Who Qualifies for Professional Teeth Whitening?
At Petrie Advanced Dental, our Tacoma, WA, dentist knows a bright, white smile can boost your confidence and enhance your appearance. However, not everyone is a suitable candidate for professional teeth whitening. Now you may be wondering, who qualifies and what factors determine candidacy?
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 our Tacoma dental office today by calling (253) 761-5422.
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. You won’t qualify if you have any underlying dental problems, such as gum disease, tooth, decay, 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 to determine if you’re a good candidate for 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 professional teeth whitening procedure. Additionally, professional teeth whitening isn’t suitable for baby teeth, as it’s meant for permanent, natural teeth.
If your child has discolored teeth, it may indicate a more severe issue. Rather than covering up the problem with whitening treatments, we recommend parents take their children to the dentist to discover the root cause and treat it appropriately.
Pregnancy
We don’t recommend this treatment if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. Pregnancy causes oral health changes that may complicate the whitening process or make it impractical. 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, bridges, or dental bonding, you may not be a suitable candidate for professional teeth whitening. The whitening agents used in the procedure won’t whiten dental restorations because they’re immune to staining. 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 whitening your natural teeth beforehand. This way, your dentist can match the color of your restoration to your newly whitened teeth.
Other Factors Affecting Teeth Whitening Candidacy
- Tooth Sensitivity: If you have chronic sensitivity or sensitive teeth, professional teeth whitening may not be suitable for you. The whitening agents can cause discomfort and pain in individuals with sensitive teeth.
- Severe Health Problems: If you have severe health problems like oral cancer, gum disease (periodontal disease), or other dental issues, professional teeth whitening may not be recommended until these conditions are treated.
- Stubborn Stains: Some intrinsic stains (unlike surface enamel stains) may not respond well to whitening treatments. These grey or brown stains tend to be more stubborn and may require alternative treatments.
- Lifestyle Habits: If you frequently consume staining beverages like coffee or use tobacco products, the results of teeth whitening may not last as long. Your dentist may recommend adjusting your habits for better results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is professional whitening permanent for teeth with root canals?
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.
Can I get my teeth whitened if I have gum disease?
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.
What if I have amalgam or metal fillings, can I receive professional teeth whitening?
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.
Petrie Advanced Dental 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 Dr. Petrie. Contact our Tacoma dental office at (253) 761-5422 to schedule a consultation and learn more about your options for enhancing your smile.
Petrie Advanced Dental proudly provides cosmetic dental treatments to patients in Lakewood, Federal Way, Puyallup, Gig Harbor, and University Place.
