Cosmetic Dentistry Directory Blog

Teeth whitening is one of the easiest and most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures. According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, when people were asked what they would most like to change about their smile, most replied that they would like whiter and brighter teeth. The media has taken advantage of this desire, advertising many products like whitening strips and trays that will enhance your smile without you ever having to set foot in a dentist’s office.

People who use these over-the-counter whitening products should be careful, however. Dentists are seeing more and more cases of people who have gone bleach-crazy at home, using whitening products far more often and far longer than the labels recommend. Some dentists have labeled them “bleach junkies” because of their pearly-white addiction.

While whitening does enhance the appearance of your smile, over-whitening has damaging effects. Your teeth may look white and healthy, but over-whitening dramatically increases sensitivity and can damage your teeth’s integrity. Carbamide peroxide, the whitening agent in many products, causes tissue irritation and erodes teeth, leaving them brittle and thin if they are exposed for too long. Worst of all, extreme over-bleaching can actually erode your teeth’s enamel, exposing the yellow dentin layer underneath. Simply put, if you bleach too much you could end up with worse-looking teeth than when you started out. Enamel doesn’t grow back, and you may need crowns or veneers to fix the damage.

Over-the-counter products can improve your smile if used in moderation, but for the most effective and safe treatment, trust your teeth to a cosmetic dentist. An in-office whitening procedure can provide you with whiter teeth in just one visit, or your dentist can provide you with a professional home whitening kit. Unlike over-the-counter products, these kits include trays specifically-fitted to your teeth that prevent the bleaching agent from contacting and irritating your gums and lips.

If you are considering teeth whitening to improve your smile, please contact an experienced cosmetic dentist in your area today using the Cosmetic Dentistry Directory.