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Coffee, wine, and other habits like smoking can progressively contribute to stained teeth, and while this is often no health issue, it can make you doubtful about showing off your smile. To start smiling with confidence again, you may be interested in getting tooth whitening in Coral Gables—sadly, this treatment is not for everyone.
Certain medical conditions, younger patients, and people with cavities are bad candidates for teeth whitening procedures. To help you understand that better and learn the consequences you may face if you choose to still do so, we came up with this article.
Teeth whitening refers to a range of procedures used to improve the appearance of someone's natural teeth. Sanding down stains, bleaching, ultraviolet (UV) light therapy, and other techniques are some of the different whitening techniques.
While some whitening products just bleach intrinsic and extrinsic stains to make them appear lighter in color, others actually work to remove extrinsic stains from your teeth.
Between home treatments and getting your teeth whitened at your dentist’s office, the second option tends to be longer-lasting and more effective. Still, many patients opt for over-the-counter whitening options because they’re less costly or for a check-up in between visits to the dental office.
This could be harmful because a lot of over-the-counter (OTC) treatments use hydrogen peroxide, which in larger doses can be harsh and irritating to your body when used to remove stains. It is crucial that you use teeth-whitening products in accordance with the directions.
Using bleaching agents without supervision may cause uncomfortable side effects. This is especially true for patients who opt for this treatment without knowing they shouldn’t.
So, who can get their teeth whitened—and who can’t?
The truth is that almost anyone who has spots, stains, and discolorations affecting negatively how your teeth look can get their teeth whitened. Tooth yellowing can occur due to various reasons, such as:
People who are self-conscious about their smiles for these reasons and want to have brighter natural teeth are perfect candidates. This is, ultimately, a personal aesthetic choice, as keeping your teeth white is not a medical necessity.
If you dream of having a dazzling white smile, the good news is that almost anyone can have their teeth whitened, regardless of age—if your teeth are healthy, that is. Illnesses that leave your teeth weakened may be exacerbated with a whitening treatment, making you a bad candidate for this procedure.
Besides this, there are several other conditions that may keep you from whitening your teeth. Let’s explore some of them.
People who have dental implants, bridges, or crowns are not candidates for teeth whitening, as it works only on natural teeth. This is because rental restorations are made of porcelain, which isn’t porous like enamel.
When placed in contact with the bleaching solution, porcelain implants won’t change colors—while the rest of your teeth will. This will lead to having different-colored teeth, which won’t help you improve your smile’s appearance at all.
Depending on the location of dental work, though, you could still choose to do so. That’s the case if the work is in the back of the mouth, for example, as it won’t be as noticeable here.
If your restoration is in the front of the mouth, whitening is not recommended.
Whitening with veneers is also a no-go. Although veneers have become popular among younger people in recent years, this means you are no longer a candidate for teeth whitening.
Still, veneers are supposed to resist stains. If you wish you had a lighter color of veneers, replacing them entirely will be the only solution.
Cavities may weaken the structure of your teeth, making them more susceptible to damage and decay.
When you bleach your teeth while you have cavities, the bleaching solution may get inside the cavity and reach the tooth's nerve, which could be sensitive and uncomfortable. In severe cases, an infection and tooth loss may occur.
Gum disease causes discomfort and inflammation, which can get worse with a teeth whitening procedure.
The bleaching chemicals used to make your teeth whiter and brighter can be harsh to your mouth’s soft tissue. Having them professionally whitened will only make them more sensitive and possibly injure your teeth or cause excruciating pain.
Because of that, it’s important to seek treatment for your gum disease. You will be eligible for in-office teeth whitening after your gum disease has been appropriately treated.
Teeth whitening is often not recommended for kids. For kids 13 and younger, whitening is not safe, as their enamel hasn’t fully hardened or calcified. A tooth that has just erupted may not become as strong as one that is an adult tooth for up to two years.
Tooth whitening prior to calcification can lead to sensitive teeth and erosion of the enamel. Additionally, it may harm the gums of your child or the nerves in the tooth. Younger kids are less likely to follow instructions, so they require parental supervision when using over-the-counter options.
You might need to choose a milder whitening procedure or refrain from teeth whitening entirely if your teeth are very sensitive. The treatment may worsen your discomfort or become very painful.
The best results from teeth whitening are achieved on surface stains brought on by wine, coffee, tea, and other foods and drinks. If medication, disease, or heredity has caused your teeth to be yellow or unevenly shaded, you might not see noticeable results from whitening procedures.
Intrinsic stains occur in the dentin, or pulp, of the tooth below the enamel and may not be reached by the bleaching agents, providing satisfying results.
Because of this, you should see a qualified cosmetic dentist who can treat any existing cavities before getting your teeth whitened. This allows us to:
Additionally, it is important to reach out to a professional with verifiable certifications in medical dentistry. Some companies in the beauty sector might provide teeth whitening services to further enhance one's appearance.
Unfortunately, regulation surrounding teeth-whitening is inconsistent. Some states, like Utah, have no laws specifically prohibiting unlicensed people from bleaching teeth, while others, like California, only permit in-office teeth-whitening procedures under the general supervision of a licensed dentist.
And while teeth whitening is mainly a cosmetic service, a dental professional’s supervision is fundamental to ensuring you don’t suffer from discomfort and your teeth’s health isn’t damaged.
So, even if teeth whitening offered by non-dental professionals may be legal in your state, we recommend reaching out to a licensed and experienced professional to reduce risks.
TV, magazines, and now social media have always had famous figures with spotless, pearly teeth. Because of that, it’s become a widespread belief that a perfect white smile is the norm. But that is not the case. Age, dietary habits, and even medication can stain your teeth over time.
There is no need to ever feel self-conscious when you smile, regardless of how your teeth look. Dental health should take precedence over outward appearances. If you’re still eager to get this treatment, doing so with a professional’s supervision is crucial to prevent damage. If you’re interested in learning more, here at Coral Gables Dentistry, we can help you, so reach out!
We value your time, so we always run on schedule, respecting your commitments, with no double bookings and minimal wait times. Experience dentistry like never before in our award-winning clinic.
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