Teeth whitening is a clinical process that has the ability to improve the whiteness up to eight shades in as little as one whitening treatment! Candidates for teeth whitening should be aware of the side effects, the risks and the specifics of whitening before undergoing the teeth whitening process.

The risks of teeth whitening include the side effects that come with the whitening process. The side effects of teeth whitening include a sensitivity that can last upwards of six to eight weeks. This sensitivity can include sensitivity to cold and hot temperatures to certain foods and drinks. The patient can also experience sensitivity to sour and bitter flavors in the foods that are consumed. This sensitivity can occur on all of the surfaces of the teeth that have been whitened.

Other side effects that can arise from the whitening process include burning of the gums and mouth area due to the exposure to the UV lights that are used through the teeth whitening process. Although protection is used to deter against this side effect, the bleaching gel that is used in combination with the UV lights leave the teeth sensitive to the burning that can be seen through the teeth whitening process.

The sensitivity can be quelled by pre-emptively using toothpaste that is designed for sensitive teeth before and after the tooth whitening process. Many dentists will recommend this especially after, but using the toothpaste before can reduce the chances of the patient experiencing the discomfort of tooth sensitivity.

In some cases, the whitening process can become more or less effective on different surfaces of the teeth. This can create spots that are over-whitened or spots on the teeth that are under-whitened. Unfortunately, because the dentist cannot predict how all parts of the teeth will react to the tooth whitening process it can be impossible to avoid. In the case that this occurs on the surfaces of the teeth the dentist can only recommend undergoing additional treatments to even the appearance.

Although there is not often pain that is associated with the process of having your teeth whitened, it can be uncomfortable. There have been many patients that have associated the whitening process as uncomfortable as the UV lights can tend to heat the mouth and cause a warm sensation. Being prepared for the risks and side effects that are associated with whitening can help the patient to make an informed decision about the tooth whitening process.