People considering brightening their smile may wonder, is teeth whitening safe? Teeth whitening treatment is a safe, confidence-boosting dental cosmetic procedure when administered by a qualified dental professional.
However, the safety risks associated with unsupervised or mishandled over-the-counter products include soft tissue irritation, tooth sensitivity, demineralisation, and an adverse impact on tooth restorations.
How Safe is Teeth Whitening? The Risks
Scheduling a consultation with your dentist before getting a teeth whitening treatment alleviates the potential for irreversible damage to your smile. Some of the risks associated with OTC teeth whitening include:
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Damage to Existing Teeth Restorations
If teeth whitening products are incorrectly used, they can damage existing restorations. Whitening agents cannot penetrate restorative materials leaving the natural tooth structure dehydrated and unable to remineralise. This can result in a failed restoration.
If you are prescribed a restoration such as a dental crown, your dentist may recommend whitening your teeth first, so your restoration matches your newly brightened smile.
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Untreated Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
Teeth whitening agents can worsen or irritate gum disease.
They can also cause severe discomfort in a decayed tooth and inhibit the bond of dental filling material if used within two weeks after a filling.
At Gordon Family Dental, your dentist assesses your oral health before a dental whitening treatment.
Gum disease and tooth decay are reversible and can be easily treated before whitening your smile.
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Accidental Ingestion of Teeth Whitening Agents
If administering OTC teeth whitening products, accidental ingestion can cause vomiting, abdominal swelling, and a sore throat. Teeth whitening treatments are not recommended for pregnant or nursing women.
Is Teeth Whitening Safe if Your Dentist Gives You a Take-home Kit?
If you opt for a take-home teeth whitening treatment at Gordon Family Dental, you will be fitted with custom teeth whitening trays to prevent ingestion and to protect the soft tissues of your mouth. Custom fitted teeth whitening trays also ensure an even application of the teeth whitening gel for better results.
Professional Teeth Whitening Options at Gordon Family Dental
If you are interested in brightening your smile, consider in-chair teeth whitening treatment. At Gordon Family Dental, we use Philips Zoom, which whitens your teeth by up to eight shades in less than an hour.
Your dentist protects your lips and gums with a retractor before applying the teeth whitening gel to your teeth. The gel is activated for 15 minutes using ultraviolet light before being rinsed off. This step is repeated twice more to ensure all the stains are removed and the desired shade is achieved.
Alternatively, you may prefer to whiten your teeth at your convenience at home. Your dentist takes an impression of your mouth, so your bespoke trays can be fabricated. You will be given your trays, whitening gel, and instructions on how to use the trays. Depending on the strength of the gel you receive, you can choose to wear them during the day or overnight and will see noticeable results within two weeks.
Contact Gordon Family Dental to Arrange a Consultation
Not all teeth whitening products have the same ingredients. Products with high percentages of carbamide or hydrogen peroxide should only be used by a dentist with knowledge of the risk potential and prevention.
If you are considering brightening your smile, arrange a consultation for in-chair or at-home teeth whitening at Gordon Family Dental, so you never have to worry is teeth whitening safe. Call us now on (02) 9159 6163.
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