These days, there are countless options for brightening up your smile. As a result, it can be tricky to find something that’s both effective and gentle on your pearly whites. With many treatments, tenderness often tags along. But how long does teeth sensitivity last after whitening? And what should you do about it? Your Charlotte, NC, dentist has the answers you’re looking for.
Recovery Period – How Long Does Teeth Sensitivity Last After Whitening?
So, how long after teeth whitening does sensitivity last? Typically, any discomfort you might experience should only stick around for a couple of days. You can feel it with ice-cold or warm food and beverages. If it lingers beyond a few days, you should schedule a dentist appointment to see what’s going on.
Is It Normal to Experience Sensitivity After Whitening?
There are many over-the-counter products out there, including whitening strips and toothpaste, that could cause sensitivity. This is either because they’re not used correctly or the product itself is not exactly ADA-approved.
However, even professional teeth whitening can result in temporary discomfort. This comes down to the main ingredients used in whitening products – most commonly, carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide.
Whitening agents set off a chemical reaction with the bacteria, known as chromogens, resulting in sensitive teeth. That being said, cosmetic dentistry in Charlotte, NC, is constantly putting forward new, completely non-invasive solutions, including dental laser treatments. With these safe alternatives, the path to a radiant smile is not overshadowed by discomfort.
Aspire Dental Wellness Offers Numerous Solutions for Your Smile
At Aspire Dental Wellness, we’re all about staying on the pulse of cutting-edge technology with a specific focus on holistic dentistry. This means we’ve included advanced laser therapy in our services, keeping your experience as easy and relaxing as possible. Let’s explore the teeth whitening treatments our clinic offers:
- Home Whitening – you take custom trays home and wear them at night for two weeks, achieving a brighter smile when you’re at your most comfortable,
- TouchWhite™ Fotona – combined with Opalescence, this laser dentistry treatment is a non-invasive and comfortable way to achieve a radiant smile,
- MAX Whitening – you’ll get the custom trays for home whitening, as well as one in-office session, also using advanced laser technology.
Our team of specialists in Charlotte, NC, also offers treatment options for more intricate cases of discoloration. Both the ULTRA and the ULTRA T Whitening combine at-home and in-office dental care, providing an effective solution even for the most stubborn stains out there.
How to Help With Tooth Sensitivity After Whitening
Now, let’s talk about how to ease sensitive teeth after whitening. First things first, try to avoid hot or icy-cold foods and beverages, at least for the first few days. If you absolutely have to have your iced coffee, make sure to sip it through a straw. This keeps it from hitting your sensitive teeth directly – a small trick that can make a big difference in comfort!
Also, in those first few days – or even weeks – a desensitizing toothpaste is a great addition to your usual routine. For the most effective results, leave it on for a few minutes and rinse with lukewarm water. That will give the toothpaste more time to work its magic.
Effective Home Remedies for Sensitive Teeth After Whitening
A simple saltwater rinse is a surprisingly powerful remedy. Mixing half a teaspoon of salt with a cup of warm water creates a natural antiseptic that soothes irritation. Just swish it around for about 30 seconds, and you’ll be giving your teeth a home treatment that’s both calming and cleansing.
Why Should You Consider Teeth Whitening?
Your smile adds to your character – and that’s what makes it special. But as life unfolds, our pearly whites can become, well, not so pearly. Artificially-colored foods, drinking coffee and wine, as well as certain medications all contribute to gradual staining over time.
When these changes start to show, it’s natural to start dreaming of a little refresh or even a whole smile makeover. After all, a bright, radiant smile isn’t just about aesthetics – it’s a confidence booster that can help you shine in any first impression.
In fact, according to a survey done by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), 48% of people think a smile is the most memorable feature when meeting someone new. In other words, your pearly whites can outshine even what you’re trying to say!
How Often Should You Brighten Your Smile?
The question of how often you can get this cosmetic dental treatment is closely tied to another question – how long does tooth sensitivity last after teeth whitening? It all depends on the type of whitening agent, as well as your usual oral hygiene routine.
If you do it too frequently, the tooth enamel might wear down, which leads to that sensitivity. So, when trying to achieve those pearly whites, it’s always a good idea to check in with your Charlotte dentist in SouthPark. They will know just how to keep your smile dazzling and your teeth healthy at the same time.
Ready to Shine Without the Sting? Aspire Dental Wellness Can Help
Achieving a bright, confident smile doesn’t have to come with discomfort! Aspire Dental Wellness, led by Dr. Sladjana Bjelac, will help your pearly whites glow. Our practice of advanced cosmetic & laser dentistry in Charlotte, NC, is based on completely non-invasive, even soothing treatments. We hold a strong belief that a visit to the dentist should be something to look forward to. Don’t hesitate to contact us today – your smile deserves it!