Teeth whitening can dramatically improve the way your smile looks — and the confidence you have in your appearance. But if you have sensitive teeth, whitening treatments can be uncomfortable, leaving some people with discomfort that persists for hours or even days.

At Yardley Family Dental, our team offers patients in Yardley, Pennsylvania, beautiful teeth whitening results they want, even those with sensitive teeth. Here’s how we can help you get a sparkling smile with our safe, effective professional-grade whitening treatment.

Why your teeth are sensitive

Most people think of their teeth as being solid, made of a single material. But your teeth are composed of layers of material. The outer layer is made of durable enamel — the hard material that gives your teeth their white color. 

Underneath the enamel is a layer of material called dentin, and below that in the center of the tooth is pulp material that contains blood vessels and nerves. Your dentin contains many tiny tubules that transport nutrients from the pulp to the outer layer of the tooth. These tubules provide a direct connection to the nerves in the pulp layer, too.

Tooth sensitivity typically happens when the enamel layer is worn thin or damaged, exposing the dentin layer. When that happens, the dentin tubules transmit sensations directly to the nerves, causing irritation and tooth sensitivity. Damaged fillings, exposed tooth roots, cavities, and gum disease can cause sensitivity, too.

Teeth whitening and sensitivity

That’s why your teeth are sensitive. The next question: Is it safe to whiten sensitive teeth? The answer is absolutely yes. The whitening agents we use are completely safe for all teeth; they won’t harm your teeth or gums, nor will they cause your teeth to become more sensitive.

However, the whitening agents can increase your tooth sensitivity during your treatment by irritating those tiny nerve endings. The sensitivity is temporary, however, so you can still enjoy the beautiful benefits of whitening.

Preparing for teeth whitening

Prior to beginning your whitening treatment, your dentist carefully examines your teeth, looking for any tiny cracks, failing fillings, or other issues that could increase sensitivity. We recommend having those issues repaired first — not only to reduce sensitivity during your whitening treatment, but to avoid other potential problems in the future.

You also might consider using a toothpaste made especially for sensitive teeth in the weeks leading up to your whitening treatment. This toothpaste penetrates the channels in your dentin, reaching the nerve endings and desensitizing them so they won’t be irritated by the whitening agent, just as it helps with sensitivities to hot or cold temperatures.

The whitening treatment

Yardley Family Dental provides custom-fitted trays for your take-home teeth whitening kits. These trays fit the contours of your teeth so they’re snug and secure. When you add the whitening agents, these custom trays prevent overflow onto sensitive gum tissue, dramatically reducing your risk of irritation and sensitivity.

Our take-home kits use professional-grade whitening agents designed to whiten more quickly than drugstore over-the-counter kits. Stronger whitening agents mean faster results and less time exposed to the bleach.

Also, having a take-home kit allows you to customize your results and perform touch-up treatments as needed. That way, you can adjust your “tray time” to minimize sensitivity issues, allowing you complete control over your treatments and your results.

Enjoy a more beautiful, more confident smile

Don’t let sensitive teeth keep you from enjoying all of the benefits of professional teeth whitening. To learn how we can help you safely transform your smile, call 724-271-8087 or book an appointment online today.