Why Teeth Whitening Should Only Be Performed at the Dentist

jdand Teeth Whitening

Everybody wants a bright, white smile. But teeth can become stained over time due to aging, medications, smoking, and consuming pigmented foods and beverages. With the improvements in teeth whitening products over the past decade, you can have your teeth professionally whitened quickly and easily by your dentist.

Professional in-chair tooth whitening is the safest and most effective way to brighten your smile.

Teeth Whitening isn’t for Everyone

Tooth whitening helps remove stains from teeth by lifting and dispersing pigment molecules trapped in the tooth’s enamel. There are two types of stained teeth: Extrinsic and intrinsic.

Extrinsic stains

These are external stains that occur on the tooth enamel (the tooth’s outer protective layer). Extrinsic stains are typically caused by diet or lifestyle habits, like smoking.

Intrinsic stains

These are internal stains that may affect deeper layers of the teeth, typically due to medications, trauma, or illness. Intrinsic stains often cannot be removed with conventional teeth whitening products.

Periodontitis (gum disease), tooth decay, dental plaque buildup, and even tooth sensitivity can make you an unsuitable candidate for teeth whitening. You may need to improve your oral health or receive treatment before whitening your teeth.

After an initial consultation at Owens Cosmetic and Family Dentistry, we can determine the extent of discoloration and identify whether the stains are extrinsic and intrinsic.

Because intrinsic stains occur in the dentin, professional teeth whitening cannot eliminate discoloration. Alternative cosmetic procedures may be more effective for improving your smile, like dental veneers.

Owens Cosmetic and Family Dentistry offers porcelain veneers, dental crowns, and a complete smile makeover to cosmetically enhance your smile and disguise severe tooth staining.

Problems With Non-Dental Whitening

Over-the-counter or at-home tooth whitening kits and whitening strips often contain the same ingredients as professional-grade in-office whitening products, such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. However, professional dentists, like Dr. Owens, use a whitening gel with a higher concentration of bleach solution to safely get dramatic results in just a single dental appointment.

Although teeth whitening is safe, there are some side effects. The most common issue is tooth sensitivity immediately after a whitening procedure. The whitening agent demineralizes the teeth, causing them to become more porous.

The porous enamel exposes the dentin, which contains microscopic tubules that lead to the pulp chamber and tooth nerves, making the teeth sensitive. Misusing at-home whitening kits and leaving whitening products on for too long can cause sensitivity and permanent damage to your teeth.

Teeth whitening agents contain strong chemicals. If it comes into contact with the gums, it can cause a chemical burn. Although these burns heal, they can cause sensitivity and discomfort.

Dentists can administer tooth whitening safely and effectively. Dr. Owens uses dental expanders and a protective barrier to safeguard your gums to prevent soft tissue irritation. The entire procedure is carefully supervised to ensure your safety and comfort.

Teeth Whitening at the dentist

The Owens Cosmetic and Family Dentistry Solution

At Owens Cosmetic and Family Dentistry, we provide professional teeth whitening that works faster and is more effective than standard at-home products. Our office whitening solution uses a strong whitening agent, which is activated with a UV light.

Our Philips Zoom! Whitening system can help restore teeth whiteness by at least 6 to 8 shades in a single session. The process can be repeated up to three times in a single visit to ensure you get the results you desire.

To maximize the effectiveness of the whitening treatment, we recommend having your teeth cleaned professionally two weeks before your appointment. Schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Owens to determine whether you’re a suitable candidate for professional teeth whitening.

The professional at-home solution

We provide a professional-strength at-home whitening agent along with custom-fitted trays to help you maintain your brighter smile long-term.

Our home kits are formulated with desensitizing and remineralizing ingredients for patients with sensitive teeth, ensuring a more comfortable whitening process. We recommend using these kits to supplement a professional Zoom Whitening procedure.

Achieve Your Smile Goals With Professional Teeth Whitening

If you’re considering teeth whitening to rejuvenate your smile, contact Owens Cosmetic and Family Dentistry. Our professional services and at-home treatment options help you achieve fast and long-lasting results.

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