I Have Sensitive Teeth: Can I Still Get Teeth Whitening Treatment?
In the past, dentists usually didn’t recommend teeth whitening when a patient already had tooth sensitivity. However, new and improved professional formulas make it safer than ever to brighten and whiten your teeth, even when you live with tooth sensitivity. The secret? Talk to your dentist beforehand and avoid over-the-counter options.
Our team at Goodman Dental Center in Queen Creek, Arizona, offers different options for teeth whitening, so it’s easy to get results, even if you have sensitive teeth.
If you have sensitive teeth, here’s why you could still have them whitened.
It all starts with a comprehensive dental exam
When you pursue professional teeth whitening, our team starts with the dental exam to ensure you’re a good candidate. And, if you have tooth sensitivity, that means identifying the source of your problem.
Approximately 80% of tooth sensitivity actually starts at the gum line, not the tooth itself. As a result, it’s a common sign of problems like gum disease. Additional causes of tooth sensitivity can include:
- Tooth decay or infection
- Cracks, chips, or breaks
- Damaged or worn tooth enamel
Rest easy, we can treat most of these dental issues. That means that once we determine the cause of your tooth sensitivity, we can treat it and safely whiten your teeth, leaving you with the perfect smile.
There are different whitening formulas
Getting a beautiful smile shouldn’t be painful, especially if you already have sensitive teeth. That’s why we offer in-office and at-home whitening systems at Goodman Dental Center. And, unlike bleaching formulas in the past, these new products contain high-quality ingredients that get proven results, but they’re more gentle on teeth.
In-office whitening
As you might expect, bleaching during an office visit provides faster results with formulas that have the power to penetrate deep inside of your teeth, and they can even lighten them up to eight shades in an hour.
At-home whitening
Our at-home systems offer the same proven results, but they can take several weeks instead of an hour. With custom-fit or prefabricated trays, these systems make it easier to bleach your teeth at home safely.
We can discuss your tooth sensitivities during your initial exam and discuss which method might be best for you. We can also provide additional recommendations to reduce your tooth sensitivity, such as:
- Following your professional whitening instructions closely
- Cutting back on whitening treatments
- Not overusing bleaching products
- Using fluoride rinses and toothpaste for sensitive teeth
- Changing to a soft bristle toothbrush
- Limiting hot and cold foods or beverages during treatment
With our help, you can get a brighter and whiter smile, even if you have sensitive teeth.
To learn more about whitening your teeth, contact Goodman Dental Center to schedule a consultation by calling 480-485-7073 or request an appointment online today.