Like most people, you want the whitest, brightest smile possible. But you also suffer from sensitive teeth, and you’ve heard teeth whitening can be uncomfortable for those in your situation. You might be wondering if there are still options available for you. The good news is that even with sensitive teeth or gums, you can still achieve the white smile of your dreams.
In-Office Bleaching Procedures
For patients with sensitive teeth, an in-office whitening treatment is typically the best option. Patients experience little to zero discomfort and often notice a difference in shade in as little as one treatment.
In-office whitening treatment doesn’t harm the natural enamel of your teeth, so it’s less likely to add to your sensitivity. Since a trained dentist or hygienist is applying the treatment, your gums are also protected.
At-Home Professional Treatments
Another viable option for people with sensitive teeth who want a brighter smile is to get a professional whitening treatment kit to take home. Although this option may take longer to reach your desired result, it’s done at your convenience. It can also help decrease sensitivity with teeth whitening.
The kits are custom-made for you in the dental office. Dental office staff will take impressions of your mouth and then use them to create the customized tray for your whitening gel. When the tray is finished, you’ll come into the office to have it fitted correctly and learn how to use it at home.
Keep in mind that while the at-home kit is more convenient, an in-office treatment usually works faster. Why? Because in-office treatments involve a special light that makes the bleaching agent work quicker and more effectively. The light helps the gel absorb better, reducing the time it needs to remain on your teeth. In turn, this eliminates extra sensitivity issues.
Frequently Asked Questions About Teeth Whitening
Does Teeth Whitening Work On Crowns or Other Dental Restorations?
Unfortunately, no. Teeth whitening products and procedures only improve the shade of your natural teeth. However, sometimes teeth whitening can restore the hue of false teeth. If you are interested in teeth whitening and know you need a dental restoration, it may be best to do them together so you can match the shade you want. Your dentist can whiten your teeth and then make the restoration in a shade to match.
Is Scaling and Polishing Necessary Before Teeth Whitening?
While stains and plaque are eliminated during the whitening process, teeth whitening should never be mistaken as a substitute for scaling and polishing. Scaling and polishing will be necessary before teeth whitening if there is visible tartar on the exterior of the teeth.
Teeth Whitening at Smiles on the Upper Westside
At Smiles on the Upper Westside, we are proud to provide teeth whitening to the UWS neighborhood of NYC, even to patients with the severest dental sensitivities. It’s our goal to make your teeth whitening experience as comfortable as possible. We are happy to address your questions and concerns about teeth whitening and sensitivities. Contact us today at 212-222-5225 to schedule an appointment with our dentist and learn more about our teeth whitening services.