Over time, many patients accumulate tooth discoloration from food and drinks, leaving their smiles darkened or yellowed. With a professional teeth whitening procedure, our Nashville patients can once again smile with confidence. If you are considering teeth whitening as a way to remove years of surface and sometimes even deep stains, you should also understand what to expect after Teeth Whitening.
With the right expectations and an accurate understanding of the risks, you can have a satisfying and worry-free experience.
Side Effects after Whitening
While teeth whitening carries few inherent risks and side effects, patients can expect some discomfort in their teeth and possibly gums after treatment. This is due to the active ingredient, hydrogen peroxide, which is responsible for expunging stains from teeth. Although the effects are brief and usually mild, you should be aware of these common side effects from whitening:
- Heightened sensitivity in teeth: After treatment, teeth should be expected to have increased sensitivity for a day or two. This may range from a dull ache to sharp, sporadic pains. For a majority of patients, sensitivity is easily manageable with over-the-counter pain medication and by avoiding hot or cold foods and drinks. Those who have sensitive teeth prior to treatment are more likely to experience discomfort, and may wish to consider a take-home whitening kit rather in-office treatment , as the gel contains smaller doses of hydrogen peroxide per application.
- Irritation in gums:If the whitening gel comes in contact with gum tissue, it may result in a brief but irritating chemical burn. The gums will appear discolored and may sting for a few hours, but should fully heal within the first or second day. With professional treatment by an experienced cosmetic dentist, accidental gum exposure to the gel can be greatly minimized or avoided completely. This is further aided by an appropriately fitted dental tray, which will limit gel from leaking out onto the gums.
Because children and younger adolescents still have developing teeth, the dentin tissue within their teeth is not as well protected. As a result, whitening treatment would result in even greater side effects and possible risks. Treatment is therefore reserved for patients who are 16 and older.
The Effects of Over-bleaching
Teeth whitening is a relatively safe cosmetic treatment, posing few (if any) risks to most patients. However, those who undergo too many successive whitening treatments do put themselves in danger of over-bleaching.
If teeth are overexposed to the hydrogen peroxide agent in whitening gel, the outer layers of enamel may begin to wear away, exposing the dentin and soft inner tissues. This results in lasting sensitivity and discoloration, as dentin is a naturally darker color than enamel. Moreover, eroded teeth are left vulnerable to injury or disease, and may thus require permanent protection by porcelain veneers or dental crowns.
If you have previously benefited from teeth whitening and are considering another whitening treatment, speak with your dentist to determine if enough time has passed.
The Limitations of Teeth Whitening
Keep in mind that whitening gel is most effective on surface stains, which are generally the result of food, drink, and tobacco use. Deeper stains, such as those formed by injury, medication, or fluoride, are more difficult to remove. Depending on the nature of discoloration, whitening may not be able to address all stains. For alternative cosmetic options to conceal stubborn stains, consider dental bonding or porcelain veneers.
Additionally, teeth whitening is not particularly effective on restorations. Dental crowns, porcelain veneers, and visible fillings will not benefit from the effects of whitening as natural teeth would. If, after treatment, your restorations no longer match the color of your teeth, you may replace them to blend in with your brighter smile.
Get Started On Your New Smile
Whiter teeth are just one office visit away. Contact us to learn more about this procedure or any of our similarly effective cosmetic treatments.
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FAQs
What Can You Expect After Teeth Whitening Procedure? Your teeth may be sensitive a few days after teeth whitening in Chaska. The sensitivity is usually gone in a few days, but it might last longer if you have had gum sensitivity. It is important to use tooth-sensitive toothpaste to ease the discomfort.
How long does it take for teeth to heal after whitening? ›
Further, your gums may sting or appear slightly discolored for a few hours after the treatment. But, there is no need to get panic. This discomfort will disappear shortly, and you will get healed in 1-2 days following the Teeth Whitening Treatment in Pasadena.
What are the don'ts after teeth whitening? ›
Particularly in the 48 hours after your teeth whitening procedure, avoid anything acid-based, including soda, pickles and citrus fruits like orange and lemon. Also steer clear of foods that easily create stains: Coffee. Red white.
How long do teeth pores stay open after whitening? ›
The pores slowly close over the next two to three days, but during that time, your teeth are more susceptible to staining from foods and drinks. For at least the first 48 hours, it's best to avoid darkly colored foods and drinks, including berries, coffee, tea, red wine, and tomato sauce.
Do I brush teeth after whitening? ›
As for whether you should brush your teeth after using whitening strips, there is no definitive answer. While some experts recommend brushing immediately after removing the strips to ensure all residue is removed, others advise waiting for 30 minutes to allow the enamel to rehydrate and minimize potential abrasion.
Do teeth turn yellow again after whitening? ›
The level of whitening obtained depends on the bleaching agent's concentration in the gel and how often you use the strips. Results can last for several months, but over time, factors like diet and oral hygiene may cause teeth to regain some of their original color gradually.
How long after teeth whitening can I eat normally? ›
When the dentist whitens teeth, your teeth can become sensitive to different foods that can stain. After 24-72 hours, you can resume your regular diet. The following are the things that you need to avoid after teeth whitening. Sugary foods can irritate your teeth and trigger the bacteria responsible for causing decay.
Why can't you drink water after teeth whitening? ›
After you whiten your teeth with Philips Sonicare teeth whitening products, acidic or staining foods and drinks are more easily absorbed by your teeth. This can lead to discoloration, and this why it is advised to wait 30 minutes after whitening before eating or drinking.
Why do my teeth look weird after whitening? ›
Noticing white spots on the surface of your teeth after a whitening treatment is caused by hypo-calcification. Teeth whitening does not cause white spots on your teeth; however, tooth whitening treatments can make already present spots more visible.
Do you rinse your mouth after teeth whitening? ›
After Whitening: Remove the tray and rinse off your teeth.
This is typically cause by dehydration of the teeth and should diminish within an hour. For one hour following bleaching do not eat or drink things which may cause staining of the teeth (i.e. coffee, tea, berries, mustard).
Here are a couple of reasons why your teeth may appear patchy after undergoing teeth whitening near you: A lot of the time, the edges of your teeth respond more quickly to bleaching than the inner areas since the bleach can penetrate the enamel more rapidly.
Do teeth become weak after whitening? ›
Teeth are thought to become more sensitive after whitening because the whitener weakens the teeth slightly, exposing “dentinal microtubules” that connect the outside of the tooth to the nerves inside.
Can I drink coffee through a straw after teeth whitening? ›
However, it's still advisable to wait at least 24 to 48 hours after the whitening procedure before consuming coffee, even with a straw, to allow your teeth to fully settle and rehydrate. Following this initial period, using a straw can be a practical way to enjoy coffee while maintaining the brightness of your smile.
How to rehydrate teeth after whitening? ›
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.
Why shouldn't you brush your teeth right before whitening? ›
Wait before applying Whitestrips: It's essential to wait 30 minutes after brushing before applying Whitestrips. Brushing can temporarily weaken your enamel, making it more sensitive. Waiting allows your teeth to recover and minimizes the risk of sensitivity.
How often can I use crest white strips? ›
The strips are applied to upper and lower teeth, once a day, for up to 30 minutes. Depending on the specific Crest 3D White Whitestrips product chosen, strips should be applied daily for anywhere from 10 to 20 consecutive days.
How do you restore enamel after whitening teeth? ›
Your dentist may recommend a post-whitening fluoride treatment, especially if you have sensitive teeth. Fluoride works to restore minerals onto the tooth's surfaces after dental procedures like tooth whitening. This treatment helps with preventing future re-staining and long-term tooth sensitivity.
How long does it take to go from yellow teeth to whiten teeth? ›
Ideally, you will use an electric toothbrush to eliminate as much staining as possible. Use teeth whitening toothpaste two times per day and you might notice whiter teeth in as little as half a month's time. However, it could take upwards of a month and a half to produce meaningful results.
How long does teeth whitening stay in your system? ›
The effects of teeth whitening can last up to 2-3 years or as little as six months, and it varies from person to person. It won't last as long if you indulge in things that stain your teeth, such as: Smoking. Dark liquids like red wine, coffee, and tea.
Why do my teeth look darker after whitening? ›
Foods and drinks with strong pigments, such as coffee, tea, red wine, and some fruits like berries, can reverse the effects of teeth whitening by staining your teeth. Consuming these in moderation and practicing good oral hygiene can help maintain whitening results.
