The Pros & Cons Of Teeth Whitening (2024)

Teeth whitening is an effective way to brighten your smile and improve your appearance. Unfortunately, teeth can become stained from things such as smoking and coffee. Over time, this can cause a smile to look dull and discolored. While it’s mostly safe, there are a few things you should be aware of. Contact the Gainesville dentists at Comprehensive Dental Care today to schedule an appointment or learn more about teeth whitening.

Benefits Of Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is a quick and effective cosmetic dentistry service that can make your smile look brighter and healthier while boosting your self-esteem. Additional benefits of teeth whitening include the following.

  • Whiter teeth. Teeth whitening can help lighten stains from smoking, eating, or drinking certain things such as coffee, wine, juices, cola, and tomato sauces.
  • Fast results. At-home whitening kits only take a short amount of time to apply, and you can expect to see results after a few treatments. On the other hand, results from professional teeth whitening can be noticeable as soon as a day after treatment.
  • Safe. Teeth whitening treatments are considered safe and have relatively little chance of damaging teeth. However, safety is increased when a professional dentist performs teeth whitening.
  • Inexpensive. Most teeth whitening options are inexpensive, with at-home treatments being the most cost-effective. However, you will need many at-home treatments to achieve the same results as professional teeth whitening.
  • Multiple options. Several different options are available, from toothpaste and gel to strips and laser teeth whitening, depending on the extent of tooth stains, sensitivity, and other oral complications.

Disadvantages Of Teeth Whitening

While teeth whitening is generally considered safe and effective, there are a few things to be aware of before deciding on this dental treatment. Schedule an appointment with our dentist in Gainesville for more information or a consultation about your specific concerns.

  • Tooth sensitivity. Teeth whitening can cause or increase tooth sensitivity, also called dentin hypersensitivity. However, sensitive teeth are usually temporary and can be managed using alternative treatments or limiting the number of treatments in a given time.
  • Doesn’t work on all teeth. Brown, gray, and black discoloration caused by injury, medication, or overexposure to fluoride in young children might not respond well to teeth whitening. Additionally, crowns, caps, fillings, and dental veneers do not whiten well.
  • May exacerbate certain conditions. Tooth sensitivity and receding gum lines can be made worse by teeth whitening. Additionally, enamel erosion can worsen teeth with discoloration that can’t be whitened and can lead to cavities.
  • Temporary. Teeth whitening is only a temporary solution, with results lasting from a few months up to a year. To maintain results, reapplication will be required, increasing the risk of damaging teeth and gums.
  • Don’t use if you’re pregnant. If you’re pregnant, it’s best to avoid harmful chemicals such as peroxide and always consult your doctor before starting anything new.

Teeth whitening is a great option for most patients. Contact our dentists in Gainesville, FL, today to schedule your teeth whitening appointment!

The Pros & Cons Of Teeth Whitening (2024)

FAQs

Is there a downside to teeth whitening? ›

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.

Can yellow teeth become white again? ›

Fortunately, there are ways of making your yellow teeth white, from improving your oral hygiene and diet to visiting the dentist and having them professionally whitened. There's no need to feel ashamed of your smile anymore.

Is it worth getting my teeth whitened? ›

Because when a qualified and experienced dentist oversees it, teeth whitening is actually a perfectly safe procedure. Moreover, it produces brilliant results that can transform your smile and let your personality shine through. Safety and satisfaction are worth paying a little extra for, don't you think?

What are the side effects of 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.

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

Overuse or misuse of teeth-whitening products can cause sensitivity, gum irritation, and other side effects. Custom-fitted trays and in-office treatments are the safest and most effective ways to whiten teeth. ADA-approved over-the-counter toothpastes, gels, and strips are more affordable and convenient options.

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.

How fast does baking soda whiten teeth? ›

But, how long the baking soda takes to work depends on the severity of the stains. Generally, it takes about two weeks of daily use before you start seeing results. If you're looking for a quick fix, other options are available, such as professional teeth whitening in the Colony, TX, or take-home kits.

What vitamin deficiency causes yellow teeth? ›

In adults, low vitamin D status can lead to gingivitis and periodontal disease. Does vitamin D deficiency cause yellow teeth? Yes, vitamin D deficiency can show up as yellow teeth. Yellow or brown spots on teeth are a symptom of rickets, a condition caused by chronic low levels of vitamin D.

How to make teeth whiter naturally? ›

Seven Ways to Naturally Whiten Teeth
  1. Eat Strawberries. One of the simplest ways to naturally whiten your teeth is just by eating strawberries. ...
  2. Eat Plenty of Fruits and Vegetables. ...
  3. Brush After You Eat or Drink. ...
  4. Rinse with Apple Cider Vinegar. ...
  5. Apply Coconut Oil. ...
  6. Brush Your Tongue. ...
  7. Use Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide.

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.

When should you not whiten your teeth? ›

Anyone allergic to peroxide (the whitening agent) should not use a bleaching product. Gum disease, worn enamel, cavities, and exposed roots. Individuals with gum disease or teeth with worn enamel are generally discouraged from undergoing a tooth-whitening procedure.

How long does teeth whitening last? ›

The effects of teeth whitening can last up to 2-3 years or as little as 6 months. It varies from person to person. Things that will stain your teeth quickly and make your whitening short-lived include: – Smoking.

How bad does teeth whitening hurt? ›

With proper care and precaution, patients should not feel pain during teeth whitening procedures. In some cases, tooth sensitivity or gum irritation can occur when the bleaching solution is applied for too long.

Which teeth whitening works best? ›

The Best Teeth Whitening Kits, According to Dentists
  • OpalescenceGo Prefilled Teeth Whitening Trays, Set of 10. ...
  • Burst Prefilled Whitening Trays, Set of 3. ...
  • PhilipsZoom NiteWhite Kit, Set of 3. ...
  • Dr. ...
  • Colgate Optic White ComfortFit Teeth Whitening Kit. ...
  • Auraglow Teeth Whitening Kit. ...
  • Crest3D Whitestrips, Pack of 22.
Sep 20, 2023

Can your teeth crack from whitening? ›

Dentists thoroughly examine your mouth to make sure that the teeth whitening treatment will not cause damage to your teeth and mouth. If you have unhealthy teeth and gums the dentist will not whiten your teeth. Teeth whitening will not crack your teeth but may damage your gums if not supervised by a dentist.

Who is a bad candidate 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.

Is there a teeth whitening that doesn't harm teeth? ›

  • 5 Teeth Whitening Products Designed for Sensitive Teeth.
  • Crest 3D White Whitestrips Gentle Routine Teeth Whitening Kit. ...
  • Sensodyne Extra Whitening Toothpaste. ...
  • Oral Essentials Lumineux Whitening Kit. ...
  • TrueWhite Teeth Whitening Pen. ...
  • In-Office Professional Whitening Treatments. ...
  • 115 Broadstreet Rd Suite C,

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