Teeth Whitening: Is It Safe on Tooth Enamel? (2024)
We all want a white brighter smile. But this begs the question “does teeth whitening damage the enamel?” The answer is no. While there may sometimes be side effects, whitening treatment is safe on tooth enamel.
The process of tooth whitening is essentially the tooth will become dehydrated, meaning dried out. The active ingredient in the whitening product will go through the enamel and into the second layer of the tooth called the dentin. The product begins working to reverse staining or discoloration, essentially bleaching that second layer. After the treatment, the tooth then rehydrates naturally from our saliva. It’s important to remember when using whitening treatments to avoid stain-enhancing foods/drinks while the tooth is re-hydrating.
This process does not damage the tooth layers or integrity of the tooth, but can sometimes lead to temporary tooth sensitivity.
Temporary sensitivity is normal. Some people develop temporary sensitivity in the gums or teeth when using whitening products. That’s not a sign of long-term damage, but it can be uncomfortable. If it happens to you, consider taking a break from bleaching or switching to a milder product. Again, talk to your dentist for the right advice.
ADA seal of approval– The ADA seal of approval ensures that the product has been tested for safety and effectiveness.
Follow instructions– Always follow a product’s instructions, as some products are to be used more frequently or for longer periods of time than others.
Consult with your dentist– Consult with your dentist to determine that your teeth are healthy and ready to start a whitening treatment. It is important to avoid whitening if you have any active decay or dental diseases. There are also certain types of staining that respond well to whitening, and some that don’t. Yellow/Brown staining from external causes (coffee, tea, etc.) responds well to whitening treatments. Grey staining from internal causes (medications, developmental defects) does not respond as well to whitening treatments. Your dental provider can give you an idea of what to expect from the different types of whitening treatments.
Listen to your teeth– If you begin to experience sensitivity, take a break from your treatments or whiten for shorter lengths of time. And/or combine with a “sensitive” toothpaste.
There are three general types of whitening products–
Administered by your dentist
Dispensed by your dental for use at home
Dispensed over the counter or made at home without the oversight of your dentist
You may choose a certain whitening method due to factors such as type of staining you have, dental history (fillings and crowns), treatment method, cost.
Although over-the-counter treatments are less expensive, they may require a longer treatment period, and be less effective than professional whitening treatments.
Does whitening toothpaste alone whiten teeth? No. But toothpaste with stain defense- such as a pumice texture (baking soda toothpaste, crest 3D white, etc) will do a better job of cleansing surface stains if used regularly.
Our office offers three different options for teeth whitening.
ZOOM! In-office whitening – This is a one-visit appointment in our office. The appointment involves having the ZOOM! whitening gel placed on the teeth, and then four 15 minute cycles of whitening under our specialized light system. After the four cycles, you will leave with a noticeably whiter smile! We also include custom-fit bleaching trays to use after treatment to maintain your new whiter smile at home.
Custom-fit bleaching trays – These are whitening trays that are custom-made for your teeth. The trays go on comfortably, and our professional-grade bleaching gel goes into the trays. Bleach gel refills are $15 making this a very cost-efficient option for long-term results.
“Opalescence GO” trays – These are a one-size-fits-all whitening option. Each treatment includes an upper and lower tray that has a professional-grade whitening gel inside. These are one-time use only and are disposable after each use.
If you are interested in which whitening option is best for you, have questions about your current whitening regimen, or need to find out if your teeth are healthy to start a whitening regimen; call our office at 417-885-7040 or schedule an appointment online.
We would love to help you achieve a smile you love!
While there may sometimes be side effects, whitening treatment is safe on tooth enamel. The process of tooth whitening is essentially the tooth will become dehydrated, meaning dried out. The active ingredient in the whitening product will go through the enamel and into the second layer of the tooth called the dentin
dentin
By volume, 45% of dentin consists of the mineral hydroxyapatite, 33% is organic material, and 22% is water. Yellow in appearance, it greatly affects the color of a tooth due to the translucency of enamel. Dentin, which is less mineralized and less brittle than enamel, is necessary for the support of enamel.
Studies have shown that professional teeth whitening does not harm enamel. But that doesn't mean your concerns with enamel end there. People will thin enamel on their teeth might not be good candidates for professional teeth whitening.
Even though you can't reverse enamel erosion and shouldn't whiten at home to reduce yellowing, you can still change the look of your smile. The dentist can bond a tooth-colored material to the damaged area to create a smooth, pearly white finish.
Baking Soda: As long as you are careful to brush gently, baking soda can eliminate stains from the surface of your teeth without damaging them. Whitening Strips: Whitening strips mold to the shape of your teeth to whiten them. Whitening strips are both safe and effective.
But if you have thin enamel or discolored dentin, these whitening products will only serve to do more harm than good. The rule of thumb is the thinner your enamel, the darker the dentin will be, which means your teeth appear more yellow.
If you have a lot of fillings, dental bonding or crowns, you may not be a candidate for dental whitening. This is because restorations will not respond to whitening, and a whitening treatment could result in a very uneven appearance.
Tooth enamel is the hardest tissue in the body. Problem is, it's not living tissue, so it can't be naturally regenerated. Unfortunately, you can't regrow it artificially, either -- not even with those special toothpastes.
Teeth whitening treatments are for everyone – there's no age limit to having any kind of cosmetic dental treatments, so it doesn't matter if you're 26 or 62 or older, if you want whiter teeth, your age is not going to prevent it from happening.
Treatment of tooth enamel loss depends on your individual needs. Your dentist may recommend tooth bonding (filling the damaged areas with tooth-colored resins) to protect the tooth and improve its appearance. If the enamel loss is more severe, a crown may be necessary to protect the tooth from further decay.
Dental bonding involves applying a dental resin to the tooth surface to protect damaged areas and restore the intact surface. Enamel damage is usually experienced on the front of your teeth. If the outward-facing area of your teeth has experienced a serious degree of damage, porcelain veneers can replace the enamel.
The PVP (polyvinylpyrrolidone) and carbomer used in Crest Whitestrips (for sticking to the teeth) are generally fairly safe and non-toxic. However, overuse of these products can irritate the gums and damage enamel.
Baking soda with intensive and prolonged use can completely destroy the tooth enamel, as well as cause gum disease. With this product, you can actually get rid of plaque and pollution, but at a very high price. The price that you give when whitening with baking soda includes your healthy tooth enamel.
A coat of enamel protects your teeth. However, enamel may gradually break down due to certain health conditions and the foods and drinks you consume. As enamel wears off, your teeth may appear transparent.
You could be noticing enamel hypoplasia. This condition is a defect that causes a lesser quantity of enamel than normal. It can appear as a white spot, yellow to brown staining, pits, grooves or even thin, chipped or missing parts of enamel.
As the enamel erodes more, your teeth may appear grayish or yellow. Your teeth may begin to appear rounded, develop ridges, and often the gaps between teeth will become more substantial. Eventually, you may notice cracks in the teeth or experience loss of tooth material.
Calcium, specifically, is essential for strong, healthy teeth because it helps remineralize enamel. Incorporating a healthy number of dairy products, leafy greens, and nuts into your diet could help with strengthening of tooth enamel, and in turn with whiter teeth.
We advise whitening your teeth just once a year, whether professionally or at home. This should keep sensitivity from becoming a problem while helping you maintain a white, natural-looking smile. Typically, the professional-grade whitening kits available from our dental office last about a year.
Drink Plenty of Water : The most simple and effective way to rehydrate your teeth after whitening is to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Water helps replenish the moisture levels in your mouth and promotes saliva production, which aids in washing away acid and bacteria.
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