Frequently Asked Questions about Teeth Whitening

Frequently Asked Questions about

Teeth Whitening

 

 

 

How long do the teeth whitening effects last?

 

Teeth whitening is not permanent.

People who expose their teeth to foods and

beverages that cause staining may see

the whiteness start to fade in as little as one

month. Those who avoid foods and

beverages that stain may be able to wait

one year or longer before another whitening

treatment or touch-up is needed.

 

Do teeth whiteners damage tooth enamel?

 

Studies of teeth whitening products using

10% carbamide peroxide showed no effect

on the hardness or mineral content of

a tooth's enamel surface.

 

 

 

 

Do teeth whiteners damage existing dental

restorations?

 

Over 10 years of clinical use of teeth

whitening products containing 10%

carbamide peroxide have not shown any

damage to existing fillings.

The issue is not "damage" to existing

restorations; rather, keep in mind that existing

restorations such as tooth-colored fillings,

crowns, bonding, veneers, and bridges

do not lighten. This means that any

pre-existing dental work may need to be

replaced to match the new tooth shade

achieved in the natural teeth, should a

bleaching process proceed.

 

 

 

 

Do teeth whiteners damage a tooth's nerve?

 

There's no evidence to date that the teeth

whitening process has a harmful effect on

the health of a tooth's nerve.

 

Is teeth whitening painful?

 

Some people may have teeth

that are sensitive to peroxide.

Your teeth may start to ache during

the whitening procedure, and you may

feel discomfort when drinking or eating

hot or cold products. This potential side

effect of teeth whitening is usually

short-term, and goes away with time.

 

 

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