When is Teeth Whitening in Kettering Not Appropriate?

professional teeth whitening in Kettering is great for people who have healthy teeth (with no fillings), and those who want a whiter, brighter smile. Whitening works best on those with yellowed teeth, but it is not right for everyone. Below are some of the circumstances in which teeth whitening is not recommended:

In-office teeth whitening is not recommended for those under 16. The tooth nerve, or pulp chamber, is enlarged until a patient reaches this age, and whitening/bleaching can cause irritation and sensitivity. Whitening procedures are not recommended for nursing mothers and pregnant women.

Professional whitening is not appropriate for those with sensitive teeth and product allergies. People with receding gums, sensitive teeth and defective tooth restorations should speak to a dentist prior to whitening, and anyone with a peroxide allergy should not get their teeth whitened.

Those with cavities, worn enamel, exposed roots and gingivitis should not have their teeth whitened. Cavities should be treated before whitening is done, because the bleaching solution penetrates into decayed areas. When the solution gets into a tooth’s inner areas, it can cause irritation and/or sensitivity. Professional whiteners are not suitable for application to exposed roots, as the roots lack an enamel layer.

Patients with unrealistic expectations should not have a dentist’s office whitening procedure. If someone expects their teeth to be “dazzling” white, they will likely be disappointed. Patients who smoke should keep in mind that their results will be lackluster unless they cut back on smoking. In most cases, the resultant shade of white will be a shade or two lighter than the whites of the patient’s eyes.

Professional whiteners will not work on very darkly stained teeth. These whiteners work best yellowed teeth, and do not work as well on grayish, brownish or purple-stained teeth. Stains caused by antibiotics are very difficult to remove, and can require up to six months of treatment. If a patient’s teeth are stained darkly, they may respond better to veneers, crowns or bonding.

With any type of in-office whitening, the end result varies from one individual to the next. Individual results depend on the type of staining, the condition of the patient’s teeth, the concentration of the bleaching compound and the treatment’s duration. Ask your dentist whether professional teeth whitening in Kettering is right for your situation and your budget.