If you want your smile to look its absolute best, there are plenty of ways to go about it. One great idea is to make your smile look its whitest, which can be achieved through teeth whitening treatment. Whether you undergo professional whitening or use an at-home kit, it can make a world of difference.

But many people notice that their teeth are sensitive after undergoing teeth whitening. This is actually a common side effect. Our Worcester cosmetic dentistry team would like to take a brief look at this issue right now so you understand why it happens and how it can be properly dealt with.

About Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening treatment is a cosmetic dentistry option that helps brighten the color of your teeth. Whether you undergo a professional dental bleaching or use an at-home whitening kit, the principles are still the same: a hydrogen peroxide bleaching agent is used to lighten stains on the superficial layers of the teeth (i.e., the enamel layer and possibly the dentin layer). When you meet with a skilled cosmetic dentist in Worcester, you may even receive a professional-grade whitening kit to use at home.

Ideal Candidates for Teeth Whitening

The best candidates for teeth whitening are people who have stains on their teeth caused by coffee, tea, cola, red wine, smoking, chewing tobacco, certain foods, or the natural aging process. If a patient has a dental stain that originates within the tooth, another treatment option will need to be considered.

Why Tooth Sensitivity Occurs After Teeth Whitening Treatment

Both Worcester Zoom teeth whitening and at-home bleaching kits result in tooth sensitivity because the hydrogen peroxide will penetrate the porous layers of the tooth, irritating the nerves within. Thankfully this tooth sensitivity is temporary, though it can be extremely uncomfortable.

How to Deal with Tooth Sensitivity

There are a number of ways to cope with tooth sensitivity after undergoing dental bleaching treatment. For one, when using at-home kits, be sure to follow instructions carefully to help limit the amount of tooth sensitivity that you experience. Do not leave trays in place longer than instructed.

Immediately following the teeth whitening treatment, dentists will sometimes use a desensitizing agent on the teeth to help reduce discomfort.

For the next few days after teeth whitening treatment, avoid beverages and foods that are too cold or too hot. Aim for room-temperature/lukewarm food and beverages instead until the sensitivity abates.

It's often helpful for patients to use a sensitive-teeth toothpaste for the next few days after whitening. This will minimize discomfort.

Other Options to Consider for Smile Makeovers and Enhancement

If you are not a good candidate for smile makeover treatment, there are plenty of other cosmetic dentistry options for you to consider, including dental bonding and porcelain veneers. Both can brighten your smile and make you look much better in the process.

Learn More About Dental Care Treatments

If you would like to learn more about all of your options for advanced smile enhancement, be sure to contact our Worcester cosmetic dentistry center today. We will be sure to go over all of your options for smile makeover treatment so that you look and feel your best.