Does teeth whitening hurt? It’s the most common question we get at Cleveland Dental Institute regarding the whitening procedure and we’re here to answer it for you.
The short answer: No, most teeth whitening procedures do not hurt.
Traditional Whitening Methods
Many whitening treatments rely on bleaching agents that can have lingering short term effects. As with any medical or dental procedure, there will always be a small percentage of patients who experience symptoms or sensitivity following their visit. This is true of teeth whitening as well and various factors can cause increased sensitivity or short periods of discomfort for some patients, such as:
- Sensitivity to more highly concentrated bleaching agents or leaving the bleaching agent on for too long.
- Pre-existing dental problems like cavities or gum disease.
- Patients that have naturally sensitive teeth or gums.
The reason for the sensitivity or mild pain is due to the bleaching agents irritating nerve endings in the teeth or gums, which causes irritation. This typically subsides within 24-48 hours of treatment.
However, At Cleveland Dental Institute, we do not use bleaching agents and therefore do not see the sensitivity side effects in patients that are more commonplace with that method of teeth whitening.
Does Teeth Whitening Hurt at CDI Ohio?
At CDI, we use the revolutionary Zoom! Teeth Whitening — a painless procedure that uses only a cool hydrogen peroxide gel and special UV light technology, which activates the gel to penetrate deeper into your teeth’s enamel for a whiter smile.
It’s a painless treatment, and is applied in four 15-minute sessions for whiter, brighter teeth in only an hour or less!
The Zoom! Teeth Whitening Procedure
Zoom! Teeth Whitening is a safe, professional in-office treatment designed to brighten your smile quickly and effectively. For the very best results, your dentist may recommend a routine teeth cleaning prior to your Zoom! whitening procedure. Here’s a step-by-step overview of the procedure and follow-up care:
In-Office Procedure:
- Lips and gums are covered to expose the teeth.
- Zoom hydrogen peroxide whitening gel is applied to the teeth.
- A special Zoom light is used to activate the gel and break up stains.
- The gel and light are applied in up to four 15-minute sessions, depending on your whitening needs.
- After the final session, a fluoride paste-gel is applied to reduce tooth sensitivity.
Post-Treatment Care:
- You’ll receive a Zoom! touch-up kit with custom-fitted whitening trays for at-home use.
- Use the kit according to your dentist’s instructions.
- Your dentist may recommend whitening toothpaste to help maintain results.
- To keep your smile bright, avoid or limit foods and drinks that stain (e.g., coffee, tea, red wine, cola).
- Refrain from using tobacco products, which can quickly stain teeth.
- Maintain good oral hygiene and attend regular dental cleanings.
Consult with Your Dentist
Does teeth whitening hurt? Not at CDI Ohio! Cleveland Dental Institute’s professionals perform thousands of Zoom! whitening procedures every year. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation with any of our dentists, you can book an appointment request online 24/7 or use our location directory to call the location nearest you.
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