Does teeth whitening damage your enamel?

Teeth Whitening will not damage your teeth because it is a reversible process. When whitening gel comes in contact with the outer layer of your teeth, it opens the little pores in your enamel known as rods and penetrates the enamel removing stains that have built up over time. This process is what causes your teeth to appear whiter and brighter after whitening. Whitening is reversible in the sense that the effect will fade over time which is why many people like to have custom whitening trays made, so they can routinely apply gel to the trays. This continual maintenance will keep a person's teeth looking whiter over time

How Does Teeth Whitening Work?

There are two main agents that you will usually see in different whitening products, which are hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Both of these whitening agents work in the same way and there is not one that is better than the other. Carbamide Peroxide will usually be seen in higher percentages than hydrogen peroxide, but again this doesn't change the result or outcome. These differing percentages is just a result of the chemistry that goes into making them.

Teeth Whitening Side Effects

The most common post-op issue seen with whitening is tooth sensitivity. Sensitivity does not occur in everyone but if it does, the good news is that just like whitening, this is reversible as well. In addition, many whitening products now incorporate desensitizing agents in the gel in order to decrease the amount of sensitivity patients experience. Sensitivity has decreased tremendously since the desensitizing agents have been incorporated in the gels.

To conclude, whitening is very safe and one of the easiest and least invasive ways to brighten a patient's smile and increase their confidence and self-esteem.

If you would like to learn more about professional teeth whitening and the different options, call our office and schedule a consultation!