8 Main Disadvantages of Tooth Bleaching

8 Main Disadvantages of Tooth Bleaching are given below:

1. The effect of bleaching on natural tooth is not permanent compared to crowns and veneers which can be restored to their original shade by cleaning and polishing.

This is particularly significant when patient is unwilling to give up the stain promoting habits, such as smoking or drinking excessive tea or coffee.

2. Many times, it requires two or three sessions more compared to instant veneering.

3. It is not effective for all forms of discolorations, such as banding seen in severe tetracycline staining.

The banding effect will remain, albeit somewhat lighter in color. Furthermore, bleaching cannot totally correct opacity or white spots frequently seen in fluorosis.

4. Bleaching can be inappropriate or dangerous when the surface, thickness and health of enamel has been compromised for any reason like microcracks permeating the deeper penetration of stain or thinned enamel as seen in many systemic disorders and in older age.

5. Bleaching is somewhat unpredictable to speculate the color change.

6. It can sometimes cause some low-grade reversible pulpal inflammation and may lead to hard tooth structure damage.

7. Seepage of bleaching agent into the surrounding periodontal tissues can lead to gingival irritation or severe damage.

8. Greatest potential hazard with nonvital bleaching procedure is cervical resorption of tooth.