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How To Avoid Risks of Teeth Whitening Procedures

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The new craze in cosmetic dentistry is teeth whitening procedures aimed at restoring your bright, white smile. There are several tooth whitening procedures available today from the 1 hour teeth whitening options conducted at your local teeth whitening dentists office, to the at home teeth whitening solutions that you can purchase over-the-counter (i.e., Crest Whitestrips). However, whichever of the many teeth whitening solutions you select, it is important that you educate yourself so as to avoid the risks of the teeth whitening process.

Things You Will Need

* Teeth

* A desire to use teeth whitening procedures

Step 1

First, pregnant and nursing women should not use tooth whitening procedures. This is because teeth whitening involves various concentrations of bleach and hydrogen peroxide. While normally acceptable to swallow these substances in small quantities, it has yet to be determined what the impact those substances will have on the fetus or developing baby will be, if any.

Step 2

Second, the teeth whitening process can result in increased tooth sensitivity. Sensitivity to temperature and pressure can be increased as a result of the bleach used in teeth whitening. While this sensitivity usually results after exposure to teeth whitening procedures utilizing higher concentrations of bleach, it can occur even with the at home teeth whitening solutions. While teeth sensitivity usually only lasts a few days after the tooth whitening process, it has been reported to last up to one month. For those rare occasions, using tooth paste containing potassium nitrate has been should to reduce teeth sensitivity.

Step 3

Third, teeth whitening options can irritate the gums. It is important to realize that fifty percent of those utilizing teeth whitening techniques will experience increased gum irritation. This is caused by a combination of the bleach and the gum's contact with the teeth whitening tray. Like teeth sensitivity, however, the gum irritation should subside in a few days after the teeth whitening treatments end.

Step 4

Fourth, tooth whitening should be done prior to tooth restoration (i.e., crowns, veneers, bonding, etc.). This is so because these restorations will not be affected by the bleach and will stay the same color. If the color of the restorations were matched to the surrounding teeth prior to teeth whitening, you may end up with multi-colored teeth (often called "technicolor teeth"). To avoid this, dental crowns, porcelain veneers, and cosmetic bonding should not be done for at least two to four week after teeth whitening. This will ensure proper tooth shade matching as it usually takes this period of time to fully see the teeth whitening results.

Step 5

Fifth, understand that if you have recessed gums, the yellow root surfaces may show through. Because this spot on the tooth is very difficult to bleach, you must manage your expectations when it comes to that area of your teeth whitening plans.

Finally, the teeth whitening process can only do so much. You should consult with your cosmetic teeth whitening dentist to determine what results you can realistically expect.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON TEETH WHITENING, PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING ARTICLES:

Understanding The Advantage of At Home Teeth Whitening Procedures;

Understanding Bright Teeth Whitening Procedures