Who Qualifies for Professional Teeth Whitening?
At Brown and Baran Family Dentistry, our Wilmington and Seaford dentists know a bright, white smile can help boost your confidence and enhance your appearance. However, not everyone is a suitable candidate for professional teeth whitening.
Our dentist will perform a comprehensive examination and evaluation to determine if you qualify for professional teeth whitening. From there, we’ll determine which type of teeth whitening treatment is right for you. To schedule your consultation for teeth whitening, contact us today by calling our Wilmington office at (302) 999-7600 or our Seaford office at (302) 536-7589.
Tooth Whitening Candidacy Factors
Health Requirements
Before undergoing any dental procedure, including professional teeth whitening, it’s essential to ensure that you’re in good oral health. Ideal candidates for this treatment have healthy teeth without fillings or restorations and healthy gum tissues, particularly since patients with yellow-toned teeth are more likely to respond to treatment.
You won’t qualify if you have any underlying dental problems, such as gum disease, cavities, or exposed tooth roots. These issues can cause tooth sensitivity and pain during and after the whitening process. Your dentist will examine your teeth and gums before recommending professional teeth whitening.
Age Restrictions
Professional teeth whitening is generally recommended for individuals who are 18 years and older. This is because the enamel on the teeth of children and teenagers is still developing and can be more sensitive to the whitening agents used during the procedure. Additionally, professional teeth whitening isn’t suitable for baby teeth.
If your child has discoloration, it indicates a more severe issue. Rather than covering up the problem, we recommend parents take their children to the dentist to discover the root cause and treat it.
Pregnancy
We don’t recommend this treatment if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. Pregnancy causes oral health changes to the point that receiving the treatment seems impractical or complicates the process. Although there’s no evidence that professional teeth whitening is harmful during pregnancy, it’s best to be cautious and wait until after giving birth or finishing breastfeeding.
Extensive Dental Work
If you have dental restorations such as veneers, crowns, or bridges, you may not be a suitable candidate for professional teeth whitening. Unlike enamel on natural teeth, which absorbs whitening agents through its pores, dental restorations don’t respond to these treatments.
This is because, unlike enamel, dental restorations have a glaze or polish that makes them incapable of absorbing stains or whitening agents, making them fundamentally different from natural teeth in how they collect stains and respond to whitening treatments. If you have these restorations, your dentist will recommend other options to improve the appearance of your smile.
If you’re planning to receive dental restorations, we recommend that you whiten your teeth so your dentist can match the color of your restoration to your natural teeth for a seamless appearance.
Other Considerations
Tooth discoloration is a common concern that leads many to seek a whitening procedure, but it’s crucial to evaluate if one’s oral health conditions make them a suitable candidate.
- Tooth Sensitivity: If you have sensitive teeth, professional teeth whitening may not be suitable for you. The whitening agents used in the procedure can cause sensitivity and pain in individuals with sensitive teeth.
- Severe Health Problems: If you have severe health problems, such as oral cancer or gum disease, professional teeth whitening may not be recommended. It’s essential to discuss any underlying health conditions with your dentist before undergoing any dental procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Teeth that have undergone root canals can be whitened, but the results may not be as long-lasting. The lack of a living nerve pulp means teeth with root canals can discolor faster over time.
No, if you currently have gum diseases like gingivitis or periodontitis, professional teeth whitening isn’t recommended until the gum disease is treated. The whitening agents can further irritate inflamed gums.
You can still qualify for professional whitening if you have amalgam or metal fillings. However, be aware that these fillings will not change color to match your newly whitened teeth.
Brown and Baran Family Dentistry Can Give You a Shining Smile
If you’re considering professional teeth whitening, it’s essential to discuss your candidacy with a qualified dentist like Drs. Brown and Baran. Contact our Wilmington office at (302) 999-7600 or our Seaford office at (302) 536-7589 to schedule a consultation and learn more about your options for enhancing your smile. We’re proud to provide comprehensive dental services to Pike Creek, Marshallton, and Stanton, DE, patients.
