Can You Over-Whiten Your Teeth?

Most people want a bright, white smile and there are many products and choices available today to achieve it. There are options for just about every goal and budget, and treatments may be performed professionally or in the comfort of your own home. If you choose to whiten your teeth at home, some users have concerns that they might overdo it and end up with teeth that glow in the dark. Is that possible?

Home whitening kits oxidize the proteins that stick to your teeth. They only work on natural teeth, not on dental restorations such as veneers, crowns, or bonds. Also remember that you shouldn’t eat or drink any colored items like sodas or coffee within two hours of treatment, or the whitening treatment won’t be as effective.

Even when used correctly, the extent that your teeth will whiten is affected by a variety of factors. These include age, genetics, medication use, and the degree of staining from items like coffee, tea, and soft drinks.

Whitening your teeth at home is safe. Over-bleaching them is rare, usually occurring in extreme cases in which the user does not follow the instructions. However, there is little point in trying to over-whiten your teeth and “beat the system” with home whitening kits. Your teeth will whiten only to a certain point, as they really don’t become truly white. If you feel your teeth have become too bright, you only have to give it some time. After a few months, your teeth will darken slightly to a lesser shade of white.

Teeth whitening dentist in Toronto – Schedule your appointment today