Teeth whitening is used because nearly everyone will experience staining or tooth discoloration at some point. For example, if you drink coffee, red wine or tea, you may develop stains over time. Using tobacco products or smoking, taking some types of medications and dental injuries can cause discoloration. The good news is that teeth whitening can remove many of these stains. You might be wondering if teeth whitening is right for your individual case. Read on to learn more about this process.
Other causes of tooth discoloration
Sometimes, the causes of discolored teeth are beyond a patient’s control. As a patient ages, the enamel will begin to thin. This causes the teeth to look more yellow. When this happens, whitening can restore the former appearance of the smile. That way, the patient can smile without embarrassment.
The right candidates
Teeth whitening is good for individuals who have healthy teeth already. It is better for patients not to have visible restorations before choosing whitening. Patients should also have healthy gums. The good news is that patients can have teeth restored and gums treated to become whitening candidates. Teeth that are yellow are more likely to respond to the teeth whitening treatment.
When teeth whitening is not an option
Not everyone is the right candidate for teeth whitening. For example, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should wait to get whitening. People who have dental bridges or crowns may want to talk to their dentist before considering whitening. Children should be at least 16 to get this type of treatment.
Anyone who has exposed roots may not be a good candidate. The roots will not whiten the same as the rest of the teeth. Some people are allergic to peroxide, so it is good for the dentist to have the patient’s medical history. Patients should ask the dentist about what the whitening results will be like. For example, teeth may only be able to whiten several shades instead of becoming a bright white.
Patients who have fillings or restorations need to have different considerations. The restorations will not whiten the same way that the rest of the teeth will. This means that the restorations and the teeth will not match after the whitening procedure. A dentist can create a strategy so the results will be more consistent. For example, getting new fillings or having restorations done. A patient may also be able to get veneers or bonding instead of whitening.
Visit a dentist for teeth whitening today
If you are interested in getting teeth whitening, consider visiting a dentist today. Your dentist can help you decide if you are a good candidate for teeth whitening. To do so, your dentist will take your medical history and perform an oral exam. If you are not a candidate for whitening, then you may still be eligible for other types of treatments. Visiting a dentist today is your first step in deciding.
Request an appointment here: https://www.perkinsdentalbaltimore.com or call Perkins Dental Care at (410) 789-0551 for an appointment in our Baltimore office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Recent Posts
Why Does My Tooth Hurt When I Drink Water?
Have you ever experienced a sharp pain in your tooth when you take a sip of cold water or a hot cup of coffee? If so, you may be wondering why your tooth hurts when you drink water. Tooth sensitivity to temperature changes is a common dental problem that affects millions of people worldwide. In…
How Long Does A Dental Filling Last?
The dental filling undergoes improvements every year, and increases in its longevity are becoming more common. However, despite advances, dental fillings have a limited lifespan, beyond which they begin to deteriorate. As a result, it is essential to be aware of the indicators of filling failure. When your dental filling begins to fail, you should…
How A General Dentist Treats Tooth Decay
If you're looking for help from a general dentist to treat tooth decay, there are several things to consider before making an appointment with one to ensure your visit goes as smoothly as possible. First, you'll want to find the best dentist for treating tooth decay. The second thing you'll want to do is think…
How To Best Care For Your Teeth After A Dental Cleaning
Dentists perform dental cleaning to prevent problems like tooth decay and gum disease. A dental cleaning procedure is more intensive than your daily oral hygiene routine.Read on to find out why aftercare is necessary after a dental cleaning. The following also explains how to care for your teeth after professional teeth cleaning.Dentists advise their patients…
FAQs
Teeth whitening is good for individuals who have healthy teeth already. It is better for patients not to have visible restorations before choosing whitening. Patients should also have healthy gums.
Who is not a candidate for teeth whitening? ›
Whitening is not recommended for people who experience chronic sensitivity, periodontal disease, oral cancer, or excessively worn and damaged enamel. Teeth that appear translucent may worsen with each whitening application and should be discontinued upon notice.
Who should go for teeth whitening? ›
Teeth whitening is ideal for people who have healthy, unrestored teeth (no fillings) and gums. Individuals with yellow tones to their teeth respond best. But this cosmetic procedure is not recommended for everyone.
What makes you suitable for teeth whitening? ›
Lots of people can have teeth whitening treatment, but some people may not be suitable if they have gum disease or other dental health problems such as tooth decay. You'll need to have consultation with your dentist before having treatment, to assess the suitability of your teeth.
How much does it cost to get perfect white teeth? ›
The most common type of professional teeth whitening is in-office bleaching, which usually costs between $500 and $1,000 per session with a national average of $650 per visit. Laser tooth whitening is another popular option that typically costs an average of $750 per session, varying between $500 and $1,000.
Why do dentists not recommend teeth whitening? ›
Tooth and gum sensitivity and pain
Store-bought products may contain abrasive substances like hydrogen peroxide, which can be effective if used minimally, but in large doses can cause erosion of teeth's enamel and shrinkage of the gums.
Why is teeth whitening not recommended? ›
One of the most common side effects is tooth sensitivity, which can occur during or after treatment. Overuse or misuse of teeth whitening products can also lead to enamel damage, gum irritation, and discoloration. Additionally, some types of tooth discoloration may not respond well to teeth whitening treatments.
What is the best age to whiten your teeth? ›
Since most people have all their permanent teeth by the age of 14, it is considered to be the best age to get teeth whitening treatments.
What do dentists think about teeth whitening? ›
Many general dentists recommend that patients undergo teeth whitening treatment prior to their dental restorations. Certain dental restorations such as dental crowns, bonding or veneers cannot be bleached. This means that if the remaining natural teeth stain, the teeth may not match the restoration.
How long does teeth whitening last? ›
The effects of teeth whitening can last up to 2-3 years or as little as 6 months. It varies from person to person. Things that will stain your teeth quickly and make your whitening short-lived include: – Smoking.
Seven Ways to Naturally Whiten Teeth
- Eat Strawberries. One of the simplest ways to naturally whiten your teeth is just by eating strawberries. ...
- Eat Plenty of Fruits and Vegetables. ...
- Brush After You Eat or Drink. ...
- Rinse with Apple Cider Vinegar. ...
- Apply Coconut Oil. ...
- Brush Your Tongue. ...
- Use Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide.
It's natural for teeth to appear darker as they age, but a bleaching product with hydrogen peroxide or urea peroxide can help turn back the clock – and a whitening toothpaste is an easy way to get a jump-start.
What is the cheapest way to get white teeth? ›
Over-the-counter options, like whitening toothpastes, strips, and kits, tend to be the cheapest options. If you feel self-conscious about the brightness of your smile, you are far from alone.
What is the best shade of white teeth? ›
The ideal shade of white targeted during teeth whitening treatments is a few shades lighter than the white of the patient's eyes. Whitening treatments can make teeth whiter than that, but the results typically would not look natural compared to the rest of the patient's physical features.
How can I get 100% white teeth? ›
There are several methods to make teeth whiter, including:
- Brushing regularly.
- Using whitening products at home.
- Avoiding things that stain teeth.
- Getting professional teeth whitening.
- Opting for veneers.
Unqualified Whitening is a Health Hazard
While your esthetician may claim to be qualified in teeth whitening, the procedure is actually banned from being performed outside of a dentist's office in most states.
How do you know if you need teeth whitening? ›
1) Yellowing or Staining of Teeth
One of the most obvious signs that it may be time for teeth whitening is the yellowing or staining of your teeth. This is a common issue that can be caused by a variety of factors, including aging, smoking, and consuming certain foods and drinks.
