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Advanced cosmetic and general dentistry

Can A Dentist Whiten My Teeth to Match My Eyeballs?

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I think it would be cool to get my teeth bleached to match the color of my eyeballs. My teeth and eyes would play off each other. It sounds intriguing to watch people look at me and try to figure out what’s happening/what they are seeing. Is it possible for a dentist to get the color right, or am I unrealistic? Anise from CT

Anise,

What a creative question! Thanks for submitting it to our office. There are some challenges to bleaching teeth to match your eyeballs. We’ll explain why and tell you about an alternative.

Whitening Your Teeth to Match Your Eyeballs

Whether or not a dentist can bleach your teeth to match your eyeballs depends on the whiteness of your eyeballs. Although it’s possible, there is a limit to how white a dentist can bleach your teeth. A dentist can whiten your teeth but not predict if they will lighten enough for your goal.

An Alternative to Bleaching

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

Teeth whitening might not whiten your teeth enough to match your eyeballs

It’s easier to manipulate porcelain and get a good color match than to rely on teeth whitening. That’s why dentists who do a combination of whitening and porcelain veneers for patients with dark teeth will complete the whitening first. After the whitening stabilizes, a cosmetic dentist works with a ceramist to match the veneers perfectly to your whitened teeth.

Look for an advanced cosmetic dentist in your area and schedule a consultation to discuss the changes you want to make with your tooth color. The dentist will explain your options and what you can expect with teeth whitening vs. porcelain veneers.

Michael Szarek, DMD, an accredited cosmetic dentist in Lowell, MA, sponsors this post.

5 Causes of Sensitivity from Teeth Whitening and 5 Things You Can Do about It

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Teeth whitening is an easy way to rejuvenate your smile. But what if you experience sensitivity from whitening? Something is wrong. Whitening your teeth should be a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Causes, treatment, and prevention of sensitivity or pain are discussed below.

What Causes Sensitivity with Teeth Whitening?

1. Decay

Untreated cavities get worse and affect the layers of your teeth. When decay begins to affect tooth pulp, which includes nerves, your teeth can become sensitive to heat, cold, and other things—including whitening gel—that come in contact with your teeth.

2. Leaking restorations

If dental fillings or other restorations, including dental crowns, are not correctly sealed or bonded, bacteria and fluids can leak beneath them. The tooth pulp will become irritated. If you use teeth whitening gel while you have a leaking restoration, it can create even more sensitivity.

3. Gingival recession

Receding gums expose tooth roots. The roots can become sensitive to the touch and to temperature changes. Already sensitive roots can be further irritated with teeth whitening gel.

4. Cracks or other damage

If a tooth has a small fracture or other damage, bleaching gel can leak in and create sensitivity.

5. Dentin tubules

Dentin tubules are small channels in the dentin, or middle layer of a tooth, that transfer sensations from outside a tooth to the inside. Although dentin tubules naturally have plugs, the chemical reaction during the whitening process opens the plugs. Some people experience sensitivity to the carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide in teeth whitening gel as it flows to the tooth nerves.

What Can You Do About Sensitivity from Teeth Whitening?

1. Use a lower concentration of whitening gel

There are varying strengths of whitening gel. You might get better results with a less potent gel. It might take a little longer to get your teeth as white as you want, but the experience will be more comfortable.

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

2. Shorten the whitening session

Reduce the time you wear the bleaching trays. Shorter sessions can limit sensitivity in your teeth.

3. Whiten your teeth less often

Give your teeth a break. Avoid whitening them for an extended period of time, and avoid excessive treatment.

4. Use toothpaste for sensitivity

Some types of toothpaste are designed to reduce sensitivity in teeth. You can use them before and after whitening sessions. Your dentist can provide you with desensitizing gel or paste.

5. Protect your teeth in advance

When you receive teeth whitening from a dentist, a desensitizing agent can be applied to your teeth before and after bleaching sessions. Some dentists ask patients to use desensitizing toothpaste up to two weeks before a whitening session.

What’s Next?

If you are experiencing prolonged sensitivity in your teeth, schedule an appointment with your dentist. He or she will examine your teeth and gums and explain your treatment options.

Dentist-supervised teeth whitening provides safe, comfortable, and predictable results. Speak with your dentist about your options for a brighter smile.

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

Groupon teeth whitening kit burned my gums

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I got a teeth whitening kit on Groupon. I didn’t want to get the cheapest one or the most expensive one. So I went in the middle. The kit came with trays that you have to boil and then shape onto your teeth. I followed the instructions carefully and fit the trays to my own teeth. I put the amount of gel in the trays as instructed and put the trays on my teeth. The instructions said to leave the trays on for 30 minutes. I had them on for just 3 minutes and had to take them off because my gums started burning so bad. The next day white stuff was peeling off of my gums and they were still burning. How do I find a teeth whitening kit that is affordable but won’t ruin my gums? Thanks. Saray

Saray – When you buy a teeth whitening kit online and it irritates your teeth or gums, there are several possible causes.

  • The whitening trays aren’t a good fit, and bleaching gel is oozing out of the trays onto your gums.
  • The bleaching gel is too strong, or you’ve left it on too long.
  • The bleaching gel contains an irritant or a chemical that is causing the burning or sensitivity.

How to find teeth whitening that works – not hurts

Customized trays – Customized trays are made based on impressions of your teeth. They have a snug fit to keep the teeth whitening gel sealed on your teeth. If you use the amount of bleaching gel instructed, it won’t ooze out and burn your gums. Your dentist can provide you with an accurate impression and customized trays.

The right concentration of gel – Bleaching gel comes in a variety of strengths. A gel needs to be selected based on the extent of the stains in your teeth and the level of sensitivity in your teeth. Although you might need a lower concentration of gel, your treatment period can be extended to get your teeth their brightest. Consult with your dentist to ensure you use the right gel and treatment time.

Quality bleaching gel – Only use high-quality gel for teeth whitening. Carbamide peroxide is the primary ingredient in the gel used by dentists. Don’t order gel from questionable sources.

If you have prolonged irritation or sensitivity in your teeth or gums from bleaching gel, schedule an appointment with your dentist for an exam. For the most predictable and successful results, get your treatment from your dentist, or ask him or her for advice before you make the purchase.

 

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