There are many factors that contribute to the discoloration of teeth. These include the consumption of acidic beverages (wines, colas, coffee), tobacco use, health problems, and even natural aging. When teeth get discolored, it’s only natural to want to restore them to their beautiful white color, and teeth whitening done by a trusted Greenville, SC dentist can be the dental procedure to make this happen. But is it the best option for your smile?
Who are the best candidates for teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening is recommended for patients who have healthy teeth and gums, and practice good oral health regularly. Teeth whitening products contain bleaching chemicals, which can lead to gum irritation. Having healthy gums often mean you don’t have problems such as tender gums or receding gum line, which means you won’t be as sensitive to bleaching treatments as those that do.
Patients with a yellow hue to their teeth respond best to the treatment. Those with brownish or grayish stains do not always whiten well. Those who haven’t had previous work done to front teeth also make good teeth whitening candidates. Tooth-colored fillings, caps, and crowns, will not whiten with the rest of the treated teeth, which can lead to mismatched white colors in the teeth.
When might you not want to have a teeth whitening procedure done?
If you fall into one of these categories, teeth whitening might not be for you Talk to your dentist about your unique case, as they may still allow you to proceed with teeth whitening or recommend alternative procedures that may yield similar results.
- You have sensitive teeth and/or gums
- You have gastroesophageal acid reflux disease (GERD)
- Your gums have receded
- You are allergic to hydrogen peroxide and other active chemicals used in teeth whitening
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
- You have cavities
Speaking of alternative whitening solutions, for people who have visible caps and crowns, a dentist can still improve the appearance of your teeth with veneers or bonding. If your discoloration is minor, whitening toothpaste may be all you need to restore your sparkling smile.
Teeth whitening in Greenville, SC
If you’re not sure that you are a good candidate for teeth whitening and want to confirm, schedule a checkup with a Greenville, SC teeth whitening dentist such as Downtown Dental.
Source:
Is Professional Teeth Whitening Right For You?, Colgate.com