Whitening

The dentists at CoMo Dental prefer a whitening system in which impressions are taken of the patient’s teeth. Custom trays are then fabricated to be used with whitening gel at home. It is the dentists’ preference for at-home whitening rather than an in-office system due to the high strength whitening gel with in-office systems that may cause severe sensitivity. An added benefit with take-home custom trays is that additional whitening gel can be used later to maintain whitening as needed.

Side Effects

Whitening treatment may cause your teeth to be sensitive to very hot or cold temperatures. Whitening may also irritate your gums for a short time. If the side effects do not go away after a few days, see your dentist.

To avoid harming your teeth and gums, always follow the product directions and all instructions from your dentist. If your teeth become very sensitive or if you get sores in your mouth, stop using the products and call your dentist.

There is such a thing as too much whitening! Do not use whitening products for longer than listed in the product directions or by your dentist. Too much whitening can make your teeth and gums hurt badly. It can even harm your tooth enamel.

Tooth whitening is not a good choice for all people. If your gums have pulled away from the teeth in some places, whitening may irritate these areas. If you have tooth decay, cavities or gum disease, your dentist may recommend that these be treated before whitening. Also, it is important to be aware that the color of fillings, crowns, and some stains cannot be changed by tooth whitening.

Talk to your dentist about teeth whitening before you begin. He or she will do an oral exam to find out if it’s right for you.

How to Keep Your Teeth White

If you have whitened your teeth recently, they may stain more easily. To keep your teeth white for as long as possible, avoid tobacco products and stain-causing food and drinks (like coffee, tea, and red wine) for several days after whitening. Keep in mind that teeth usually return to their original shade over time. But if you can steer clear of tobacco and large amounts of stain-causing food and drinks, your teeth may stay bright for several years.

Content provided by the American Dental Association.