Does teeth whitening ruin your teeth

Peroxide whitening changes the chemical structure of stain molecules, while enamel remains the mineralized outer layer of the crown. Whitening cannot change the color of fillings, crowns, or veneers, and untreated decay, cracks, or exposed dentin can make treatment uncomfortable.

Have cavities, leaking fillings, gum disease, and exposed root surfaces assessed before whitening. Follow the product instructions, keep gel off the gums, stop if symptoms are severe, and use a dentist-directed plan when sensitivity or restorations are present.

Seek dental care before whitening if you have tooth pain, spontaneous sensitivity, cavities, gum bleeding, ulcers, or a single tooth that has darkened. Contact the clinician if pain persists after stopping the product.

Ask which stains are likely to respond, whether existing restorations will mismatch, what concentration and contact time are planned, and how sensitivity will be managed. Ask whether disease needs treatment first.