Achieving a pearly white smile can be challenging when you’re prone to sensitivity. With so many treatments and influencer-endorsed products out there, it’s hard to know which ones are safe. Here’s everything you need to know about whitening for sensitive teeth to join this brightening craze without causing any harm to your already beautiful smile.
Why Do You Need Teeth Whitening?
Every smile is unique, and there’s beauty in that fact. But life happens, leaving marks all over, including your teeth, which can get discolored and stained over time. This can happen for numerous reasons:
- Aging,
- Certain medications,
- A chipped tooth,
- Foods with artificial coloring,
- Lots of wine, tea, and coffee,
- Smoking.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
In general, teeth whitening includes applying whitening agents to the teeth, which work to penetrate the enamel and break down any stains and discoloration. The most common treatments include carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide.
However, modern dentistry has brought so many different options to the table, including those gentle enough for sensitive teeth. For example, at Aspire Dental Wellness, there’s plenty to choose from:
- At-home retainer kit – you can get a custom-made kit with fluoride, effectively brightening up your smile from the coziness of your own home,
- In-office whitening – using OpalescenceTM BoostTM, this treatment consists of only two or three sessions that last no more than 20 minutes,
- Laser whitening – gentle teeth whitening using the TouchWhiteTM Fotona technology can be a great option for those prone to sensitivity.
How Often Should You Whiten Your Teeth?
The frequency of your treatments depends on numerous factors, from the type of whitening agent itself to your oral hygiene habits. Over-whitening can damage tooth enamel, which is definitely less than ideal, especially if you’re dealing with already sensitive teeth.
This is why you should always consult your Charlotte dentist in SouthPark about the treatment, no matter if it’s an at-home or in-office type of deal. They’ll be able to educate you on how to whiten sensitive teeth and provide completely non-invasive procedures, thanks to the magic of advanced cosmetic & laser dentistry.
Can Whitening Cause Sensitivity?
When not done correctly or with the wrong products, teeth whitening can obviously cause some trouble. Actually, sensitivity is the least of your worries here. But even professional whitening can cause irritation and sensitivity or worsen it if you already have it. However, this is only temporary and should last just a few days. Moreover, with the right dentist and treatment, the chances of increasing sensitivity are kept to a minimum.
What Else Causes Tooth Sensitivity?
Truth be told, tooth sensitivity is pretty common, affecting millions of people across the globe. This is because there are so many different reasons why your teeth are causing some discomfort. Here are just a few common culprits:
- Worn tooth enamel – brushing too hard can break down the outer layer of the tooth, making it more sensitive,
- Teeth grinding – also wears down tooth enamel, exposing the underlying dentin, but luckily, there are plenty of nighttime aligners that can stop this from happening,
- Gum recession – when the gum tissue pulls away from the tooth, it exposes the root, making everything more irritable,
- Cavities – these holes in the teeth can cause sensitivity when they get to the inner layers,
- Cracked teeth – a broken or chipped tooth can fill with bacteria and cause inflammation.
Bottom Line – Always Consult With Your Charlotte, NC, Dentist
If there’s one thing you should gather from this whole discussion, it’s the fact that a simple dentist appointment can clear up so much. Your cosmetic dentist in Charlotte, NC, will recommend the right treatment for you or even customize it to make it extra gentle on your teeth. They might:
- Use a lower concentration and gradually increase it,
- Do it over shorter treatments to make the whole process much more comfortable,
- Take breaks during the treatment,
- Recommend using a desensitizing toothpaste for two weeks before the treatment.
Teeth Whitening for Sensitive Teeth and Gums – Are There Alternative Options?
Just like you’ve got plenty of options for whitening, there are also multiple alternatives. Of course, each one should be carefully discussed with your dentist. After all, pearly whites are one thing, but achieving them while still keeping your teeth healthy and strong should be everyone’s goal. Here are some alternatives:
- Dental bonding – involves applying tooth-colored resin to enhance the brightness of your smile and is usually done after just one visit,
- Dental veneer – thin shells made of composite resin or porcelain, dental veneers are placed over teeth to cover stains and discoloration,
- Dental crowns – custom-made caps placed over teeth; dental crowns are used to enhance appearance and reinforce weak or damaged teeth.
Visit Aspire Dental Wellness, Your Safest Route to a Completely Comfortable Experience
There are so many different paths that lead to a brighter smile. But when you’re dealing with things like increased sensitivity, you need to take that extra step to make sure the treatment is right for you. Advanced laser dentistry in Charlotte, NC, has opened up so many possibilities for people who are prone to sensitivity.
This is where Aspire Dental Wellness comes into play. Led by Dr. Sladjana Bjelac, we are fully committed to holistic dentistry practices. Moreover, we can always discuss other treatment routes or even customize the whole ordeal with your unique smile in mind. Contact us today – let’s talk about how to get that pearly white smile back, all while enjoying utmost comfort from start to finish.
