What is Whitening
Products and Cost
Results and Maintenance
Side Effects
When to Whiten

Tooth sensitivity

Sensitivity is a common side-effect of teeth whitening.  Sensitivity is most prevalent for laser tooth whitening procedures due to the high concentration of peroxide whitening gel used.  If the sensitivity is severe, your dentist may prescribe some medication.  Other times, he or she may just tell you to take whatever you would normally take for a headache.  Most of the time, patients do not need any medications at all.  If the sensitivity for home whitening procedures becomes too great, you can stop using the whitening treatment temporarily.  The sensitivity usually resolves within one to two days, but in some cases may last longer.  Consult your dentist if your teeth are still sensitive one week after you stopped using teeth whitening products.  Potassium nitrate toothpastes can be prescribed by your dentist which can soothe sensitive teeth.

Gum irritation

Contact of the peroxide whitening gel with the gums can cause gum irritation which can last up to several days.  The gums usually heal after the tooth bleaching treatment is discontinued or the peroxide concentration is lowered.  If the gums do not heal after several days of discontinued treatment, consult your dentist.

Uneven color

The peroxide whitening gel will whiten your teeth, but will not alter the color of any restorations such as veneers, crowns, or tooth-colored fillings.  If you have existing restorations that are color-matched to your current tooth shade, you may be disappointed after whitening to notice that your restoration has not changed color, and now looks darker compared to your other teeth.  Therefore, if you have or need restorations, you may want to consider placing them after tooth bleaching. 

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Dr. Yang is a Preferred Invisalign Provider and Board Certified Orthodontist practicing in Redwood City, CA. Read more about Dr. Yang or visit his orthodontic practice online at www.OrthodontistRWC.com.