Professional teeth whitening can be a great way to get that million-dollar smile, but before you do, it’s important to understand the process, its potential dangers, and what your dentist can do to minimize them. Here’s everything you need to know about professional teeth whitening – why it’s done, what happens during the process, and how long it will last.
What’s in tooth-whitening products?
One of the biggest benefits of teeth whitening is that it doesn’t involve any kind of drilling or filling. But what does go into them? If you’re thinking about using a professional teeth-whitening service, here’s a quick look at what goes into commercial teeth-whitening products: Carbamide peroxide: This substance breaks down and releases hydrogen peroxide after being exposed to air. Hydrogen peroxide can then break down stains on your teeth. Glycerin: Glycerin helps keep moisture in tooth enamel and helps prevent damage caused by chemicals in tooth-whitening products. Sodium hydroxide: A corrosive substance that makes carbamide peroxide more soluble and easier to apply to your teeth; used in weaker concentrations for home whiteners.
What happens when you go to the dentist for whitening?
The first thing you’ll notice is that your teeth will get very white. This isn’t because your dentist is a magician; it’s because of a process called bleaching. Bleaching involves using a special chemical that removes stain and buildup on your teeth. It works great—as long as you don’t mind your teeth feeling like they were rubbed with sandpaper, or having sensitive gums. But all in all, professional teeth whitening is safe for just about everyone; it does take some time to see results, however (usually about two weeks). If you want to learn more about dental bleaching, check out our infographic below!
The risks of chemicals near your gums
We’re not medical professionals, but we are keenly aware of how your teeth whitening dentist near me can impact your health. The best way to stay safe is to be aware of all products and services you use – including teeth whitening products that you purchase online or over-the-counter. Those super-strength strips can be harmful if they’re used too frequently, and using a high-concentration hydrogen peroxide teeth whitener on your own could be dangerous without close supervision from a dentist. The worst thing that could happen is that someone ignores instructions and ends up burning their gums or even losing part of their teeth due to overly aggressive bleaching products.
Dangers of cracking teeth from the bleaching process
The bleaching process involves exposing your teeth to high levels of peroxide and ultra-violet light. While these products are generally safe, studies have shown that over time they can wear down tooth enamel, leaving teeth susceptible to discoloration or cracking. You also need to be careful not to overdo it when it comes to whitening your teeth. Some dentists will actually refuse to do multiple rounds of whitening because it can crack a patient’s enamel. But if you do find yourself in need of a touch-up, there are alternatives that don’t involve bleach such as electric whiteners and dental strips.
Alternatives to a dentist visit
If you’re interested in professional teeth whitening but nervous about visiting a teeth cleaning near me, there are plenty of alternatives. Some dentists offer teeth-whitening parties at local salons; if that’s not an option, there are also kits you can purchase and use at home. If you choose to go for a do-it-yourself kit, make sure to take proper precautions. Don’t skip steps—especially avoiding food after applying whitener—and don’t exceed recommended time limits. For example, some dentist recommend using product for five minutes up to twice a day; any longer or more often can damage teeth enamel or weaken existing stains beyond repair.
