Does Teeth Whitening Have Side Effects? Everything You Need To Know | Thrive Family Dental (2024)

If you’re interested in teeth whitening in Wilmington from Thrive Family Dental, you may be wondering what side effects this cosmetic treatment has, and have questions about the types of whitening we offer. Dig into the details below, or contact us now for more information.

Why Did My Teeth Change Color In The First Place?

There are a few different reasons your teeth may change color and require whitening, including the following:

  • Surface stains on plaque & tartar – Sometimes, the stains are not on your tooth enamel at all. Over time, plaque and tartar build up on your teeth, and can pick up stains from certain drinks like coffee. These stains can be removed by scraping away plaque & tartar as part of a six-month teeth cleaning.
  • Staining foods & drinks – Some drinks like coffee, tea, wine, and cola can stain your teeth. Some foods like blueberries, blackberries, and tomato sauce can also contribute to teeth stains.
  • Tobacco use – Smoking and oral tobacco use cause yellow and brown stains, and also dramatically increase your risk of gum disease and tooth decay, as well as oral cancer.
  • Aging – Aging thins the enamel, which leads to a more yellow appearance as the yellowish “dentin” below your enamel begins to show. In addition, older people have had more wear & tear on their teeth, which can lead to more stains.

Side Effects Of Teeth Whitening

The only common side effect of professional teeth whitening is teeth sensitivity. Teeth are thought to become more sensitive after whitening because the whitener weakens the teeth slightly, exposing “dentinal microtubules” that connect the outside of the tooth to the nerves inside.

However, this effect tends to go away within a few days after your teeth are whitened. If your teeth are very sensitive, our Wilmington dentists may use a lower dose of whitener during your treatment, and recommend that you switch to an anti-sensitivity toothpaste like Sensodyne to avoid excessive sensitivity.

It is possible to over-whiten the teeth, which can cause them to become brittle and chalky, but this will never happen with professional whitening from Dr. Friberg, since he will customize your treatment to your specific needs. This is why it’s a good idea to avoid at-home whitening kits, and choose professional treatment instead.

Teeth Whitening Options We Offer In Wilmington – Get Started Today!

We offer both in-office and take-home teeth whitening in Wilmington at Thrive Family Dental. In-office whitening is done by Dr. Friberg in our office and can whiten your teeth up to 5 shades in just a single appointment, so it’s great if you want fast results.

Take-home whitening involves the use of a custom set of whitening trays and professional-grade whitening products and instructions provided by Dr. Friberg. You’ll simply follow his instructions to treat yourself and get professional-grade results without leaving your home.

If you’re interested in a brighter smile in Wilmington, contact Thrive Family Dental online or give us a call at (910) 240-4797. Dr. Friberg can discuss your cosmetic dentistry options in further detail, and ensure you get the treatment you need.

Does Teeth Whitening Have Side Effects? Everything You Need To Know | Thrive Family Dental (2024)

FAQs

Does Teeth Whitening Have Side Effects? Everything You Need To Know | Thrive Family Dental? ›

Teeth whitening is also very affordable, and is typically one of the cheapest cosmetic treatments you can get at the dentist. It's non-invasive, too, with no side effects beyond mild tooth sensitivity, which typically fades within a few days of your whitening treatment.

Are there any side effects to teeth whitening? ›

The potential side effects of teeth whitening include teeth sensitivity, gum irritation, and ineffective results. However, most patients do not experience any notable side effects from professional teeth whitening, as the dentist can monitor the process and perform treatment in a way that minimizes risk.

Who shouldn't get teeth whitening on? ›

Pregnant and lactating women. People who have restorations such as fillings, implants, crowns and dental bridges. Children under 16 years of age. Patients with periodontal disease, tooth decay, cavities and exposed roots.

Is teeth whitening at the dentist safe? ›

In-office whitening is highly effective, safe, and long-lasting. But it's more expensive than over-the-counter options, and often isn't covered by dental insurance. Ask your dentist for a cost estimate before committing to teeth whitening.

Do teeth become weak after whitening? ›

Teeth are thought to become more sensitive after whitening because the whitener weakens the teeth slightly, exposing “dentinal microtubules” that connect the outside of the tooth to the nerves inside.

Is there anything bad about teeth whitening? ›

What are the risks of teeth whitening? No matter what treatment you use, there's a chance your gums will be sensitive to the chemicals used in teeth whitening, particularly if you already have sensitive teeth. There's also a chance of burns to gums and some of the whitening kits used at home can harm tooth enamel.

Why is teeth whitening not recommended? ›

One of the most common side effects is tooth sensitivity, which can occur during or after treatment. Overuse or misuse of teeth whitening products can also lead to enamel damage, gum irritation, and discoloration. Additionally, some types of tooth discoloration may not respond well to teeth whitening treatments.

What disqualifies you from teeth whitening? ›

Teeth Whitening Disqualifications

Cavities, gum disease, fillings, crowns, and bridges may disqualify you from treatment. Other conditions and circ*mstances that may bar a patient from teeth whitening treatment include: Pregnancy and breast-feeding. Being under the age of 16.

What is the least damaging way to whiten your teeth? ›

Baking Soda: As long as you are careful to brush gently, baking soda can eliminate stains from the surface of your teeth without damaging them. Whitening Strips: Whitening strips mold to the shape of your teeth to whiten them. Whitening strips are both safe and effective.

Who is not suitable for teeth whitening? ›

Not everyone is the right candidate for teeth whitening. For example, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should wait to get whitening. People who have dental bridges or crowns may want to talk to their dentist before considering whitening. Children should be at least 16 to get this type of treatment.

How do celebrities get their teeth so white? ›

Veneers: If you see celebrities with perfectly white, straight, and uniform-looking teeth, they likely have veneers. Unlike teeth whitening, veneers are more permanent. There are various types of materials used, but porcelain and composite are the most common types.

How to whiten teeth in 2 minutes? ›

Baking-powder eliminates stains on the surface of your teeth and lemon juice as we already said has multiple components that lighten teeth. Just mix a teaspoon of baking powder and a teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice and brush your teeth with the paste this mixture will work wonders in just two minutes.

Why do my teeth look weird after whitening? ›

Noticing white spots on the surface of your teeth after a whitening treatment is caused by hypo-calcification. Teeth whitening does not cause white spots on your teeth; however, tooth whitening treatments can make already present spots more visible.

Why do my teeth get yellow so fast after whitening? ›

Teeth can become temporarily dehydrated after using whitening strips. Your teeth may appear more yellow as a result of this dehydration because the enamel may become dry and lack moisture. Dehydrated enamel sometimes has a transparent appearance that makes the naturally yellowish dentin underneath visible.

How long do teeth pores stay open after whitening? ›

The pores slowly close over the next two to three days, but during that time, your teeth are more susceptible to staining from foods and drinks. For at least the first 48 hours, it's best to avoid darkly colored foods and drinks, including berries, coffee, tea, red wine, and tomato sauce.

What happens if you whiten your teeth too much? ›

Excessive teeth whitening with bleach may lead to tooth erosion. If your teeth are over-exposed to bleaching agents, this may cause the enamel that protects your teeth to be destroyed. This can result in long-lasting oral health issues such as tooth decay and fracture, and lead to quite a lot of pain.

What are the pros and cons of whitening teeth? ›

Whitening Strips

Pros: Strips are inexpensive compared to most other methods. Cons: The strips only reach the front six teeth; they can irritate the gums; some users complain of sensitivity.

How often should you whiten your teeth? ›

We advise whitening your teeth just once a year, whether professionally or at home. This should keep sensitivity from becoming a problem while helping you maintain a white, natural-looking smile. Typically, the professional-grade whitening kits available from our dental office last about a year.

Can naturally yellow teeth be whitened? ›

The good news is that even naturally yellow teeth can be whitened, and kept white, if you understand the causes behind tooth discoloration.

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