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The Truth About Teeth Bleaching

June 24th, 2008

The Truth About Teeth Bleaching
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Teeth bleaching is ideal for people who have healthy, teeth with no fillings, and healthy gums. Individuals with yellow tones to their teeth respond best. But teeth bleaching cosmetic dental procedure is not recommended for everyone.

Find out if teeth bleaching is right for you.

Who Should Not Undergo Teeth Bleaching?

Tooth whitening is not recommended or will be less successful in the following circumstances:

  • Age and pregnancy issues. Teeth bleaching is not recommended in children under the age of 16. This is because the pulp chamber, or nerve of the tooth, is enlarged until this age. Bleaching teeth under this condition could irritate the pulp or cause it to become sensitive. Teeth bleaching is also not recommended in pregnant or lactating women.
  • Gum disease, worn enamel, cavities, and exposed roots. Individuals with gum disease or teeth with worn enamel are generally discouraged from undergoing a tooth bleaching procedure. Cavities need to be treated before undergoing any bleaching procedure. This is because the bleaching solutions penetrate into any existing decay and the inner areas of the tooth, which can cause sensitivity. Also, bleaching procedures will not work on exposed tooth roots because roots do not have an enamel layer.
  • Fillings, crowns and other restorations. Tooth-colored fillings and resin composite materials used in dental restorations (crowns, veneers, bonding, bridges) do not whiten. Therefore, using a tooth bleaching agent on teeth that contain restorations will results in uneven bleaching-in this case, making the teeth without restorations appear lighter than those with restorations. Any bleaching procedure should be done prior to the placement of restorations. Individuals with numerous restorations that would result in uneven bleaching may be better off considering bonding, veneers or crowns rather than a tooth bleaching system. Ask your dentist what strategy is best for you.
  • Sensitive teeth and allergies. Individuals with sensitive teeth and gums, receding gums and/or defective restorations should consult with their dentist prior to using a tooth bleaching system. Anyone allergic to peroxide (the whitening agent) should not use a bleaching product.
  • Unrealistic expectations. Individuals who expect their teeth to be a new “blinding white” may be disappointed with their results. Smokers need to be aware that their results will be limited unless they refrain from continued smoking, particularly during the bleaching process. A healthy guide as to a reasonable degree of whiteness to achieve with a teeth bleaching process that would give a natural appearance to a person’s teeth is a slightly whiter color than the whites of your eyes.
  • Darkly stained teeth. Yellowish teeth respond well to teeth bleaching, brownish-colored teeth respond less well and grayish-hue or purple-stained teeth may not respond to bleaching at all. Blue-gray staining caused by tetracycline is more difficult to lighten and may require up to 6 months of home treatments or several in-office appointments to successfully lighten. Teeth that have dark stains may be better candidates for another lightening option, such as veneers, bonding, or crowns. Your dentist can discuss the options best suited for you.

Risks Associated With Teeth Bleaching

The two side effects that occur most often are a temporary increase in tooth sensitivity and mild irritation of the soft tissues of the mouth, particularly the gums. Tooth sensitivity often occurs during early stages of the bleaching treatment. Tissue irritation most commonly results from an ill-fitting mouthpiece tray rather than the tooth-bleaching agent. Both of these conditions usually are temporary and disappear within 1 to 3 days of stopping or completing treatment.

Teeth Sensitivity After Tooth Bleaching Procedure

If you do experience teeth sensitivity, you can reduce or eliminate it by:

  • Wearing the tray for a shorter period of time (for example, two 30-minute sessions vs. two 60-minute sessions)
  • Stop whitening your teeth for two to three days to allow your teeth to adjust to the bleaching process
  • Ask your dentist or pharmacist for a high fluoride-containing product, which can help remineralize your teeth. Apply the fluoride product to the tray and wear for 4 minutes prior to and following the bleaching agent.
  • Brush your teeth with a toothpaste made for sensitive teeth. These toothpastes contain potassium nitrate, which helps soothe your teeth’s nerve endings.

Also simply remember to ask your dentist, if that you have conceived isn’t harmful for you.


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