Ultra-white teeth treatments can cause sensitivity

Fans of the iconic TV series Friends will surely remember the scene where Ross undergoes a teeth whitening treatment. He wanted to put on his best smile on his first date with Hilary, one of Monica’s besties. The problem? He overcame the sea and his teeth weren’t just white – they were fluorescent. Ross tries to cover his mouth the whole time until the lights go out and he relaxes. They sit on the couch and then she’s dumbfounded: “What do you have?” The scene is hilarious and even though it’s been 25 years since the sketch aired, it’s still totally relevant.

The demand for cosmetic dental treatments is steady. There is growing interest in these processes, except during the pandemic lockdown, when everything came to a standstill. One of the most sought-after treatments is teeth whitening and cleaning, attracting people of all ages, including the youngest.

The relentless bombardment of perfect, dazzling teeth in ads, movies and social media forces many to look in the mirror and compare themselves. That’s when people notice that their teeth aren’t like, say, Brad Pitt’s. And they start investigating.

It’s not about wanting whiter teeth. Teeth whitening has been a common practice in dental clinics worldwide for decades. However, professionals in the field are now noticing a growing demand for super white teeth. An impressive example is the almost bluish shade of Kim Kardashian, which she calls “pearl white”. It’s just one step away from Ross’s fluorescent teeth. But is such extreme whiteness really necessary?

“Each of us has a certain shade of teeth, most of which fall within a normal range. But in some cases, due to enamel or dentin abnormalities, genetics or dietary habits, the color can deviate from this range,” he explains. the General Council of Dentists of Spain. That’s where teeth whitening comes in, with the goal of “improving the color of dark teeth.” However, there are nuances.

– What if I want an overly vibrant shade that doesn’t match my natural tooth color?

– Practitioners carefully assess whether the expected results align with the patient’s wishes to avoid disappointment.

Safer in a clinic

Since these techniques fall under cosmetic dentistry, the patient’s aspirations are undoubtedly important. But many times, we see perfect, super white teeth and assume they are natural when they are not. Often, it’s veneers — thin layers placed on the front of the teeth. According to the General Dental Council, this is a “more complex” technique used when whitening does not achieve the desired aesthetic result – for example, when the patient wants a shade that does not align with their natural teeth. This is why some professionals prefer to talk about “lightening” rather than whitening.

For these treatments, visiting a clinic is the safest option. “They are more effective and safer because they require a prior dental evaluation,” say the experts. Additionally, “the whitening agents used in professional treatments are much more concentrated than those in over-the-counter products.”

However, some people attempt these procedures at home, taking their own risks. “It is essential to use products according to the manufacturer’s instructions,” dentists warn. Otherwise, improper use can lead to “injuries to the oral mucosa”.

– On TikTok, viral trends promote the use of lemon juice, hydrogen peroxide rinses or even filing enamel…

– Social media irresponsibly spreads completely inappropriate methods that cause irreparable damage to enamel, erode it and significantly increase sensitivity.