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.
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