Discover these five important facts about tooth whitening. 

Have you been looking for ways that your Great Falls dentist can enhance the look of your smile? Tooth whitening is one of the most convenient options for immediate results. If you’re worried about potential downsides to this treatment, read on to learn five facts about safe and effective professional tooth whitening.

1. Tooth whitening is safe.

Achieving a brighter smile can provide a range of benefits, but cosmetic dentistry should never come at the cost of oral health. Patients are right to consider the potential health impact of any treatment they seek out. However, many of the concerns around professional tooth whitening are misplaced.

Your dentist uses clinical-strength whitening gel to deliver powerful whitening in a short period. While this gel is stronger than what you’ll find in over-the-counter products, it is still perfectly safe and doesn’t harm the enamel of your teeth. While it removes stains more effectively, that doesn’t mean it is harmful to teeth.

Keep in mind that professional tooth whitening is carried out by a skilled and experienced dentist. They have the knowledge required to safely apply the clinical-strength gel without causing any irritation to the gums or other parts of your mouth.

2. Tooth sensitivity is manageable.

One of the most significant concerns that patients have about any cosmetic dentistry treatment is tooth sensitivity. Sensitive teeth can be difficult to manage, restricting your dietary options and causing discomfort. However, most of the concern around tooth sensitivity and tooth whitening is exaggerated, and you can take steps to minimize it.

Many patients do experience an increase in sensitivity immediately following tooth whitening. However, this sensitivity is typically mild and short-lived. You’ll be back to normal quickly and will probably experience little to no discomfort.

Avoiding particularly hot or cold food for a few days after professional tooth whitening is the best way to avoid the brunt of tooth sensitivity. Keeping up with proper oral hygiene with regular brushing and flossing can keep your teeth strong and lessen sensitivity in general.

3. Teeth whitening doesn’t damage dental restorations.

Many people live with various types of dental restorations. From simple dental fillings to veneers, crowns, bridges, and dental implants, a wide range of tooth restoration and replacement options help patients enjoy stunning smiles. There are requirements to protect those restorations, which give some patients pause about whitening.

However, the whitening gel used in professional tooth whitening doesn’t damage the materials used in dental restorations. The active ingredient in the gel can penetrate relatively porous enamel because it is a natural material. Restorations provide a solid surface that is essentially unaffected by the whitening gel.

This also means that professional tooth whitening doesn’t brighten the restorations like natural teeth. To ensure an even and natural-looking smile, your dentist can customize your whitening experience to bring your natural teeth to the same shade as any replacement teeth.

4. Professional whitening is more effective than at-home kits.

Many over-the-counter products claim to offer effective tooth whitening. You can find toothpaste, strips, and at-home kits with trays. However, none of these deliver the same level of whitening or immediate results as professional tooth whitening. Most require daily use over weeks or months, and even then aren’t spectacular.

Professional tooth whitening makes use of clinical-strength whitening gel that you’ll only find with a licensed dentist. During our in-office Zoom whitening treatment, we’ll safely apply the gel, planning and supervising the whitening treatment to deliver incredible results in just one session. You aren’t going to find the same experience from any over-the-counter options. 

We can also provide you with an Opalescence take-home teeth-whitening kit to help you maintain your new, brighter smile from home. 

5. Long-term results are achievable.

Tooth whitening does eventually fade as your teeth develop new stains. However, many people have a misconception about just how long professional tooth whitening can last. You can have a bright smile for longer than you think by taking advantage of professional tooth whitening and following a few simple tips to maintain your smile.

Avoiding foods and beverages known for their staining potential is the first step to a lasting smile. Coffee, tea, soda, and wine are all particularly troublesome. Keeping up with regular brushing and flossing will help prevent plaque from dulling your smile, and you can always restore your smile with touch-up treatments in the future.

Professional tooth whitening from your cosmetic dentist in Great Falls.

If you want to see noticeable results in your smile as soon as possible, then tooth whitening is likely your best option. You can take advantage of this treatment from your trusted cosmetic dentist in Great Falls and enjoy a brighter smile. Schedule a consultation with Stephen J. Spencer, DDS, today to find out more about how Great Falls dental care can improve your smile with safe and comfortable treatments.