Can Anyone Get Their Teeth Whitened?

Over the past several years, teeth whitening has grown in popularity as more and more people want to improve the appeal of their teeth. Cosmetic dentistry 80920 is well aware of this by improving the techniques and results of teeth whitening and other cosmetic treatments.  

Teeth whitening is relatively painless without damaging the teeth and can produce stunning results. Even though it is a common treatment option, there are some situations when it won't be as effective or isn't recommended.

Do I Need Teeth Whitening?  

Not a Good Candidate  

Most people will see the effects of teeth whitening procedures. However, it would help if you spoke with your dentist to ensure you are a good candidate before starting any teeth whitening procedures.  

Have your dentist examine your teeth and gums before using any teeth whitening product to avoid transient dental sensitivity and gum inflammation.

There are various situations where teeth whitening isn't advised or might not work. Children under the age of 16 shouldn't whiten their teeth because their tooth's pulp—located in its center—is enlarged, and teeth-whitening procedures may irritate it and increase sensitivity.  

Additionally, pregnant or nursing women should avoid teeth whitening. Likewise, you should visit your dentist before starting any teeth whitening procedures if you have sensitive teeth and gums, receding gums, or damaged restorations. If you receive treatment, you can also experience sensitivity if your teeth show any symptoms of decay or have worn enamel.  

Furthermore, it’s worth noting that the teeth whitening procedure will not whiten crowns or veneers if you have them.  

How Do Teeth Get Whiter?

There are other ways to whiten teeth; however, take-home kits are the most widely used. Each kit is created specifically to fit the mouth of a patient.  

A custom-fitted tray will be made once your dentist takes an impression of your teeth. A whitening gel is then put in this tray, which is subsequently held in the mouth for a predetermined amount of time. Depending on the gel, this could be done for as quickly as an hour or as long as overnight.  

How Long Does Whitening of the Teeth Last?  

While teeth whitening can give you a bright, white smile, its effects will fade over time. If this is the case, extra whitening gel can further lighten your teeth.  

The duration of teeth whitening varies from one person to another. For instance, the impact is less likely to stay as long if you smoke or consume foods and beverages that leave stains on teeth. For this reason, it’s best to avoid tea, coffee, red wine, and cigarettes whenever you can. However, if you consistently wash and floss your teeth and practice good oral hygiene, your teeth should stay white and dazzling.  

In general, the effects should persist for three to five years if you take proper care of your teeth after the procedure and schedule regular dental visits thereafter.  

Before bleaching, any dental issues, like decay, must be addressed or corrected. Since existing tooth-colored fillings, dental implants, crowns, and veneers are not actual teeth, they won't respond to the bleaching process. When the whitening procedure is over, they will be a different shade from the rest of your teeth.

Learn More About Cosmetic Dentistry at 80920

If you're interested in learning more about your teeth whitening options, set up a consultation appointment so that one of our skilled dentists can assess you.