Teeth whitening is one of the safest cosmetic dental procedures you can undergo to improve your smile.
Teeth whitening is one of the safest cosmetic dental procedures you can undergo to improve your smile, but there are some potential side effects to take into consideration before you begin treatment.
While most patients experience few or no side effects, you should be aware of the possibility of any of the following risks of teeth whitening:
- Tooth sensitivity during the first day or two following treatment due to existing sensitivity. Patients with cracked teeth, open cavities, compromised fillings, or other pre-existing dental conditions may suffer from prolonged sensitivity after whitening.
- Temporary blanching or whitening of the gums that occurs when the gum tissue is exposed to the whitening solution and usually subsides within minutes.
- Regression of the tooth color which can be accelerated by exposing teeth to known staining agents like coffee, wine, tobacco, sodas, and fruits too soon after treatment. Patients should refrain from ingesting anything except for water for the first hour after treatment, and refrain from staining foods and beverages for at least 24 hours.
- Blisters on your lips caused by an allergic reaction to peroxide.
- Unfavorable results due to heavy or internal staining that prevents the teeth from lightening to the desired shade.
- Teeth that have a gray or translucent appearance caused by excessive or overly aggressive whitening treatments.
Professional teeth whitening has no side effects that are permanent or harmful. When properly administered, whitening treatments can lighten teeth up to ten shades in as little as one office visit. To minimize side effects and ensure optimal results, choose professional whitening treatment that is performed by an experienced dentist. Follow your dental professional’s instructions precisely, and never perform extra whitening treatment without your dentist’s approval.
