It’s not uncommon for teeth to become dull and discolored from a variety of factors, including certain foods and drinks, aging, tobacco, and more. Luckily, teeth whitening is one of the easiest ways to brighten your smile’s appearance and boost your confidence. At Rock Ridge Family Dentistry we offer in-office teeth whitening and custom take-home whitening trays to help you lighten your teeth.
Safe, Effective Professional Teeth Whitening
One of the most common questions our patients ask us is if teeth whitening is a safe way to lighten their smile. While we can’t speak for every whitening treatment out there, our professional teeth whitening treatments are safe for patients and effective. Using over-the-counter whitening products and at-home remedies aren’t as reliable or long-lasting as whitening treatments from a dentist.
Potential Side Effects of Teeth Whitening
While teeth whitening is safe, some patients experience tooth sensitivity or gum irritation from the bleaching gel. The peroxide in the gel penetrates the soft layer of your tooth beneath the enamel which can irritate your tooth’s nerve. If your gums are exposed to the gel during the treatment, they can be sensitive towards touch after your treatment. However, tooth and gum sensitivity is usually temporary and goes away on its own. With in-office whitening, a dentist will oversee your treatment and make adjustments if you experience any tooth sensitivity or discomfort.
Teeth Whitening Tips
It’s important to consult a dentist beforehand to see if teeth whitening is right for you. For the most effective results, we recommend that you get a dental cleaning prior to any whitening treatment because clean teeth whiten better than dirty teeth. If you have severe discoloration, whitening treatments may not work for you, but our office would be happy to discuss other alternatives for brightening your smile.
Enjoy the benefits of a bright, beautiful smile!