Teeth whitening can dramatically change the appearance of your smile, making your teeth up to eight shades whiter in just one visit to a dental office. But how often should you whiten your teeth? In this article, we answer this question and provide tips regarding how to safely whiten your teeth.
How Often Should You Whiten Your Teeth?
Generally, it is recommended to undergo teeth whitening when staining or discoloration is present. Healthy teeth enamel can vary in shade, and does not have to be dazzlingly white. If you opt for teeth whitening, allow at least twelve to eighteen months between procedures.
The reason for having extensive breaks between whitening procedures is that the procedure employs hydrogen peroxide (a bleaching agent), which makes the enamel temporarily more porous to destroy the dark pigment in its deeper layers. This process can increase tooth sensitivity and permanently damage the enamel of your teeth if the procedure is performed too frequently or the whitening agent solution is too strong for your teeth. Once the enamel becomes damaged, it can appear even more stained and discolored than before. Additionally, teeth with compromised enamel are more susceptible to bacterial infection and prone to cavities and decay.
Professional Teeth Whitening
If teeth whitening is performed in a controlled environment of a dental office and all the necessary preliminary tests are done, it is a safe procedure with only temporary side effects (mainly sensitivity to changes in temperature of the teeth and gums). That is why we recommend opting for an in-office whitening procedure or whitening kits, provided by your dentist, and always follow their recommendation as to how often you should undergo the procedure.
The breaks you need to take between whitening procedures and the strength of the solution used will depend on the condition of your teeth and gums. Some patients might be advised against whitening their teeth if the enamel is weak or other oral health issues are present.
Over-the-Counter Whitening Solutions
Over-the-counter whitening solutions tend to contain a less potent solution of hydrogen peroxide compared to professional options. This means that the results of whitening may not be as noticeable as those achieved with in-office procedures. Thus, some people might be tempted to repeat the procedure too soon. Remember that even though over-the-counter solutions are not very strong, they can still irreversibly harm your teeth’s enamel if you use them too often.
We recommend using over-the-counter whitening solutions not more often than once a year and using touch-up trays only occasionally if necessary. Additionally, it is a good practice to consult your dentist before using an over-the-counter whitening solution at home to determine if it is safe for you. Additionally, in some cases, a professional teeth cleaning can yield sufficient results, benefiting both the health of your teeth and your overall well-being.
Are There Alternatives to Teeth Whitening?
As we mentioned before, a professional dental cleaning can be effective for removing surface stains. So, try it first, before undergoing whitening.
On the other hand, teeth whitening can not work for some types of deep stains. If you have had the whitening but it did not produce the desired results, it does not necessarily mean that you should repeat the procedure. In some cases, alternative procedures, such as dental bonding or veneers, may be recommended to mask the discoloration.
Get a Safe Teeth Whitening at Dental Care of Pomona
Do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with a reliable cosmetic dentist at Dental Care of Pomona to achieve safe and long-lasting teeth whitening results. Our specialists will carefully examine your oral health to determine the most suitable whitening solution for your specific needs.
We look forward to your visit.
