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
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.