Can You Whiten Teeth Without Sensitivity?

Just like hair, eyes, and skin color are different, teeth also naturally come in varying shades. So, one person may have naturally bright white teeth while another may have slightly yellow teeth. 

Even so, aging and lifestyle habits like drinking coffee, tea, or cola, smoking, exposure to fluoride in water when growing up, and poor mouth hygiene can gradually change the appearance of your teeth. People whiten their teeth for so many reasons:

• Boost confidence.

• Achieve a younger look.

• Attain an attractive smile.
• Remove stubborn stains or yellowing.

Whatever your reason for wanting to make your teeth lighter than they currently are, you want a procedure that’s safe and painless. So, in this article, we’ll be looking at the risks of tooth whitening, how you can whiten teeth at home safely, and professional teeth whitening methods in Hanford, CA you can explore.

Risks Associated with Teeth Whitening 

First off, teeth whitening is usually safe if done correctly. The side effects are mild and should wear off within a few days. However, caution when choosing a tooth whitening method, as using a bad product or process can cause severe issues or even permanent damage. 

Tooth sensitivity is perhaps the most common effect of whitening your teeth. It can be described as mild to intense pain and discomfort when you eat something hot or cold. Mild sensitivity may occur with safe methods, but it usually fades off with time. However, sensitivity may become severe and prolonged, thus interfering with your daily life. 

In this case, you may have used a harsh method and should see a dentist immediately. Other risks of using powerful products or techniques include:

• Tooth etching 
• Teeth fractures
• Corrosion of the enamel
• Severe discoloration 
• Gum and tissue irritation or damage 

That said, it is still very much possible to avoid, or at least minimize, sensitivity and other risks factors when whitening your teeth. Let’s walk you through some methods you can do at home and those you can do with the help of an experienced dentist in Hanford, CA.

How to Whiten Teeth at Home with Little to No Sensitivity (And Options You Should Avoid!)

There are many popular at-home or DIY teeth whitening methods, which vary in efficiency and safety. The safe ones can help you achieve a brighter, more youthful smile cheaply and without all the scary side effects. But unlike professional whitening procedures, most at-home options take time to show results, and when they do, it’s usually one or two shades lighter. This makes them suitable for when you’re looking to remove a bit of yellowing. 

But if you need to remove deep-set stains, the professional route will give you better results. Here are four at-home whitening methods if you’re trying to avoid severe sensitivity: 

• Baking soda

• Heavily diluted hydrogen peroxide mouthwash (1.5% concentration)

• Whitening toothpaste (preferably for sensitive teeth)

• Whitening strips
• Whitening rinses

Of course, you may have heard of other natural methods to whiten your teeth at home. Some of these are not safe for your teeth and may cause or worsen sensitivity. So, to be on the safe side, steer clear of methods that call for: 

• Activated charcoal

• Apple cider vinegar

• Lemon or any citric-based solution

• Wood ash
• OTC bleaching kits

Professional Teeth Whitening Options in Hanford, CA 

Professional teeth whitening treatment is the best way to get great results faster if you have yellow or stained teeth. With a good dentist, most methods can be performed on sensitive teeth too. After all, your dentist will choose the best whitening approach to ensure that you are okay during and after the procedure. 

Here are some of the professional teeth whitening procedures you can expect from your dental office.  

Chairside Bleaching in a Dental Office

It is a safe tooth whitening procedure done in a dental lab in Hanford, CA, that usually lasts anywhere between 30 minutes to an hour. Even though it is pretty fast and can help you achieve the perfect shade, chairside bleaching can cause temporary sensitivity. Maintenance is often necessary to ensure that the results last. 

At-Home Customized Whitening Trays

The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) recommends that you use custom-fitted trays provided by your dentist if you want a safe and effective way to whiten your teeth. That’s because if you fit your teeth with whitening trays that do not work properly, the whitening solution might come out and cause gum irritation. A dentist should provide specialized trays that match your bite and mouth to avoid irritation. 

Compared to chairside whitening, trays are more affordable, but they take longer to deliver results. But how does it work? The tray contains carbamide peroxide, a compound broken down into hydrogen peroxide (the bleaching agent). You’ll need to have your tray on for a few hours or even throughout the night. But that depends on the tray you buy. 

At-home custom whitening trays last a fortnight on average but can go on for a month to six weeks at times with daily use. These trays have a shelf-life of about five years, so you should note this before you buy.

Porcelain or Composite Resin Veneers

If your dentist discovers that your teeth can’t handle whitening or are too stained to repair, they recommend veneers. Veneers come in two types: porcelain and composite resin. Porcelain veneers require a significant amount of tooth enamel to place compared to composite-resin veneers, which do not need as much. 

For this reason, they are an ideal option if you have sensitivity due to decreased enamel. Your dentist should help you choose the best of the two veneers for you. 

How to Maintain Your Teeth After Whitening

After getting your teeth whitened at home or with in-office treatment in Hanford, CA, you need to follow some tips to keep that bright smile. Some of the things you can do include the following:

• Brush your teeth right after consuming any staining foods such as wine, coffee, tea, etc.
• Use a straw when drinking staining beverages.
• Quit cigarette smoking and other tobacco substances.
• Eat more teeth-whitening foods such as pineapples, broccoli, onions, nut, celery, and dairy.

Consult a Qualified Professional in Teeth Whitening, Hanford, CA to Avoid Sensitivity

Adopting a teeth-friendly diet, avoiding staining foods, and other at-home procedures can help brighten your smile. However, for a more professional touch, a dentist can advise you on the most appropriate treatment for you. So, even if you go DIY, make sure you consult a qualified dentist first. 

If you are looking to professionally whiten your teeth in Hanford, CA, consult Dr. Jack Nagrani Dentistry. Dr.Jack Nagrani is a highly qualified family dentist who has invested in advanced technologies to provide patients with the best dental care, including whitening services, available. 

Get in touch with our dental office in Hanford, CA today at (559) 422-6027 to discuss further how we can help brighten that smile.