Common Questions and Concerns about Professional Teeth Whitening
One of the most common questions directed at a cosmetic dentist is about the best way to whiten the teeth. Some patients have heard that the in-office treatments can be uncomfortable for those with sensitive teeth, and it can also cause gum irritation too.
The fact of the matter is that the process of teeth whitening has been improved and refined over the years and now anyone will experience only mild symptoms at best. The cosmetic dentist will be able to usually identify the patients with the greatest risks for discomfort--such as those with gum recession, fractures and cracks in the teeth, or openings in the surface due to restorative work.
It is important to remember that even the worst of the side effects or symptoms will usually come to an end within a day or two of the treatment. This includes those patients who prefer to use the take home systems instead of the in-office procedures.
Both approaches to teeth whitening will use a bleaching process that relies on a peroxide compound, but it is the take-home kit with the weaker solution. This might not matter all that much, however, because some people must leave the take home trays on their teeth for an entire evening to get the results desired.
Additionally, the effects of teeth whitening might be different according to the type of discoloration being treated. For example, those with extrinsic stains on only the surface or upper layers of enamel will need much shorter and milder treatments than those with intrinsic stains. These are stains that result from damage, disease, or trauma to a tooth and which tend to discolor the interior of the tooth rather than just the surface. Some cosmetic dentists will prefer that patients use the take-home tray system for discoloration of this kind, and the patient may need to use the trays for upwards of a full year to get the best results.
For additional information on teeth whitening in Minneapolis area contact our practice today to schedule a consultation.