Teeth whitening with sensitive teeth can be painful, but it doesn't need to be! Here at Gorgeous Smiles, we know how important achieving the perfect smile is and have helped many patients with sensitive teeth brighten their smiles. The key is a smart treatment plan that allows you to brighten your teeth without exposing them to too many bleaching agents, which can increase your sensitivity. Want to learn more? Check out our detailed guide below on how we can help you brighten your smile.
You can get teeth whitening if you have sensitive teeth, allowing you to brighten your smile and feel more confident. When you have sensitive teeth, you are more likely to experience sensitivity during a whitening treatment, but that doesn't mean you need to sacrifice achieving your dream smile.
Instead, it means you should work with a dental professional who can help you achieve the perfect smile, with the right shade that suits your complexion. A dentist will work with you to ensure your treatment does not make your sensitivity worse and can offer guidance on how to care for your newly brightened smile.
We offer a range of teeth whitening services suitable for sensitive teeth. Learn more about whitening options at our Melbourne clinic.
When it comes to whitening sensitive teeth, there are a few options you can choose from, including professional in-chair whitening with your dentist, at home, or by purchasing over-the-counter whitening toothpastes and other whitening treatments. For best results, seeing a dentist who can determine the right shade for your smile and whether you are an ideal candidate for teeth whitening is best.
For teeth whitening to be effective, you will need a healthy smile, free from cavities and any gum disease. Don't worry if you have any of these dental issues; we can work with you to treat them before you begin your whitening journey. Below, we have detailed the teeth whitening options for sensitive teeth.
Most dentists, including us here at Gorgeous Smiles, offer in-chair teeth whitening, where a registered dental professional will whiten your teeth instantly. In-chair whitening is one of the most popular choices, where dentists can use higher concentrations of bleaching gels and laser light to brighten your smile instantly.
Make your dentist aware that you have sensitive teeth when booking in-chair whitening. You might experience some temporary sensitivity or worsening of your sensitivity for up to a week after the treatment. In cases where you have a lot of sensitivity, we might recommend alternative treatments to whiten your teeth.
In-chair whitening can be expensive, but we offer several payment plans that allow you to spread the cost. Learn more about our costs and payment options.
At-home teeth whitening is a great option if you don't have the time to commit to visiting the dentist regularly. You will need to visit the dentist initially, who will create customised trays and a treatment plan to help you brighten your smile. Your dentist will discuss your goals with you and make recommendations for the right shade for your teeth, which is natural but brighter than your current smile.
Based on this, your customised trays are made with the right percentage of chemicals to help whiten your teeth. Generally, we recommend 6% hydrogen peroxide, which will brighten your teeth and does not require more than a two-week period. At-home teeth whitening kits from your dentist are a more affordable option. Learn more about costs and payment plans.
Another option to consider is teeth whitening at home, without purchasing products from your dentist. We do not recommend doing teeth whitening at home, especially if you have sensitive teeth. You must be careful to ensure that the whitening products are suitable for sensitive teeth and apply them correctly to avoid any chemical burns or discomfort.
Many whitening products you can purchase are not as strong as dentist treatments, meaning they won't be as effective. In Australia, teeth whitening products with over 6% hydrogen peroxide and 18% carbamide peroxide can only be purchased and used by registered dentists, so your products won't deliver the same results. Purchasing whitening treatments online or from overseas sellers can be risky, too, as they can add more of these chemicals than they should, increasing the risk of chemical burns. You cannot be sure of the ingredients in these products, and they should be avoided to keep your mouth safe and avoid increasing your tooth sensitivity.
Teeth whitening, even when performed by a dentist, is not risk-free, especially if you have sensitive teeth. The most common risk is an increased sensitivity, which can occur when using strong chemical products, like the bleaching agents found in whitening treatments. Using these too frequently or incorrectly can make your teeth more sensitive, especially when drinking cold drinks.
You might experience temporary sensitivity following in-chair treatments that can last for a week. If you experience sensitivity with at-home treatments, you should take a break from them and only continue when the sensitivity has subsided.
Other risks with teeth whitening can include chemical burns on your gums. These happen when the gel or whitening product comes into contact with your gums, and normally causes burns when it has a high percentage of bleaching agents in it. You need to take care when applying the gels and avoid swallowing them to keep yourself safe. This risk is eliminated when you visit a dentist who will apply the treatment for you and monitor it while it is on your teeth.
If whitening your teeth doesn't appeal to you, there are some alternatives you can try. These options can all be considered for sensitive teeth, but it's worth noting that you might find them more uncomfortable than patients without sensitivity. Your dentist will discuss these options with you to determine if you are a suitable candidate for the following:
These custom-designed caps are placed over your teeth, changing their shape or appearance. You can choose the shade of your crown, allowing you to hide discoloured teeth and achieve a brighter smile. Dental crowns are also recommended to protect damaged, weak, or worn teeth.
Learn more about our dental crown treatment and prices at our Melbourne clinic.
Porcelain veneers are a popular choice with patients who want to transform their smile. Veneers are thin porcelain shells that are placed over your existing teeth, helping to straighten and brighten your smile. Your dentist will help you choose the perfect shade for your veneers, and can recommend methods to ensure your smile is all the same colour.
Porcelain veneers can be expensive, so learn more about porcelain veneers at our Melbourne clinic.
Dental bonding, or composite bonding, allows us to apply a resin to your teeth, addressing gaps, cracks, and chips. The shade of the resin can be selected to help brighten your smile, too. Some dentists will also use the resin to hide any discoloured patches on your teeth, without you needing a whitening treatment.
Learn more about dental bonding treatments and prices at our Melbourne clinic.
Not everyone wants to whiten their teeth, and there are several easy methods you can use to prevent tooth discolouration, keeping your smile naturally bright and white. Avoiding staining food and making some lifestyle changes can help you enjoy a brighter and healthier smile, with methods including:
Stopping smoking
Sipping water with food and drink to rinse your mouth
Drinking staining beverages through a straw
Not holding liquids in your mouth
Avoiding food and drink with staining pigments, like soft drinks, tea, coffee, red wine, and dark coloured sauces
Brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
Flossing once a day
Drinking water throughout the day to rinse your mouth after snacks and drinks
Attending regular dental appointments to have plaque removed and address any concerns
Brightening your smile with sensitive teeth doesn't need to be as daunting as you once thought. Whether you opt for an at-home or in-chair treatment, you can see results quickly without worrying about any increased sensitivity or pain. Book a consultation with one of our expert dentists to discuss your treatment options and start your whitening journey today.
Teeth whitening carried out by a professional dentist is considered safe, along with the at-home kits they provide. When purchasing teeth whitening treatments, you need to ensure they feature clear ingredient lists so you can check their safety before using them.
For some patients, teeth whitening treatments can temporarily make their teeth more sensitive. This typically lasts for a week and should subside. You can pause your at-home treatment if you notice increased sensitivity and resume it when it stops.
Typically, teeth whitening can make your teeth up to eight shades brighter. We don't recommend that you aim for this unless it will suit your complexion. During a consultation, we will discuss your goals and help you pick a shade that matches these without seeming unnatural.
Teeth whitening performed by a dentist can take an hour or so, while treatments at home will be completed over a two-week period unless you are told otherwise.
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Disclaimer: every treatment has risks. The treatment posted on this page might not be appropriate for your oral environment. You need a full consultation with an Australian qualified dental professional before we can confirm if you are a good candidate for any treatments. Results vary from person to person. This page’s posts does not replace real life dental professional’s examination & opinion. We are a very experienced team of general dentists with special interests in different fields if dentistry. Learn more about the risks here.
