and lifestyle habits such as smoking or drinking coffee/tea/wine frequently. Additionally, certain foods and drinks such as strawberries and red wine can cause discoloration even after treatment has been completed, so it’s important to maintain proper oral hygiene practices such as brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flossing regularly in order to prevent staining from returning too quickly.
People who have sensitive teeth should avoid getting their teeth professionally treated for cosmetic reasons since this procedure can cause increased sensitivity in some individuals due to its abrasive nature; however there are many options available (such as using desensitizing gels) that dental professionals will discuss prior to starting treatment if needed. Additionally, pregnant women should not undergo any type of cosmetic dentistry procedures during pregnancy because they could potentially harm both mother and baby due to potential chemical exposure associated with them.
In-office teeth whitening typically takes about 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the extent of staining and the desired level of whitening. Many patients see results after just one session.
Some patients may experience temporary tooth sensitivity after whitening. This usually subsides within a day or two. If you have a history of sensitivity, your dentist can recommend treatments or products to minimize discomfort.
The longevity of teeth whitening results varies based on your lifestyle habits. On average, results can last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years. To prolong your results, avoid staining foods and drinks like coffee, tea, and red wine, and maintain good oral hygiene.
Teeth whitening is highly effective for extrinsic stains (surface stains) caused by food, drinks, or smoking. However, intrinsic stains, which are deeper discolorations caused by medications or trauma, may not respond as well and may require alternative treatments such as veneers.
Over-the-counter products can provide some level of whitening, but they are less effective than professional treatments. This is because professional treatments use stronger, safer bleaching agents and can be tailored to your specific needs.
Most individuals with healthy teeth and gums are good candidates for teeth whitening. However, patients with dental restorations (like crowns or veneers) or significant tooth sensitivity should consult with their dentist to determine if whitening is appropriate for them.
After whitening, avoid consuming staining foods and drinks for at least 24-48 hours. Continue practicing good oral hygiene by brushing twice daily, flossing, and using a whitening toothpaste if recommended by your dentist.
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