Teeth Whitening Candidates

Professional teeth whitening treatments are an increasingly popular option for patients who wish to improve the appearance of their smiles. If your smile is marred by discoloration and staining, you may be a candidate for teeth whitening.

Who can benefit from teeth whitening?

Many factors are taken into consideration by your cosmetic dentist when determining your candidacy for teeth whitening. The primary factor in evaluating candidacy for teeth whitening is the overall health of the your teeth and gums. If underlying dental health issues are a concern, your dentist will likely suggest that these issues be addressed before undergoing the teeth whitening procedure.

Additionally, the source of the staining can effect how successful teeth whitening will be. In general, stains from coffee, tea, wine, and other foods, as well as stains caused by smoking, are responsive to teeth whitening treatments. In other cases, such as discoloration resulting from tetracycline use, alternative treatments may be recommended.

Individuals with particularly sensitive teeth and gums may not be ideal candidates for professional whitening, as this procedure can increase tooth sensitivity in some patients, so alternative options such as porcelain veneers or dental bonding may be recommended.

Another issue that can impact candidacy for teeth whitening is the presence of dental restorations such as dental crowns.  Because dental restorations will not respond to the whitening treatment, patients may want to explore other treatment options to ensure the best possible results.

Contact a Dentist

To learn more about teeth whitening and other treatment options, contact our cosmetic dentistry center in Virginia today.