Is Whitening Teeth Painful?

If you want to make your teeth brighter, your dentist can help. Ask your cosmetic dentist about professional teeth whitening services that lift stubborn stains in your teeth to leave your smile looking several shades brighter.

Though you might look forward to a pearly white smile, you may also worry that this treatment will hurt or cause discomfort. You can rest assured that your dentist will prioritize your comfort as they whiten your smile and that the process will not be painful in any way.

However, you may feel more at ease about pursuing cosmetic dental work when you know more about it ahead of your appointment. Learn details about the teeth whitening process and how your dentist ensures your comfort during this treatment when you read on.

Is Whitening Teeth Painful

Does Teeth Whitening Treatment Feel Uncomfortable?

A common reason that people experience a fear of their dentist is the anticipation of pain during dental work. So you can feel more relaxed at your dentist’s office when you know that teeth whitening treatment does not hurt. The dentist can offer two options depending on your preferences when it comes to whitening your teeth.

The in-office whitening treatment involves the dentist applying bleaching gel to your teeth. Professional application of this product ensures even coverage over your smile for optimal results.

The non-invasive procedure will not cause pain to your teeth in any way. Bleaching agents in the gel will bring dental discoloration to the surface of the teeth. Then the dentist can easily wash stains away to leave your smile looking brighter.

The dentist can also provide you with a take-home teeth-whitening kit. This treatment involves custom-made trays that fit your unique smile. The dentist creates them based on impressions of your teeth so that they will fit comfortably and securely.

These trays contain bleaching gel, and you wear them over your teeth as directed for several weeks. You will see a gradual brightening of your tooth color. This teeth whitening option also will not hurt your teeth.

Will I Notice Tooth Sensitivity After Whitening My Smile?

Some dental patients might worry that after teeth-whitening treatment, their teeth will feel sensitive. Tooth sensitivity refers to a type of pain in the teeth that feels sharp when an external stimulus touches it. It happens when the enamel, the outer layer of the tooth, weakens or wears down to expose underlying nerves that transmit pain signals to the brain when touched.

The whitening products your dentist uses to brighten your tooth color are specially designed to not damage your enamel. This way, you will not have to worry about tooth sensitivity following your smile enhancement treatment.

The precise application of the whitening gel and the custom build of take-home trays also ensure that you will not experience other uncomfortable side effects like gum irritation. To further reduce potential discomfort after teeth whitening, follow your dentist’s aftercare guidelines. Avoid acidic or sugary foods and beverages that might harm your enamel directly after your treatment.