Over the years you’ve felt like your teeth have lost a bit of their luster and you’re ready for whiter brighter smile with teeth whitening. However, you have a lot of questions, and you’re not sure where to begin. Your dentist has answers for you, and here are some of the common questions we hear about teeth whitening.
How Can I Whiten My Teeth if I Have Sensitivity?
If your teeth tend to be sensitive, you can still enjoy the benefits of teeth whitening by following a few simple steps. First, brush them prior to whitening with toothpaste designed for sensitivity. Following up after whitening with a fluoride treatment can also help to relieve sensitivity.
The professional whitening products that your dentist uses are typically formulated to reduce sensitivity while still achieving the best results. Over-the-counter (OTC) products can’t make these guarantees since their ingredients are less regulated.
Is Teeth Whitening Safe?
Besides tooth sensitivity, the other side effect that can occur during whitening is irritation to your gums or other soft tissues. If the whitening gel comes into contact with your gums, it can sometimes cause a burning sensation.
Your dentist applies a protective barrier around your gums in order to protect them from excess whitening gel during an in-office whitening procedure. Take-home whitening trays are customized with impressions taken of your teeth for this same purpose of protecting your gums from excess whitening gel.
How Effective if Professional Whitening?
The whitening products that your dentist uses are a higher strength than what you will find at the drug store. This means that you will spend less time whitening to achieve your desired results when you work with your dentist.
In-office whitening with your dentist is ideal for producing immediate results and most patients leave their appointment with teeth that are 6 to 10 shades lighter than when they started.
Take-home whitening trays are great for giving you the freedom to whiten your teeth whenever you like, based on your own schedule. You will also have your trays available for touch ups down the road.
If you have more questions about teeth whitening and how it can benefit you, contact your dentist to schedule a consultation today.
About the Author
Coral Springs Dentistry is comprised of a highly skilled team of dentists focused on delivering exceptional care to their patients. They combine their unique skills and specialties to deliver comprehensive care to their patients and offer services such as treatment for sleep apnea that patients may not find at other offices.
If you would like to contact Coral Springs Dentistry, we can be reached through our website online or by calling 954-341-0500.