The Potential Risks of Teeth Whitening

There are many causes of discoloration of teeth and as science gets a better grasp on the subject, people are better able to prevent some of it.  Despite this, there are factors that simply cannot be avoided.  For instance, genetics, which determines the natural color of our teeth; aging, which wreaks havoc on the color of our teeth; and even trauma, which can cause staining as a result of cracking, are not matters that cannot be ignored.  As a result, hundreds of thousands, if not millions of Americans aim each year to make their pearly whites a little more so.  However, teeth whitening and bleaching does not come without potential risks.

“Not the ‘Color’ I was Hoping For” When you enter into a treatment facility, or even when you open a new box of at-home treatment solution, you expect, in the worst case, to have the product fail to deliver the desired results.  However, for some individuals that is not the worst case.  For those people who have had other cosmetic work done – including veneers, restorations, bonding, or dental crowns – the results can be rather strange in appearance.  Because these unnatural surfaces do not respond to the treatment in the same way as the teeth do, the result is often brilliant white teeth with spots of off-white where the corrective agents were used – or, as some call it, “technicolor teeth.”

The “rebound effect” is another undesirable result of tooth bleaching.  This is simply an immediate loss of the resulting white from treatment.  It is thought that this can happen in as little as seven days, or less when the individual practices behaviors that encourage staining.

“Whoever Knew Whitening Could be Painful?” One of the most serious potential side-effects of teeth bleaching is chemical burning.  Though few individuals will experience this to a serious degree, many people do report gum irritation as a result of the peroxide in the whitening agent.  This should subside after bleaching is complete, but could last for several days thereafter. 

Another cause of pain after bleaching is increased sensitivity.  This is why many cosmetic dentistry Colorado Springs professionals will recommend that those with serious sensitivity prior to bleaching carefully weigh the benefits and potential outcome.  Though the increased sensitivity – most commonly experienced with an in-office treatment – usually disappears within a day or two after treatment, it can last up to a month.

A good dentist will be able to cover the full list of potential side effects and will ensure that you are well fitted with a mouth piece to prevent much of the irritation attributed to the bleaching agent.  He or she will also provide information on how to best prevent rebound discoloration after treatment, so you can enjoy the sparkling white for many months to come.  If you are considering teeth bleaching, then speak to your dentist to determine the best route for you.