In my practice, 9 out of 10 new patients who come in are interested in some type of cosmetic dentistry, whether it be teeth whitening, straightening or veneers. Many have already tried some type of over-the-counter whitening products such as Crest Whitestrips. Hollywood has played a major role in promoting cosmetic dentistry. Look through any of the tabloid rags or fashion magazines and you will see smiles with very white and straight teeth, many of which are cosmetically enhanced.
Teeth whitening or bleaching is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to transform your smile.
Having said that, who IS a candidate for whitening?
Patients with unrestored (ie. no fillings, crowns) front teeth and premolars respond best to whitening. This is because only natural tooth structure will respond to the bleaching process. It is also very important that the patient have healthy gums. If you simply want to brighten your smile and are happy with the shape and alignment of your teeth, and you meet the above criteria, then you are a good candidate.
Who is NOT a good candidate for whitening?
- Children under the age of 16. For these young people, the pulp chamber of the teeth is still quite large and easily irrated, and bleaching can cause the teeth to become very sensitive.
- Pregnant or nursing women. The concern here is primarily about the chemicals used in teeth-whitening products, some of which could be swallowed, and their potential effect on a fetus.
- Very sensitive teeth. The whitening process can make already-sensitive teeth even worse. Consult your dentist about your sensitive teeth before considering whitening.
- Cavities and gum disease. Any active disease must be treated prior to whitening.
- Fillings, crowns, veneers, or other restorations. If your teeth already have fillings, crowns, or veneers, keep in mind that these materials do not whiten. Therefore, any whitening procedure should be done prior to the placement of any restorations. This will ensure the best match to your new tooth color.
There are many ways to do teeth whitening, ranging from at-home products with custom trays, to in-office procedures such as Zoom. As with any dental procedure, consult with your dentist to determine what strategy would work best for you.
Your friendly dentist,
Dr. Sarah Po
My family is having hard times turning a tooth white. Any advice on a healthy smile ???
If your teeth have stains and you are looking to remove these external stains, you can try a whitening toothpaste. However, if you are looking to change the actual color of your teeth you can try over the counter products like Crest whitestrips or talk to your dentist about in-office bleaching procedures.
Very educational – continue to spread the word. Looking forward to an update. For too long now have I had the need to start my own blog. Suppose if I put it off any more I will never do it. I’ll be sure to add you to my Blogroll. Thanks again!!
Thank you for reading! Good luck on starting your blog.