Having a bright white smile is a dream of many. People often associate it with good health, giving us extra confidence.
That’s why professional teeth whitening treatment is one of the most popular dental procedures. Every year thousands of people rely on this treatment to get the smile of their dreams.
It involves the use of peroxide-based bleaching agents to remove stains and discoloration. However, many folks believe that these bleaching agents can cause harm to enamel (the hard, protective layer that covers your teeth).
On the contrary, science confirms that enamel is the hardest part of the human body and does not wear off easily.
So, what’s the truth? Does teeth whitening damage enamel or not? We’ll find out in this blog.
Does Teeth Whitening Damage Enamel?
Does teeth whitening hurt the enamel? It may be one of the most searched questions on the internet, related to dental treatment.
Well, the answer to this question depends on the use of bleaching agents: hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide during the treatment.
According to a study published in J Evid Based Dent Pract, these bleaching agents are completely safe if used according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
However, this same study also states that aggressive bleaching with high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide office-based products can lead to enamel softening.
Simply put, teeth whitening can damage enamel if the bleaching agents are not used properly.
But, when the dentist uses them according to the manufacturer’s instructions, this treatment is completely safe. Let’s look at some myths related to this treatment.
Myths Related to Tooth Whitening
Most of the cosmetic treatments come with side effects, but not all of them are true. Here are myths about teeth whitening treatment that you should be aware of:
1. It causes Extreme and Unavoidable Sensitivity
Teeth whitening treatment may lead to sensitivity, which goes away after a few days.
This happens because the bleaching agent sometimes irritates the gums, which makes the teeth sensitive to hot and cold.
It is usually a temporary issue that is not extreme and Unavoidable. The dentist will also provide you with some aftercare methods to deal with this problem.
2. Gives You Permanent Pain
Now we know that teeth whitening does not damage tooth enamel, but it leads to pain. However, there is no need to worry because the pain is not permanent. It comes with a sensitivity and goes with it too.
The pain may last for one or two days if you follow aftercare instructions perfectly.
3. Makes Your Teeth Look Unnatural
Another common myth related to teeth whitening is that it makes the teeth look unnatural. Folks believe that this treatment will give them a 100-watt Bollywood smile, but it’s not true.
Professional teeth whitening treatment just brings out the natural beauty of your teeth, which enhances your facial appearance.
This treatment gives a natural look as it doesn’t over-brighten the teeth, just removes the stains to reveal the white tooth color.
4. Teeth Whitening is Permanent
Teeth whitening treatment is not permanent. Yes, you read it right, it is not a permanent solution for your discolored teeth.
Now you must be wondering, “How long does teeth whitening last?”. Well, it depends on how well the patient takes care of thier oral hygiene.
Usually with proper oral care, it may last for 2-3 years. One can make it last longer by avoiding staining foods and beverages.
5. Over-the-counter Products are Better
Multiple over-the-counter products claim to whiten teeth. But, keep in mind that they are not better than the professional whitening procedure.
Over-the-counter products may take longer than professional treatment to give results. Additionally, they may also lead to side effects that can harm your teeth.
Professional teeth whitening has a qualified expert that makes it safe, and effective for the patient.
So, these were some of the myths related to professional teeth whitening treatment.
However, you should also be aware that one may experience some real long-term side effects of teeth whitening if the candidate is not suitable for it.
Who is a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
Whether teeth whitening damages enamel or not will also depend on the oral conditions of the patients.
A wrong candidate may have to suffer serious consequences. Professional teeth whitening is ideal for:
1. Healthy Teeth and Gums: As we have discussed, teeth whitening may lead to sensitivity that goes away in a few days.
But, this can be dangerous for people with pre-existing periodontal disease. This is because the procedure can increase nerve pain and may make the condition worse than before.
2. Have natural sets of teeth – The bleaching agents used during professional teeth whitening don’t whiten the Implants, bridges, crowns, and fillings.
That’s why people with multiple visible dental restorations are not suitable to go for this treatment. Whitening on such patients can result in an uneven appearance across the mouth.
3. Yellow teeth Staining – Teeth staining is of different types, and according to experts, people with yellow teeth staining see more significant results from whitening.
Other deeper staining is also removed, but yellowish and brown teeth get better visible results.
4. Free of Allergies – Bleaching agents such as Peroxide may trigger the existing allergies in Patients.
Additionally, it may also lead to a reaction, including a breakout or red, flaking, irritated skin around the mouth.
5. Nonpregnant woman – Pregnancy may lead to swollen or bleeding gums and cavities, which may get worse due to the bleaching agents.
That’s why pregnant women are advised to avoid exposure to these agents.
6. Patience is the key – As we know, yellow staining is removed easily and gets better results. But deeper and darker stains may take time.
That’s why multiple appointments are needed to deal with them. So, those who expect instant results may not be happy with the treatment, but patients with patience will enjoy its fruits.
So, if you believe you fit these criteria, opt for the treatment without any hesitation. Get in touch with a top dentist in Patna for the treatment to achieve safe, effective, and long-lasting results.
Top Dentist in Patna for Teeth Whitening
Dr. Aishwarya Roy is by far the best dentist in Patna to get cosmetic treatments such as professional teeth whitening.
This committed dental expert has been helping people achieve a white and bright smile for more than a decade.
Dr. Aishwarya runs a dental clinic that is located in the heart of Patna – Boring Road. This clinic is famous in the town for providing safe, effective, and precise treatment, that too at affordable prices.
Dr. Aishwarya’s Multispecialty Dental Clinic is well-equipped with the latest dental tools and technologies that make it stand out from the crowd.
Also, it provides a wide range of services that make this clinic a go-to stop for all dental issues. That’s why regional folks consider it the best dental clinic in Patna.
Conclusion
Professional Teeth whitening is one of the most popular dental procedures of all time. However, oftentimes people ask “Does teeth whitening damage enamel?” and the answer to this question depends on how well the treatment is performed.
Inadequate use of whitening agents can cause harm to the enamel. That’s why it’s crucial to get in touch with a well-experienced and qualified professional to achieve safe and effective results.
If you reside in Patna, do contact Dr. Aishwarya Roy. She has been in the field for years and is known in the town for her expertise.
Her prices are reasonable and her expertise is unmatched. To book an appointment with her, visit her clinic in person or click the button below.
