Who Qualifies for Professional Teeth Whitening?
At Off the Trace Dental, our Slidell dentists know a bright, white smile can help boost your confidence and enhance your appearance. However, not everyone is a suitable candidate for professional teeth whitening.
Our dentist will perform a comprehensive examination and evaluation to determine if you qualify for professional teeth whitening. From there, we’ll determine which type of teeth whitening treatment is right for you. If you’re ready to get your teeth whitened, call our dentist in Slidell today at (985) 326-1711. We proudly serve patients from Slidell, Biloxi, New Orleans, and nearby communities.
Tooth Whitening Candidacy Factors
Tooth Whitening Candidacy FactorsHealth 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 Slidell dentist will examine your teeth and gums before recommending professional teeth whitening.
Age Restrictions
Professional teeth whitening is generally recommended for individuals who are 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 staining. 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 whitening your teeth so your dentist can match the color of your restorations.
Other Considerations
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What conditions would prevent me from whitening my teeth?
Active cavities, untreated gum disease, or severe enamel erosion should be addressed first. Dr. Daigle will evaluate your oral health during a consultation at our Slidell office before recommending whitening.
Can I whiten my teeth if I have crowns or veneers?
Whitening gel only works on natural tooth enamel. Crowns, veneers, and bonding will not change color. Dr. Daigle can help you plan treatment so your restorations and natural teeth match.
Is teeth whitening safe during pregnancy?
Most dental professionals, including Dr. Daigle, recommend waiting until after pregnancy and nursing to undergo elective cosmetic treatments like whitening, simply as a precaution.
Do I need a cleaning before I get my teeth whitened?
A professional cleaning before whitening removes plaque and tartar that can block the gel from contacting your enamel evenly. Dr. Daigle typically recommends a cleaning first for the best results.
At what age can someone start professional teeth whitening?
Whitening is generally recommended for patients 16 and older, once all permanent teeth have fully erupted. Dr. Daigle can assess younger patients on a case-by-case basis.
You can still qualify for professional whitening if you have amalgam or metal fillings. However, be aware that these fillings will not change color to match your newly whitened teeth.
Off the Trace Dental Can Give You a Shining Smile
If you’re interested in teeth whitening services, contact our Slidell dental team at (985) 326-1711 today. We proudly serve patients from Slidell, Biloxi, New Orleans, and surrounding communities with care you can trust—and smiles that last a lifetime.