Four Worries You Might Have Before Teeth Whitening
Posted on: 17 May 2018
Having your teeth whitened at the dental office is exciting! You probably cannot wait to have the bright, white smile you've always craved. However, if you are like most people, you probably have a few concerns. Here is a look at four common worries people have before teeth whitening -- and some calming thoughts to dissuade those worries.
Worry: Teeth whitening will make your teeth sensitive.
Sensitivity is the most common side effect of tooth whitening. You may be worried that you won't be able to drink ice water or your coffee after your appointment. But while sensitivity can happen, know that it is short-lived. Use a sensitivity toothpaste after whitening, and your teeth will be back to normal within a week or two. If you are prone to sensitivity, let your dentist know. They can use a less concentrated preparation of chemicals to help prevent sensitivity.
Worry: Your teeth won't get white enough.
Perhaps you're concerned that you'll pay all of that money to get your teeth whitened, but they won't be as white as you want. Talk about this worry with you dentist beforehand. They should be able to show you pictures to illustrate how white your personal teeth will be after treatment. If you're not happy with the prospective results, your dentist may recommend veneers over professional whitening treatments. However, most patients are happier with their whitening results than they imagine.
Worry: Whitening will take too long and make your mouth sore.
You might picture having to sit there with your mouth open for hours on end, resulting in a sore jaw. Thankfully, it's not that bad. You can usually bite down while your teeth are being whitened, and you can relax your jaw during the process. If you are prone to TMJ pain, talk to your dentist about taking an over-the-counter pain reliever before your appointment to help prevent soreness.
Worry: Whitening is bad for your gums.
If you've heard that the chemicals used to whiten your teeth are bad for your gums, that is actually the truth. However, it's only half of the truth! Your dentist will use a special dam to ensure the chemicals don't touch your gums. So, you really have nothing to worry about when it comes to gum health.
If you have any additional concerns about teeth whitening, talk to your dentist. They are used to fielding questions from patients and will be happy to answer yours.
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