Our smiles are our best accessories. Everyone deserves a dazzling smile that make you feel proud when you look at yourself in the mirror. But what if it’s lost a bit of its sparkle? If you’ve ever felt like your teeth are more yellow than you would like, you’ve probably considered teeth whitening. But it is not that simple. The question exists of whether you CAN get your teeth whitened. Let’s explain –
• Types of stains: Superficial or something deeper?
Not all tooth stains are the same. Surface stains are easily removable and may be due to simple lifestyle choices or improper brushing technique. These can be reduced with a routine cleaning and polishing or simple teeth whitening procedures. Deep stains however may be due to old injuries, medications or medical conditions. While some whitening treatments may help reduce the intensity of the staining, treating these might require veneers or crowns to cover the discolouration completely.
• Good oral health — or the lack of it
Healthy gums, absence of any cavities or decays and adequate thickness of enamel are necessary prerequisites for a successful tooth whitening without side-effects. If you are someone with red, swollen gum that easily bleed, it is necessary to treat the gum disease before teeth whitening procedures. The whitening treatment is done a week after the teeth cleaning to allow good healing of the gums.
In case of any cavities, decays or reduced thickness of enamel due to age, genetics or wear; you are likely to suffer from severe sensitivity which may not resolve in time.
• Existing dental work
Teeth whitening procedure can only lighten teeth and cannot change the colour of any existing fillings, crowns or veneers. If the restorative material was colour-matched to the original shade of your teeth, they can look two-toned post-whitening. It is advisable to complete veneer and crown procedures, especially of the front teeth, post-whitening to ensure a uniform smile.
• Special Considerations
If you are someone who already suffers from sensitivity, teeth whitening can aggravate it and can have long lasting effects. Whitening is generally not recommended for patients who are below the age of 16 and for those who are pregnant or breast-feeding.
Ready to take the next step?
Make sure to have a consultation with a trusted provider who can do a thorough check to see if you’re a good candidate for teeth whitening and help you with the necessary prep, if you are. Let’s keep those pearly whites shining!
