Teeth Whitening for Sensitive Teeth: What to Expect

Teeth whitening is a great way to help you look and feel your best, too. With today’s professional teeth whitening treatments, it’s also fast, safe, and effective.

But what if you have sensitive teeth? Can you still have your teeth whitened, or will you wind up with a lot of discomfort afterward? 

At Park Place Smiles in Glendora, California, Minal Patel, DDS, is skilled in helping patients with sensitive teeth enjoy whiter, brighter, healthier-looking smiles with professional in-office whitening treatments using the state-of-the-art PolaⓇ whitening system. If you have sensitive teeth, here’s how our team can help you enjoy a beautiful white smile without discomfort.

The benefits of professional whitening

Professional whitening treatments use powerful whitening agents and special techniques to lift away stains, so you can enjoy a truly white, bright smile. Treatments are quick, typically taking less than an hour. Results are immediate, too, so you can have a whitening treatment in the morning or afternoon and be ready for an event the same evening.

But if you have sensitive teeth, there’s another major benefit. When a dentist performs your whitening treatment, you can feel confident in the extra steps they take to protect your gums. Dr. Patel uses special guards and topical gels to keep the whitening gel away from your soft tissues, so you don’t have to worry about irritation.

When it comes to tooth sensitivity, professional whitening helps, too. First, professional whitening is quick, taking just a single, hour-long session to achieve beautiful results. That means your gums and teeth have limited exposure to the whitening agent, dramatically reducing the risk of sensitivity that can occur with over-the-counter kits requiring days and even weeks of use.

Many people have tooth sensitivity because of tiny cracks or cavities. Before professional whitening, Dr. Patel recommends a dental cleaning to get rid of plaque and tartar for more consistent results. That cleaning also gives her the chance to diagnose and treat tiny problems that would otherwise cause sensitivity.

What to expect at your visit

If you have extra sensitive teeth, Dr. Patel frequently recommends using a toothpaste designed specifically for tooth sensitivity. These products “fill in” tiny channels (tubules) in your teeth that can expose your nerves and lead to an increase in unpleasant sensations.

At your whitening appointment, Dr. Patel examines your teeth and makes sure they’re rid of plaque and tartar deposits. Then, she uses a guard to retract your lips, preventing irritation while ensuring the product is applied over all the surfaces of your teeth.

Next, she applies the whitening agent to the tooth surfaces, making sure the gel is applied evenly. The whitening agent is left in place for a set period of time before being neutralized and washed away. Depending on your needs, she may reapply the agent during your treatment to ensure optimal results.

Afterward, Dr. Patel provides you with guidance on steps you can take to maintain your results. Whitening toothpaste and rinses can help you enjoy your beautiful smile until your next touch-up appointment.

Start the year with a beautiful smile

Teeth whitening doesn’t just improve your smile — it improves your confidence, too. To learn more about our state-of-the-art teeth whitening treatments, call 626-226-1802 or book an appointment online with Park Place Smiles today.