Are You a Candidate for Professional Teeth Whitening?
At Pinnacle Dental, serving Farmington, CT, and surrounding areas, we understand the power of a bright, white smile. A whiter smile can boost your confidence and improve your appearance. However, not everyone is a suitable candidate for professional teeth whitening.
Our cosmetic dentist in Farmington, CT, will assess your oral health and determine the best teeth whitening options for your specific needs. To schedule your consultation for teeth whitening, contact our Farmington dental office today by calling (860) 470-3660.
Factors That Affect Teeth Whitening Candidacy
Oral Health Requirements
Good oral health is essential for any cosmetic dental procedure, including professional teeth whitening. Candidates should be free of conditions like gum disease, tooth decay, or exposed roots, as these can lead to pain or complications during the whitening process. Before recommending teeth whitening, our Farmington dentist will ensure your oral health is in excellent condition.
Age Restrictions
Professional teeth whitening is generally recommended for individuals 18 years and older. Since teenagers’ enamel is still developing, their teeth are more prone to sensitivity and may not react well to the whitening agents. Teeth whitening for teens is not usually advised unless recommended by a dental professional to address specific concerns.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, we recommend postponing professional teeth whitening. While there’s no conclusive evidence that it’s harmful, hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect oral health, and it’s best to delay elective procedures like whitening until after pregnancy.
Extensive Dental Work
Patients with dental restorations such as crowns, veneers, or bridges may not be ideal candidates for professional teeth whitening. These restorations do not respond to whitening agents, which could result in uneven coloring between your natural teeth and restorations. If you plan to get restorations, whitening your natural teeth beforehand can help ensure a consistent shade.
Other Important Considerations
- Tooth Sensitivity: Individuals with sensitive teeth may experience increased discomfort during and after whitening treatments. Our dentist may recommend alternatives or solutions for managing sensitivity if you’re still interested in brightening your smile.
- Severe Oral or Systemic Health Issues: Conditions such as oral cancer or advanced gum disease may prevent patients from undergoing teeth whitening. It’s crucial to consult with our dental team to ensure any underlying health issues are addressed before pursuing cosmetic treatments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Teeth that have undergone root canals can be whitened, but the results may not be as long-lasting. Teeth with root canals can discolor faster over time due to the lack of living nerve tissue.
If you currently have gum disease (e.g., gingivitis or periodontitis), you should treat these conditions before undergoing teeth whitening. Whitening agents can aggravate gum disease, causing discomfort and irritation.
Yes, but be aware that metal or amalgam fillings won’t change color during the whitening process. Your dentist will explain how the whitening procedure might impact the overall appearance of your smile.
Pinnacle Dental Can Give You a Shining Smile
Dr. Kuzmin and our team at Pinnacle Dental are committed to providing the best teeth whitening solutions tailored to your needs. Whether you’re in Farmington, Plainville, New Britain, Hartford, or Newington, we’re here to help you achieve a whiter, brighter smile. Call (860) 470-3660 today to schedule your consultation!