Over Bleaching Can Cause Serious Problems

Everyone likes a beautiful smile, but unfortunately, a new disorder, known in the industry as, “Bleachorexia,” is happening all over the world and could have disastrous results

Over bleaching teeth with over the counter bleaching products can cause serious problems for your teeth and gums. Bleaching more than is recommended can make you sensitive to hot and cold and even make your teeth appear transparent. Your dentist explains that over bleaching can also ruin the enamel on your teeth.

Tooth whitening is big business with Americans spending over a billion dollars each year with both over the counter tooth whitening products such as gels, pastes and whitening strips, and professional in office tooth whitening and custom made tooth bleaching trays. In fact, in a recent study conducted by the American Dental Association tooth whitening toothpaste is more popular than fluoride or tartar control toothpaste.

Although more research is needed, there is evidence that when tooth-bleaching products are used as directed no permanent damage will occur.

Studies indicate that it is quite safe to bleach for two weeks if you are using an over the counter bleaching product or a custom-made whitening kit from your dentist. It is also safe to schedule one or two in office chair side bleaching session each year. However, your dentist will tell you that it is unsafe to include bleaching as part of your daily routine.

Other side effects, besides the tooth sensitivity, that could occur from over whitening include blue colored enamel, gum irritation, and uneven tooth whiteness. If the chemicals seep into an unfilled cavity or a cracked tooth, the internal damage will not only be painful, but could also result in a root canal. With the exception of the internal damage, all of the symptoms will clear up after a couple of weeks as long as you stop using the tooth bleaching products.

However, some people will not stop and become, “Bleachorexics.” A decade ago most people were not even aware of tooth whitening, but these days, most dentists will tell you that they have had to cut off more than one patient because of, “Bleachorexia.”  

One of the main reasons people can’t stop is because once they do, teeth will return to the color that they were before bleaching. Very few people are content with their tooth color after it begins to regress. This starts the cycle all over again, which eventually leads to over bleaching.

If you think you could be suffering from, “Bleachorexia,” schedule an appointment with your dentist who can help you kick the habit with a more permanent solution such as dental veneers or dental bonding. 

Beautiful Teeth in Weeks from Your OC Cosmetic Dentist

Thanks to the advances of Cosmetic Dentistry in Orange County, you can have that white smile that you thought you could never afford. These days you can have your teeth whitened giving you a million dollar smile that most people only dream of having.

Tooth bleaching is certainly not new, and is a non-invasive cosmetic dental procedure in Fountain Valley that will improve the look for your smile whether you have stained teeth because of medication, normal wear, or smoke. If you had excessive fluoride when your teeth were just developing you may have dark colored teeth that are drastically affecting your ability to smile.

Red wine, coffee, and tea can also stain your teeth, and if you have enjoyed a glass or cup more than you would like to admit, tooth whitening in Fountain Valley can help. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Peter Hagen who will be able to whiten your teeth enhancing the true beauty of your toothy grin.

Tooth whitening is the number one cosmetic dentistry procedure in Orange County and can whiten your teeth dramatically. However, tooth whitening will only work on natural tooth enamel. Cosmetic restorations in Fountain Valley such as bridges, old fillings, and crowns may need to be replaced in order to match your newly whitened teeth.

Tooth bleaching is not permanent, and if you continue to use tobacco, enjoy the occasional glass of red wine, coffee, or tea, or have recently been treated with tooth enamel damaging prescription drugs, a touch up every few months may be required.

The tooth whitening procedure performed by your Cosmetic Dentist in Orange County requires two appointments with molds or impressions made to fabricate your clear custom made bleaching trays.

During your second dental appointment with Dr. Peter Hagen, your OC Cosmetic Dentist will make sure that your new dental trays fit your teeth and make adjustments if necessary. Your Orange County Cosmetic Dentist will show you how to use your new whitening system giving you a special bleaching solution that you will use overnight, twice a day, or 30 minutes a day depending on how severe the staining is on your teeth.

A beautiful smile is waiting in just a few short weeks, and if you would like more information on tooth whitening, schedule a no obligation consultation with the Best Cosmetic Dentist in the OC today. Do not waste your money on over the counter whitening systems and make your appointment with Dr. Peter Hagen in the OC today.