At Sugar Fix Dental Loft, we sometimes have patients who will mention off-handedly that they’ve been thinking about professional teeth whitening, but quickly say that they feel nervous to go through with the procedure. Often, these people have had bad experiences with at-home kits and so they’re wondering about the side effects of teeth whitening.
We always take the time to explain to them the differences between professional and at-home whitening, and the risks and benefits that come with each option. Since this is such a common topic of conversation around the dental loft, we thought we’d write a whole blog post about it. We’re guessing many of you have wondered about the side effects of teeth whitening at some point yourselves!
Side Effect #1 – Sensitivity
This is probably the main thing people are worried about when it comes to teeth whitening. Of course, everybody is different, but when you opt for professional teeth whitening treatments, you’ll find that they’re much more gentle than the kits you find at the drugstore.
Many over-the-counter products contain no potassium nitrate, which helps reduce sensitivity. If you’re worried about sensitivity, you can ask for a post-treatment toothpaste and/or gel for added peace of mind.
Side Effect #2 – Gum Irritation
Like sensitivity, this is a side effect of teeth whitening that you see more with the at-home kits. Those kits don’t typically contain any kind of barrier gel to protect your gums. Also, when you opt for an at-home option, you don’t have the benefit of knowing whether you are susceptible to irritation due to gum disease, cavities, or exposed roots.
We think that if you’re going to spend the time and money on teeth whitening, it’s best to leave it to a professional. They can make sure you’re a good candidate, and they know how to protect your gums so there’s no pain or irritation afterward.
Side Effect #3 – Uneven Results
One thing that we often see with at-home whitening kits is uneven results. It can be tricky to apply the strips or trays in a way that evenly covers the surface of your teeth. Plus, the trays that come with those kits aren’t custom-made for your mouth, like they are with the KöR Whitening Deep Bleaching™ system we offer at Sugar Fix Dental Loft.
It’s also important to note that professional whitening formulas contain a higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide for a stronger effect, better results, and a more even application. If you’ve had dental crowns, caps, veneers, or other cosmetic procedures done, a professional can work around them so everything blends nicely. This isn’t the case with the at-home options.
A Final, Important Note…
Not all teeth whitening options are a good fit for all stains. If your teeth are more of a gray tone, perhaps due to tetracycline staining, our KöR Whitening Deep Bleaching™ system is the best option for you. For those who aren’t familiar, tetracycline was a popular and widely used antibiotic that caused tooth discoloration in a lot of people who were prescribed the drug as children. Luckily, we are able to reverse the discoloration fairly easily with KöR Whitening at Sugar Fix Dental Loft.
Want to learn more about our teeth whitening services? Give us a call at (773) 883-1818 and we’ll be happy to walk you through each option, including our newly opened White Haute Teeth Whitening Bar, located next door to Sugar Fix. We’ll find the perfect solution for you, with zero side effects to worry about.