Can My Teeth Be Whitened?

Many patients inquire about quick ways to improve the appearance of their smiles. While some consider comprehensive cosmetic procedures such as porcelain veneers, we often recommend something as simple and speedy as in-office Zoom! teeth whitening to brighten dental enamel in just one office visit. This fast treatment can radically improve the appearance of your smile in minutes.

When considering teeth whitening, it’s important to know whether you are a viable candidate.

Consider the following qualifying factors:

The health of teeth - Cosmetic teeth whitening is most effective on patients with natural teeth and healthy gums. Patients with dental restorations like crowns, fillings, and bridges can still undergo teeth whitening, but the active agents in the product will not brighten whiten the surfaces of restorations.

Desired results and level of staining - Many patients seek a movie star smile, though this often results in an unnatural appearance. And for those with severely discolored dental enamel, this level of whiteness may not be achievable with bleaching gel alone. We work with our patients to provide a reasonable recommendation that improves the brightness of their teeth and can recommend alternatives when necessary.

In some cases, we advise against teeth whitening. These include:

• When a patient is less than 16 years of age, as the pulp in their teeth is still developing. Early exposure to the ingredients in professional teeth whitening products can cause darkening of the pulp.
• When a patient is pregnant
• Patients who have gum disease, untreated cavities, exposed roots, or worn enamel are advised to not undergo treatment as increased discomfort or irritation to their preexisting conditions may result.

When inquiring about teeth whitening, we recommend learning about the various products and treatment options available. There are numerous methods of teeth whitening, some of which include wearing custom whitening trays and others that involve a single visit to your dental professional. Be sure to ask about what is offered and what level of your involvement is required.

If you’re interested in learning more about Zoom! Teeth Whitening, please don’t hesitate to give our office a call. We’re happy to discuss the procedure and address any questions or concerns you may have.