Do you avoid smiling because of discolored teeth? You’re not alone. Teeth whitening treatments can often help this condition.
There are two types of tooth stains. Extrinsic stains often affect longtime smokers, soda drinkers, and coffee and tea drinkers. They may also occur due to the natural aging process. As we age, our enamel can erode, revealing a yellowish color.
The other type of tooth stain is intrinsic. These stains are deep inside of teeth, caused by medications, genetics, or tooth decay.
Teeth whitening procedures, performed by a dentist, are only effective for patients with extrinsic dental stains.
What Dentists Need to See Before Teeth Whitening
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. If the patient has gum disease, they already have plaque irritating their gums. Further irritation could cause bleeding from the gums and sensitive teeth.
If patients meet these criteria, they qualify for teeth whitening treatment. The procedure occurs on an outpatient basis in a sterile environment. Before teeth whitening can occur, the dentist may have to order custom gel trays.
Red Lights for Whitening Treatments
There are several more reasons that dentists may decline to provide teeth whitening services. They include:
Age of the patient
Most dentists agree that teenagers are too young to undergo professional whitening treatments. If a patient begins bleaching his or her teeth at such a young age, the teeth may become brittle over time.
Dentists also recommend that patients refrain from using at-home tooth whitening kits. These kits only have a fraction of the potency of professional kits and take much longer to work.
Minors who want to get their teeth whitened should start with deep cleanings and fluoride treatments.
There isn’t strong evidence that teeth whitening is bad for pregnant women, but there is also not a lot of evidence that it’s neutral or beneficial. In general, dentists ask their pregnant patients to wait until they give birth and are done breastfeeding before getting whitening services.
The active ingredient in whitening gel is peroxide, which isn’t harmful even if accidentally swallowed. However, dentists ask pregnant patients to delay treatment on the off chance that they would have an allergic response or unforeseen side effects.
Extensive dental work
Patients who have had crowns, bridges, veneers, or implants need to talk with their dentists before initiating whitening treatment. If patients whiten their teeth, the new color may be lighter than the old restorations, resulting in a mismatched-looking smile.
Teeth Whitening in Lombard, IL
Dr. Julie Glud provides KöR whitening treatments to qualified patients in her Lombard office. KöR treatments use refrigerated gel trays that block saliva, making them more effective than ordinary teeth whitening gels.
If you’re embarrassed by your smile, it’s a great time to book with us. Our team is friendly and ready to answer all of your questions. Having shiny, white teeth can boost your confidence and change your whole outlook on life.
Let’s start with x-rays and cleaning. Schedule an initial consultation and let’s talk about your teeth whitening options. Give us a call at (630) 629-5700, or contact us online.
FAQs
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.
Who is a good 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.
Who is not a good candidate for tooth whitening? ›
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.
Who is not suitable for teeth whitening? ›
Whitening is not suitable if you're pregnant or don't have healthy teeth and gums. Treatment with a GDC-registered dentist who has undergone 5 years' training, or who supervises a GDC-registered nurse or hygienist. Treatment in a state-of-the art clinical setting such as our dental practice in Oxford.
Am I eligible for teeth whitening? ›
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.
What disqualifies you from teeth whitening? ›
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.
Who cannot do teeth whitening? ›
If you are younger than 16, you are not a candidate for teeth whitening. This is because the pulp chamber in young teeth is larger than that of an adult, and whitening treatments could cause irritation. If you are pregnant or lactating, teeth whitening is not recommended.
Why do dentists not recommend teeth whitening? ›
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.
Is it better to get your teeth professionally whitened? ›
Whiter Teeth
Last but not least, in-office whitening is the most effective choice. Even though the treatment is quick, it is powerful. At-home kits and whitening toothpaste cannot compete with professional results.
What is the least damaging way to whiten your teeth? ›
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.
The most common teeth whitening side effect is tooth sensitivity. This often subsides within a few days to a week after treatment. Other potential side effects include gum irritation, redness, and soreness in the mouth. These side effects are also typically temporary and will resolve on their own.
Can yellow teeth become white again? ›
What Can Be Done to Whiten Yellow Teeth? If you're looking for a radical change in the coloring of your teeth, you need professional-grade whitening to get the job done. Your cosmetic dentist can provide treatment that penetrates deep into the enamel and removes years of stains with a powerful bleaching agent.
How long does it take to whiten teeth professionally? ›
The answer is somewhere around one hour. This is a minimal amount of time for someone to expect professional whitening results, especially when considering that professional in-office whitening can last upwards of two years.
How long does teeth whitening last? ›
The most effective way to whiten your teeth is professional teeth whitening treatment applied by your dentist in the office. The results of this type of treatment can last between 1 and 3 years. In-office teeth whitening involves the following process: The gum tissue is protected from the effects of the bleaching gel.
What are the criteria for teeth whitening? ›
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.
How do you tell if your teeth can be whitened? ›
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.
When should you not use teeth whitening? ›
Individuals with sensitive teeth and gums, receding gums, or defective restorations should consult with their dentist prior to using a tooth-whitening system. Anyone allergic to peroxide (the whitening agent) should not use a bleaching product. Gum disease, worn enamel, cavities, and exposed roots.
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.
Who should use teeth whitening? ›
“Ask your dentist if these products are right for you,” Dr. Clemons says. Bleaching products work best on teeth that have yellowed with aging, or teeth that are stained from food and drink (looking at you, coffee and red wine). But brown or gray discoloration could signal problems that a bleaching kit won't fix.
