At our Woodland Hills, CA dental practice, Dr. John Chaves knows a bright, white smile can help boost your confidence and enhance your appearance. However, not everyone is a suitable candidate for professional teeth whitening. Factors such as staining, discoloration, and dental restorations play a significant role in determining who’s a good candidate for teeth whitening.
Our Woodland Hills 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. To schedule your consultation for teeth whitening, contact our dental office today by calling 818-491-7294.
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 dentist will examine your teeth and gums before recommending professional teeth whitening.
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.
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.
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 stainings. Individuals with dental bridges should consult their dentist before considering teeth whitening. 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, our Woodland Hills dentist recommends that you whiten your teeth so we can match the color of your restoration.
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. Additionally, individuals who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have dental restorations such as bridges, crowns, or existing fillings may not be suitable candidates for a whitening procedure.
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 Woodland Hills dentist before undergoing any dental procedure.
Teeth that have undergone root canals can be whitened, but the results may not be as long-lasting. The lack of a living nerve pulp means teeth with root canals can discolor faster over time.
No, if you currently have gum diseases like gingivitis or periodontitis, professional teeth whitening isn’t recommended until the gum disease is treated. The whitening agents can further irritate inflamed gums.
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.
If you’re considering professional teeth whitening, it’s essential to discuss your candidacy with a qualified dentist like Dr. Chaves. Contact our Woodland Hills, CA, dental office at 818-491-7294 to schedule a consultation and learn more about your options for enhancing your smile.
I understand the information disclosed in this form may be subject to re-disclosure and may no longer be protected by HIPAA privacy regulations and the HITECH Act.
