Am I a Candidate for Teeth Whitening? (2024)

FAQs

Am I a Candidate for Teeth Whitening? ›

Teeth that are yellow respond best to bleaching. Brown or gray teeth, or teeth striped or mottled from tetracycline or too much fluoride, may not whiten evenly when bleached. People with periodontal disease or particularly sensitive teeth may want to avoid chemical whitening techniques that can irritate tender gums.

Your dentist will advise you whether whitening is right for you. It may be that teeth whitening isn't suitable, for example if you have gum disease or crowns.

Patients with the following conditions or circ*mstances may not be the best candidates: Pregnant and lactating women. People who have restorations such as fillings, implants, crowns and dental bridges. Children under 16 years of age.

Teeth Whitening Disqualifications

Cavities, gum disease, fillings, crowns, and bridges may disqualify you from treatment. Other conditions and circ*mstances that may bar a patient from teeth whitening treatment include: Pregnancy and breast-feeding. Being under the age of 16.

Teeth Whitening – What to expect when it's done legally

A dental examination that ensures you're a suitable candidate for treatment. Whitening is not suitable if you're pregnant or don't have healthy teeth and gums.

There isn't much safety data on teeth whitening for pregnant or breastfeeding women. And these groups are more likely to have inflamed gums and sensitivity after whitening due to hormonal changes during pregnancy. Children under the age of 16 also shouldn't use teeth whiteners without the guidance of a dentist.

Dentists want prospective patients to meet two criteria before teeth whitening procedures. First, the patient has to be free of cavities. Next, they have to be free from gum disease. Occasionally, teeth whitening causes slight inflammation of the gums.

Teeth that have yellowed with age

Dentin is naturally yellowish and cannot be lightened with teeth whitening products.

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.

If you are allergic to peroxide, you will not be able to have your teeth whitened, since peroxide is the active ingredient in whitening systems. If you have a lot of fillings, dental bonding or crowns, you may not be a candidate for dental whitening.

What percentage of Americans whiten their teeth? ›

Top Drinks that Stain Teeth

More than half (53%) of Americans have attempted to whiten their teeth. More women have tried it than men. We found nearly 60% of women have done teeth whitening compared to 48% of men.

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.

If you have any gum conditions, you may want to avoid whitening your teeth. This is because the bleaching agents used in the procedure can irritate your gums and make the problem worse.

Here are a few to consider: Baking Soda: As long as you are careful to brush gently, baking soda can eliminate stains from the surface of your teeth without damaging them. Whitening Strips: Whitening strips mold to the shape of your teeth to whiten them. Whitening strips are both safe and effective.

As a result, you may wonder if professional tooth whitening is worth the cost. Lots of patients are curious about in-office treatment and ask if it is really better than at-home options. The answer is a resounding yes. The most effective way to whiten teeth is with a professional in-office treatment.

Extrinsic teeth stains are typically simple to erase, but not all types of teeth stains are extrinsic. For example, if a stain develops underneath your tooth's semi-translucent enamel, or if it's the result of damage or infection within your tooth, then no amount of teeth-whitening solution will be able to erase them.

While teeth whitening can improve the appearance of your teeth, it is generally considered a cosmetic procedure rather than a medically necessary one.

Professional bleaching from your dentist is the most common method but this is not suitable for everyone. There are many home-kits you can pick up from the supermarket and you may even look at laser whitening. Always consult your dentist before anything as the wrong treatment may result in permanent damage.

Teeth that are yellow respond best to bleaching. Brown or gray teeth, or teeth striped or mottled from tetracycline or too much fluoride, may not whiten evenly when bleached. People with periodontal disease or particularly sensitive teeth may want to avoid chemical whitening techniques that can irritate tender gums.