Tooth whitening procedures have seen remarkable developments in the professional dental field.
Patients now have access to a broad range of services, customized to address unique dental features, problems, and patient preferences. But how can you tell if you're suitable for teeth whitening?
Let's look into tooth discoloration, whitening procedures, and who can benefit most from professional care.
Seeking Expert Assistance to Effectively Brighten Smiles
Dental stains fall into two categories - intrinsic stains that impact the tooth's internal structure and extrinsic stains that affect the surface of the tooth.
The most common causes of extrinsic stains include dark-colored foods, drinks, and lifestyle choices like smoking. On the other hand, intrinsic stains can be more difficult to remove since they’re caused by trauma, medications, or the aging process itself.
Additionally, the degree of discoloration might differ, ranging from a light yellowing to a deep brown stain. Generally, more expert intervention will be required to get the desired results for intrinsic and more severe discoloration.
This is also why whitening alone may not be the best option for everyone, because underlying oral issues may need to be addressed first and other cosmetic dental treatments may be more suitable.
How Do I Know if I’m A Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
You Must Have Healthy Teeth and Gums
No cavities or gum disease and with strong enamel and good oral hygiene practices.
Ensuring healthy teeth and gums is crucial for several reasons. The whitening process can exacerbate issues such as cavities, gum disease, increased sensitivity, or pain. Healthy gums and teeth are less likely to experience such potential adverse effects.
Whitening treatments are also more effective on natural teeth without decay. Cavities and the presence of dental work, such as fillings, can result in uneven whitening, leading to a less aesthetic outcome.
Lastly, identifying and treating any underlying oral health problems before whitening can prevent more severe issues and help ensure long-term brighter smile and good oral health.
The Treatment Must Address the Cause of Discoloration and Meet Your Goals
Yellowed or stained teeth can be due to discoloration from food, drinks, or tobacco use, and your dentist must evaluate if the teeth whitening treatment can fix it.
Different types of stains respond differently to whitening treatments. External stains tend to lighten well with standard whitening procedures. Conversely, internal stains, which can result from medication, trauma, or fluoride exposure, may not respond to surface whitening treatments.
Knowing the root cause of discoloration allows dentists to recommend the most effective whitening approach, whether professional cleaning, bleaching, or alternative treatments like veneers or crowns for more resistant stains.
Identifying the cause of staining helps prevent discoloration from reoccurring by addressing the underlying issues, ensuring patients can maintain their results longer.
The desire for a whiter smile isn’t enough. Any previous attempts at teeth whitening must also be discussed to develop a fully customized, effective treatment plan.
You Must Have Realistic Expectations
Having realistic expectations of teeth whitening results before proceeding is crucial.
Individual results can vary greatly due to factors such as age, the natural color of your teeth, and the type of staining present.
Also, teeth naturally vary in shade. Not everyone's teeth can become brilliant white. Recognizing this can help set achievable goals and prevent disappointment with the outcome.
Professional teeth whitening procedures can only lighten teeth to a certain extent. Over-the-counter products often promise dramatic results that may not be achievable, leading to dissatisfaction and wasted resources.
Finally, acknowledging that whitening isn’t a permanent solution and that stains can form from habits such as smoking or consuming certain foods and drinks can help manage expectations and motivate you to maintain oral hygiene practices post-treatment.
Setting realistic expectations ensures satisfaction and appreciation on the results achieved, rather than focusing on an unattainable goal. The willingness to follow aftercare instructions and commitment to maintaining results are also crucial.
The Path to a Radiant Smile
Consulting with a dentist is ultimately the most reliable way to know if you're a good candidate for professional teeth whitening.
In addition to discussing your medical history and current oral issues, and understanding your expectations, they can evaluate the type and severity of tooth stains.
By taking a customized approach, potential risks are reduced and the best whitening procedure is recommended.
If you’re considering teeth whitening, make an appointment with a dental professional today to kickstart your journey to a bright smile. Image Dental in Red Deer, Alberta, is happy to help you achieve the healthy white teeth you desire. Get in touch with us today to request a dental consultation.