In today's society, a perfect smile with white teeth is prized. A 2004 survey conducted for the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry found that 99.7 percent of respondents feel that the smile is important socially and 74 percent believe a flawed smile can hinder career advancement. Because of the value of a white smile, 389,000 Americans underwent teeth bleaching in 2006. There are concerns associated with the procedure of which you should be aware.
Effectiveness
Teeth bleaching will not have the same results on all types of stains, advises the American Dental Hygienists' Association, or ADHA. The ADHA reports that about 96 percent of patients who choose teeth bleaching for stains due to smoking, aging or drinking coffee or tea get results from the procedure. Tooth discoloration caused by medications does not respond as well to bleaching, however.
The level of success you get from teeth bleaching also depends on the color of the teeth you want to whiten, explains the American Dental Association, or ADA. If your teeth are gray, bleaching may not work well for you--veneers may be a better option. Brown- or yellow-stained teeth tend to respond best to teeth bleaching procedures.
Tooth Sensitivity
The American Dental Association, or ADA, reports that tooth sensitivity is a common side effect of teeth bleaching. This sensitivity to temperature extremes is generally temporary and may lessen or go away completely after the teeth bleaching treatment is complete.
Gum Irritation
If the tooth bleaching solution is applied to your gums or comes into contact with them by accident, you may experience inflammation and irritation of that tissue, according to the ADA.
Another cause of gum irritation during teeth bleaching procedures is an ill-fitting bleaching tray. If you choose a teeth whitening system that involves at-home use of bleaching trays, you may lessen your chances of gum irritation by getting the kit from your dentist. He will make a custom tray that will fit your mouth properly.
Enamel Loss
The ADHA warns that over-the-counter teeth bleaching products may contain acid. Products containing acid may actually remove the enamel, the hard protective outer layer, from your teeth. The risk of enamel loss is increased if you repeatedly use such products to attempt to whiten your smile even further. The ADA explains that loss of enamel may lead to the formation of cavities.
References
- American Academy of Cosmetic Denistry: Consumer Studies--Can a New Smile Make You Appear More Successful and Intelligent?
- American Academy of Cosmetic Denistry: Cosmetic Dentistry Continues to Surge - Market Estimated at $2.75 Billion
- American Dental Association: Tooth Whitening Treatments
- American Dental Hygienists' Association: Tooth Whitening Systems
- American Dental Association: Be Smart About Your Smile
