If you’re considering whitening your teeth because they look yellow or stained, there are a few things you should know first. At Appolon Dental Group in Midtown Manhattan, we want our patients to know the truth about teeth whitening before they rush out to the store to buy a whitening product or buy something online.
1. Professional Tooth Whitening Won’t Damage Your Teeth
Unlike over the counter products, professional teeth whitening won’t damage your teeth. This is because Dr. Appolon uses professional products and follows strict instructions for the whitening treatment. If you decide to whiten your teeth at home, she will give you explicit instructions as to how to whiten your teeth safely.
2. Tooth Sensitivity is Normal
Some patients are more prone to tooth sensitivity than others. Unfortunately, tooth sensitivity is a normal side effect of teeth whitening caused by the teeth drying out from the bleaching solution. The tooth sensitivity should disappear within 12 to 36 hours. Using toothpaste for sensitivity can also help. Patients who are more prone to sensitivity can also request less harsh whitening treatments.
3. Deep Stains Take Time to Get Rid of
Stains can’t disappear overnight, especially if they’re deep within the tooth. When you get a professional teeth whitening treatment, please keep in mind that your whitening treatment may take longer to achieve your ideal results.
4. Use At-Home Kits Before Bedtime
If you’re using a take-home whitening kit, the best time to use it is right before bed. This is because you likely won’t be eating or drinking anything for at least 8 hours. After a whitening treatment, the pores in the teeth are more open than usual which means they can absorb colors from food and drinks easier. By using the whitening treatment before bed, it gives your teeth plenty of time to close the pores.
5. Not Everyone Can Whiten Their Teeth
If you have a lot of dental restorations like fillings, crowns, or bridges, teeth whitening isn’t always the best option. If the restorations are the same color as your natural teeth, a whitening treatment will cause your natural teeth to change in color but not your restorations. With that said, you should only whiten your teeth if the restorations are whiter in color.
6. Professional Whitening is Safe
A professional tooth whitening is completely safe. Dr. Appolon will monitor your progress and ensure no harm comes to your teeth during the process.
If you’re thinking of whitening your teeth, please contact our Midtown Manhattan cosmetic dentist for a tooth whitening consultation.
