6 Whitening Facts You Should Know Before You Whiten Your Teeth

Teeth whitening can have a huge impact on your appearance — and your confidence. A bright and white smile is an important asset that helps in both your personal and professional relationships. And you can whiten your teeth in many ways, such as with whitening strips. Whitening your teeth has never been easier. 

But before you start, it's a good idea to learn some of the ins and outs of teeth whitening. Here are six useful whitening facts to help you understand how teeth whitening works.

1. Whitening Hurts If You Have Cavities

Before you whiten your teeth, check them for cavities. Likewise, check for chips or cracks. If you go ahead and whiten your teeth without repairing existing damage, the whitening solution will penetrate your teeth and cause you considerable pain.

2. Whitening Doesn't Work on Veneers, Crowns or Fillings

You can't whiten dental work no matter which technique you use. If you currently have white fillings, crowns or veneers, you might need to have them redone after the whitening procedure. Your dentist can then match their colour to your newly whitened teeth.

3. Whitening Bleach Opens the Pores in Your Teeth

Hydrogen peroxide, the solution that whitens teeth, opens the pores in your teeth. This allows the whitening solution to penetrate deep into the enamel layer. The pores will close again within 48 hours. During that time, you should avoid eating anything that might stain your teeth.

4. Whitening Leaves Teeth Sensitive

Since the pores in your teeth are open for up to 48 hours after whitening, your teeth will be sensitive. Remember this fact before drinking or eating anything that is hot or cold. Stick to neutral temperatures for the first couple of days.

5. It's Normal for Teeth to Be a Little Yellow

Your teeth will always have a yellow tint to them. That's because all teeth have a second layer of material under the enamel, dentin. Dentin is yellow and is especially visible in your canine teeth if you look carefully because these teeth have more dentin than your incisors do.

6. It's Normal for In-Office Whitening to Continue at Home

In-office whitening only takes about an hour. And the bleach is stronger, which means faster results. However, your dentist will usually give you a whitening tray to take home so you can continue your treatment after your in-office whitening session.

If you are thinking of whitening your teeth, make sure you understand the ins and outs before you begin.


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