Teeth Whitening: How White is Too White?

Teeth whitening is a great way to alter the appearance of your teeth. It’s non-invasive, quick, and easy to maintain with the occasional touch-up at home or at your dentist’s office.

However, it can also be overdone, resulting in teeth that look artificially white and unnatural.

Many patients simply aren’t sure when they should stop whitening. They want their teeth to look whiter but have a hard time identifying the right shade of white to aim for.

How can I tell when to stop?

To help our patients decide how white they should go, our Woodbridge dentists recommend that they stick to the shade they initially settled on at the outset of treatment. Your dentist will have a shade chart at the office that can help guide your whitening treatment process.

If you’re at home and trying to decide if you’re finished whitening or not, a good rule of thumb is that your teeth should be no whiter than the whites of your eyes. This is a good shade to aim for, as you can be sure it will look natural on you.

Another general rule of thumb is to use your skin tone and complexion. If your skin is on the lighter side then you can go with a whiter shade for your teeth, because your teeth will blend in a little more with the rest of your face without looking out of place or garish.

We recommend avoiding the very white end of the spectrum if you have a darker complexion. This is because the goal of teeth whitening is for the final result to appear natural – as if they haven't been whitened at all. If you whiten your teeth to the point where they appear unnaturally white, you will attract too much negative attention.

Side Effects of Teeth Whitening

While there are minimal side effects associated with the teeth whitening process, too much of anything can often have unpleasant results. The same is true for teeth whitening. Here are some side effects associated with the teeth whitening process that can be more prominent with over-whitening.

• Teeth Sensitivity - One of the most commonly reported side effects of teeth whitening is sensitivity. This can happen if the patient's enamel is weak or if the whitening isn't done correctly. Because the dental professional can apply the bleaching agent in the safest way possible, in-office whitening is the best way to reduce the risk of sensitivity during and after treatment. To reduce the risk of sensitivity, dentists frequently recommend certain treatments prior to whitening. Dentists may, for example, recommend that a patient with dental cavities get dental fillings before undergoing the whitening procedure.
• Gum Irritation - If the gums are not properly isolated or if the take-home or store-bought kit is not properly applied, gum irritation can occur. Gum irritation is rare in most patients, especially when the procedure is performed in the office and administered by a dental professional.

If you’re interested in whitening your teeth or need help deciding how white you should go, book an appointment with one of our Woodbridge dentists today!