What Disadvantages of Tooth Whitening Are There?

Are you wondering if there are disadvantages of tooth whitening? If you're thinking of getting a brighter smile, chances are you've wondered if there are disadvantages to various types of tooth whitening. There are some considerations to be aware of if you are going to whiten your teeth, but the risk is not overwhelming at all.

The Potential Disadvantages of Whitening Teeth Are Many

The biggest potential disadvantage of whitening teeth is simply the fact that often the chemicals that are used can irritate the sensitive tissues of the mouth and gums. These chemicals are usually either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. In kits designed for home use, it is up to the person to be careful with the chemicals to lesson this one of the disadvantages of whitening teeth.

There is no way for the home kit user to modify the mouthguard or tray to fit his or her teeth closely enough that the chemical cannot run onto the sensitive parts of the mouth. If you have your teeth whitened by a dentist, in his office, using a specially-sized mouthguard and tray, the chances of the chemical getting onto sensitive tissues and/or gums is minimized, but the risk is still there. Therefore, the mouthguard can help to lessen this particular one of the disadvantages of whitening teeth.

Another of the disadvantages of whitening teeth is that most people experience some sensitivity of the teeth for some time after the treatment. It usually doesn't last very long, but for some people, the fact that their teeth will ache whenever they have something hot or cold can be an irritant. For them, this could definitely be considered one of the disadvantages of whitening teeth. As mentioned earlier, this will go away with time, after the treatment have ended, but for the time that they continue to be sensitive, this is a definite disadvantage.

One of the disadvantages of whitening teeth that is not discussed much is the sheer inconvenience of doing it. Whether you go to a dentist's office for in-office procedures, either bleaching or laser treatments, it is still a big inconvenience and breaks up your day. If, on the other hand, you opt for home bleaching, it won't be long of wearing the uncomfortable bleaching strips for half an hour at a time, morning and night, before you are seriously wishing you had just taken the time to go to the dentist! But either way, it is a hassle and another of the disadvantages of whitening teeth.