Who Qualifies for Professional Teeth Whitening?

At Family Implant and Reconstructive Dentistry, our Havre De Grace, MD dentist knows a bright, white smile can help boost your confidence and enhance your appearance. However, not everyone is a suitable candidate for professional teeth whitening.

Dr. Grubb will perform a comprehensive examination and evaluation to determine if you qualify for professional teeth whitening to treat discolored teeth. From there, we’ll determine which teeth whitening treatment is right for you. Teeth whitening treatments can address various types of tooth discoloration, including stains caused by tobacco use, coffee, tea, and natural aging. 

To schedule your consultation for teeth whitening, contact our dental office today by calling (410) 939-5800.

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, 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.

Professional teeth whitening often involves using whitening gel, which is effective and safe when applied by a dental professional.

Age Restrictions

Professional teeth whitening is generally recommended for individuals 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. The whitening agents used in the procedure won’t whiten dental restorations. This is because dental restorations are immune to stainings. 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.

Other Considerations

• 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. Additionally, the longevity and maintenance of tooth whitening treatment require continued oral care and the use of touch-up products to maintain a bright shade of teeth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Family Implant and Reconstructive 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 Dr. Grubb. Contact our Havre De Grace, MD office at (410) 939-5800 to schedule a consultation and learn more about your options for enhancing your smile.