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Advanced cosmetic and general dentistry

3 Reasons to Stop Whitening Your Teeth

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Teeth whitening provides a fast smile makeover. If your teeth are healthy and basically aligned, this treatment might be all you need to revive your smile. But too much of a good thing—including teeth whitening—can do more harm than good. What do we mean?

Teeth Whitening – When Enough Is Enough

1. You’re Trying to Whiten Bonding, Crowns, or Veneers

Bleaching gel penetrates natural teeth, but it won’t remove stains from porcelain restorations or cosmetic bonding. Your natural teeth will get white, but the stains on your bonded or restored teeth won’t budge. There will be a noticeable difference between your natural teeth and those with bonding, veneers, or crowns. Stop whitening and see a cosmetic dentist.

If your bonding, crowns, or veneers are stained, a skilled cosmetic dentist will recommend the appropriate treatment to improve the appearance of the restorations. It might be time to replace them.

2. You Have Cavities or Gum Disease

Photo of teeth whitening trays in a case, for information on DIY teeth whitening from Lowell, MA dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

Teeth whitening trays keep gel on your teeth

Bleaching gel will become an irritant if you have cavities or gum disease. As the gel seeps into the affected areas, you can develop an infection in your gums or teeth. Infected gums will need to be treated, and an infected tooth might need root canal treatment.

3. You’re Obsessed with It

Do you think your teeth are never white enough and you keep bleaching them over and over again? Stop. If you’re addicted to whitening your teeth, it can make them brittle and sensitive. They can become transparent or look gray in color. The pearly whites you always wanted can become totally unattractive. And with excess bleaching, the chemicals can burn your gums. Both your teeth and gums will become unsightly.

If you continue to damage your teeth with bleaching gel, it might require cosmetic dentistry and gum treatment to restore your oral health.

What’s Next?

Dentist-supervised whitening yields the best results. If you decide to completely do it yourself, avoid cheap whitening gel. Ensure the contents of the gel are FDA approved. And whiten your teeth as instructed. If your teeth are already damaged by over-bleaching, schedule an appointment for an exam with a cosmetic dentist. Prompt treatment can prevent any issues from getting worse, and it can save you money in the long term.

This post is sponsored by Lowell, MA accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

Can I get my teeth white by 2nd week of June?

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I should have planned better but I am in a wedding the 2nd weekend of next month and I really want my teeth white. Is it too late to start? What is the strongest formula that will work the best? – Bridget

 

Bridget – The strongest teeth whitening you can get is from a dentist. Unfortunately, you don’t have a lot of time to get it done.

If a dentist offers in-office teeth whitening, it can whiten your teeth quickly. In-office treatment is the most expensive form of teeth whitening available, but it will also give you quick results.

Take-home treatment from a dentist will give you professional-strength whitening gel. But you need customized whitening trays for it, and there may not be enough time for the dentist to have the trays made and for you to start your whitening treatment. A few days of whitening may make your teeth a little whiter.

You can start calling a few dentists’ offices in your area to find out what type of teeth whitening is offered and how soon you would be able to receive it.

This post is sponsored by Lowell, MA cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

Teeth whitening kit from the dentist hurts and burns!

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Hi. I got a teeth whitening kit from my dentist. I wanted to do things the right way and not get a cheap kit or something that would not work. I can tell that my teeth are getting whiter, but the kit is really hurting my teeth and making them feel like they are being shocked or zinged. Also my gums are burning and turning white. What is this stuff? What should I do now? thank you. – Renae W.

Renae – It is not unusual to experience some sensitivity during teeth bleaching, but what you describe is more intense than usual.

Stop using the teeth whitening kit, and contact your dentist and explain what you are experiencing. You may need a whitening gel that is not as strong. It is possible that the bleaching trays need to be adjusted so that the gel isn’t affecting your gums so much.

Additionally, be certain that you are closely following the instructions on how much bleaching gel to use in each tray and how long you are wearing the trays.

Contact your dentist for additional assistance.

This post is sponsored by Lowell dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.