However, there are some concerns regarding the safety of teeth whitening treatments. Some people say they’re not worth the discomfort. Meanwhile, there are those who have reported that teeth whitening procedures weakened their teeth.
So, what’s the real deal? Is whitening bad for your teeth?
If it isn’t done right, it can be, says Dr. Ben Kacos, a trusted Shreveport dentist. But if you get your treatment from a highly trained and responsible dentist, the procedure is free from negative effects.
Teeth Whitening Treatment
Dentists use a bleaching agent with potassium nitrate to whiten teeth. What this bleach does is it penetrates the tooth in order to whiten stains and create a brighter hue. A special LED light expedites the whitening power of the bleaching gel so the procedure is completed in under an hour.
Some sensitivity may be experienced after the treatment. This happens because bleaching opens the internal channels of the tooth. This is nothing to worry about because it goes away eventually. Just make sure to follow Dr. Kacos’s oral care instructions post treatment to alleviate the sensitivity and ensure long-lasting, beautiful results.
Other Teeth Whitening Methods
As for other teeth whitening methods, these are what you need to be cautious about because what can work for one may not necessarily work for you. For example, using charcoal powder to whiten teeth is all the rage among “naturalists.” A lot of people say it works, and better yet, it’s healthy because it’s free from chemicals and charcoal has detoxifying properties.
However, the real deal is that even when the charcoal is finely crushed, it is still quite abrasive, dentists point out. It can create “scars” on the teeth that can eventually lead to the formation of cavities. Dr. Kacos advises against hard brushing because it can damage the tooth’s enamel, and brushing your teeth with charcoal powder pretty much works the same way.
The general idea here is that teeth whitening, when done professionally, is completely safe. Dr. Kacos follows safety protocols for every patient and if complications are a risk, they’re usually not because of the treatment itself but rather the condition of the patient.
So, if you desire a mega-watt smile to improve your appearance, then professional teeth whitening is one effective and safe solution to consider.
To learn more about teeth whitening contact our office today.