If you’re frustrated with seeing darkly tinted teeth when you catch a glimpse of your smile in the mirror, you may be considering different teeth whitening options. While some people require only one or two treatments to achieve the ideal shade, others may need multiple sessions to enhance their appearance and boost their confidence.
But it’s natural to wonder whether too much bleaching might hurt your dental health. If you’re concerned about over-exposure, continue reading to learn more about potential risks and how to prevent them!
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
Whether you opt for store-bought products or prefer the professional results your dentist can provide, teeth whitening typically works the same way. Most solutions contain peroxide-based bleaches that are applied to your enamel and undergo a chemical reaction that breaks down the size and concentration of pigmented particles gathered there.
Meanwhile, your dentist can provide a take-home kit with ultra-concentrated gels and custom-fitted applicator trays for an ideal outcome from the comfort of your living room. However, commercial-grade and store-bought options often contain diluted solutions that yield inconsistent results, leading patients to misuse or overapply the product in an attempt to produce the desired changes.
How Much Teeth Whitening Will I Need?
One of the first things others notice about you is the quality of your smile, and it’s natural to want to make a positive impression. It’s normal to wonder how many treatments might be required to reach your aesthetic goals, though the answer depends significantly on your unique circumstances.
For instance, if your teeth are only slightly off-white, a single professional-strength whitening treatment might be all that’s needed to perfect your grin. But if your enamel looks more yellow or brown, you’re more likely to require multiple repetitions. Your dentist can provide additional information based on the findings of their examination during your cosmetic consultation.
Is Too Much Teeth Whitening Dangerous?
Unfortunately, repeatedly applying bleach too often or without sufficient time between sessions can potentially cause sensitivity or damage your enamel, especially for those who turn to over-the-counter products. If you notice a sharp sensation when eating or drinking anything overly hot or cold, pain when biting down, or your enamel looks translucent around the edges, you might be doing more harm than good.
You can help preserve your dental health by following the manufacturer’s wait-time instructions between applications when using store-bought products, but sometimes even that is not enough to prevent problems.
Thankfully, your dentist can provide a treatment plan to help you safely brighten your smile without damaging your teeth!
About the Practice
At Hanover Road Dental Health, people of all ages benefit from a team of dentists passionate about helping them build and maintain strong, beautiful teeth and gums. They collaborate to provide a comprehensive menu of services, including cosmetic procedures. Then, they use state-of-the-art technology to enhance patient comfort and deliver accurate, lasting results. They are happy to provide professional-grade whitening kits after examining your mouth to address any pre-existing concerns. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (603) 643-4362.