A frequently asked question is whether professional teeth whitening treatment can actually do more harm to your teeth than good. There is more emphasis placed on your tooth enamel when having teeth whitening treatment. Categorically, the answer is no. Professional teeth whitening treatment delivers more benefits to your oral health.
Professional teeth whitening is completed using a bleaching agent, designed to remove any intrinsic and extrinsic stains to your teeth. This limits plaque build-up and reduces the chances of bacteria. This makes way for whiter teeth.
What is Enamel?
Enamel is a protective film or shell that covers each and every tooth. The enamel is known to be the hardest tissue in the human body, formed in the outer layer of the tooth through tiny tubules. Enamel can only be viewed through a magnifier tool. Stains absorbed through the tissue layer of the enamel is known as dentin. The underlying dentin captures all stains and teeth whitening treatment lightens the underlying stained tissue to make way for a happy and healthy smile.
Does Teeth Whitening Damage Enamel?
The active bleaching agent used is hydrogen peroxide. This infiltrates the enamel and dentin to make way for whiter teeth. Bleaching agents are used by targeting the enamel and to hide any stains within the underlying dentin. The dentin can be considered as the shade that forms on the tooth. The more stain molecules that appear in the dentin, the darker the smile.
Therefore, teeth whitening does not damage your enamel. However, just because you’re reading this information does not mean teeth whitening treatment is best for you. This is dependent on the other factors, particularly the current state of your teeth.
Are Your Teeth Ready For Teeth Whitening Treatment?
Here are some other things to consider before administering teeth whitening treatment:
- Are My Teeth In The Right State? – Your teeth need to be in an appropriate state for teeth whitening treatment. If your teeth suffer from niggling wear-and-tear, or any teeth have become severely damaged or decayed, different treatments will be necessary before diving into teeth whitening treatment. The dentist will be best placed to examine the state of your teeth.
- Is Teeth Whitening Treatment Worth The Cost? – Teeth whitening is not typically covered by dental insurance plans and you should outweigh the pros and cons to your smile. Teeth whitening is nice to have and whilst delivers many oral health benefits, it is not for everybody.
- Is At-Home Bleaching Better For Me? – Bleaching can be performed at home or at the dentist. Bleaching products can be bought from over-the-counter drug stores. Although less expensive, there is no proof to suggest that at-home bleaching products will deliver the same benefits compared to in-office bleaching at the dental clinic. In-office bleaching requires multiple appointments. However, it is proven to be successful in delivering long-lasting results.
Looking to get your teeth whitened? Read here to learn why you should get it done professionally.
Final Thoughts
After teeth whitening treatment, be mindful that adopting positive oral hygiene is required to keep teeth white at home. Consult the dentist for a recommended oral hygiene plan.
If you’re considering teeth whitening treatment, our dentists at Sutherland Dental are on hand to deliver happy and healthy smiles.
Improve the quality of teeth and book your appointment with Sutherland Dental by clickinghere.
FAQs
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.
Does teeth whitening cause any dental problems? ›
“Generally speaking, whitening kits are not harmful to your teeth,” explains Dr. Greg Scheier, DDS of Scheier Dental Group. “There are, however, potential temporary sensitivities, both in the teeth and gums, that may result from the use of both over-the-counter and dentist-administered whitening kits.”
Is it safe to get teeth professionally whitened? ›
While there are several risks associated with teeth whitening, the procedure is generally safe when done by a professional. They are trained and certified and know how to apply the bleaching agents properly and how long to leave them on your teeth.
Can you whiten teeth without damaging enamel? ›
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.
What do dentists say about teeth whitening? ›
Dentists typically recommend teeth whitening for patients that are not entirely happy with their smile due to minor to moderate discoloration.
Who shouldn't get teeth whitening on? ›
Pregnant and lactating women. People who have restorations such as fillings, implants, crowns and dental bridges. Children under 16 years of age. Patients with periodontal disease, tooth decay, cavities and exposed roots.
Is there anything bad about teeth whitening? ›
What are the risks of teeth whitening? No matter what treatment you use, there's a chance your gums will be sensitive to the chemicals used in teeth whitening, particularly if you already have sensitive teeth. There's also a chance of burns to gums and some of the whitening kits used at home can harm tooth enamel.
What is the safest method of teeth whitening? ›
Custom-fitted trays and in-office treatments are the safest and most effective ways to whiten teeth. ADA-approved over-the-counter toothpastes, gels, and strips are more affordable and convenient options.
What is the average cost for teeth whitening? ›
While the average price of professional teeth whitening treatment is around £350 – £1000, the factors that influence the teeth whitening cost in the UK can include: The dentistry practice that you visit. Your individual dental needs. The type of treatment you choose – either at-home or in-chair.
How do celebrities get their teeth so white? ›
Veneers: If you see celebrities with perfectly white, straight, and uniform-looking teeth, they likely have veneers. Unlike teeth whitening, veneers are more permanent. There are various types of materials used, but porcelain and composite are the most common types.
Interesting fact: although almost anything else can be regenerated, our bodies can't naturally regenerate enamel. Once enamel has eroded, it's gone. The best way to keep enamel strong is by maintaining proper oral hygiene.
What type of teeth Cannot be whitened? ›
Teeth that have yellowed with age
Dentin is naturally yellowish and cannot be lightened with teeth whitening products.
Will teeth whitening hurt my teeth? ›
Although the procedure is considered safe and non-invasive, there are still some risks involved. It is not recommended to people with sensitive enamel, because the teeth whitening process uses chemicals. These chemicals aren't very friendly to dental enamel and can cause problems for people with worn down enamel.
Does teeth whitening from the dentist last? ›
Chairside bleaching (in-office tooth whitening)
If you maintain good oral hygiene, a chairside (or in-office) procedure should provide long-lasting results for 1 to 3 years. This procedure is done in your dentist's office.
Can too much whitening damage teeth? ›
Excessive teeth whitening with bleach may lead to tooth erosion. If your teeth are over-exposed to bleaching agents, this may cause the enamel that protects your teeth to be destroyed. This can result in long-lasting oral health issues such as tooth decay and fracture, and lead to quite a lot of pain.
