Cosmetic teeth whitening is becoming more and more popular. In-office treatments and at-home whitening kits promise to give you a beautiful, white smile. But what happens when you go too white?
How Teeth Shades Work For You
Your teeth are made up of different layers. The outermost layer is called the enamel. Underneath the enamel is a yellowish layer called the dentin. The dentin is what gives your teeth their natural color.
The enamel is translucent, so the color of the dentin shows through. The whiter the dentin, the brighter your smile will be.
Your teeth can become stained by many different things, including:
* Foods and drinks, like coffee, tea, and red wine
* Smoking
* Age
* Medications
When your teeth are stained, the color of the dentin becomes darker. This makes your teeth look yellow or brown. Teeth whitening treatments bleach the enamel, making the dentin appear brighter.
What Happens When You Go Too White?
Teeth whitening is safe when it’s done according to the manufacturer’s instructions. But like with any cosmetic procedure, there are some risks.
One of the biggest risks of teeth whitening is that you can end up with unevenly colored teeth. This happens when the enamel is bleached more in some areas than others.
Another risk is that your teeth can become too white. This is called the “whitewash effect.” When your teeth are too white, they can look unnatural and fake.
The good news is that both of these risks are rare. And they can be avoided by working with an experienced cosmetic dentist at Newbury Dental Group.
What Happens if You Overbleach Teeth?
If you overbleach your teeth, you may experience some sensitivity. This is because the bleach can irritate the nerves in your teeth.
The good news is that this sensitivity is usually temporary. It should go away a few days after your treatment.
Should You Bleach to Make For a Bright Color?
When you come in for a teeth whitening treatment at Newbury Dental Group, we will talk to you about your goals for your smile. We will then match you with the right shade of bleaching gel.
We always err on the side of caution when it comes to bleach shades. We would rather you come back for another treatment than to have you end up with teeth that are too white.
If you are interested in teeth whitening, we welcome you to Contact Us. We will be happy to answer any of your questions and help you achieve the beautiful, white smile you’ve always wanted.