Common Side Effects of Teeth Whitening
One of the quickest and easiest ways to enhance the smile is with teeth whitening treatment. When performed under the supervision of cosmetic dentist Louis Buono at our Long Island dental practice, teeth whitening can brighten the teeth and leave them up to 10 shades whiter. These professional treatments can be completed in just under an hour, making it possible to greatly improve the aesthetics of the teeth in the span of a lunch hour. While teeth whitening is a non-invasive treatment that is considered highly safe and effective, it is not free of side effects. Dr. Buono ensures that patients understand the possible side effects of teeth whitening before they choose to undergo treatment.
Teeth whitening treatment brightens the teeth and removes surface stains by applying a concentrated hydrogen peroxide solution to the teeth. At-home teeth whitening kits have less concentrated bleaching solutions while professional teeth whitening treatment contains highly concentrated formulas that, combined with exposure to dental lights or lasers, produce even more drastic results. Whether performed at home or by Dr. Buono, teeth whitening may result in side effects. Some common side effects of teeth whitening treatment include:
- Sensitivity: The hydrogen peroxide solution used in teeth whitening may affect the enamel layer of the tooth, thus exposing some of the inner dentin layer. With the dentin exposed, patients are likely to experience slight tooth sensitivity. Patients may be especially sensitive to extreme temperatures. This sensitivity will be temporary and should only last for a few days following treatment.
- Gum irritation: If the bleaching formula comes into contact with the gums or soft tissue of the mouth, it can cause irritation or a temporary whitening of the gums. The gums may become red or inflamed if prolonged exposure occurs. This side effect is most frequently experienced by patients using at-home whitening kits. With the professional application of the whitening solution by Dr. Buono, it is highly unlikely that the gums or soft tissue will be damaged during teeth whitening.
- Dissatisfaction with results: Some patients undergo teeth whitening treatment and are unhappy with the whitening effects. This is another side effect that is most likely to be experienced by those using at-home whitening kits, which can only brighten the teeth by a couple of shades. Professional teeth whitening treatments offered by Dr. Buono can whiten the teeth up to 10 shades in just a single treatment.
Alternate Treatment
Professional teeth whitening can significantly improve the smile by leaving the teeth looking bright, white, and clean. However, patients with additional cosmetic flaws may be left wanting more aesthetic improvement. If discolored teeth are also flawed by chips or cracks or if they are misaligned or misshapen, teeth whitening cannot fully address aesthetic concerns. Patients with extensive cosmetic flaws should consider porcelain veneers, which offer a complete smile makeover in as little as two dental appointments.
Schedule an Appointment
Dr. Louis Buono prides himself on providing cosmetic treatments that allow patients to meet the aesthetic goals for their smile. If you are interested in improving the appearance of the teeth to produce a smile that looks naturally beautiful, schedule an appointment with Dr. Buono to learn more about teeth whitening or any of our other cosmetic procedures. We can give you a reason to smile.