People who have restorations such as fillings, implants, crowns and dental bridges. Children under 16 years of age. Patients with periodontal disease, tooth decay, cavities and exposed roots. People who are allergic to teeth bleaching whitening agents like peroxide.
People with healthy teeth and gums are typically good candidates for teeth whitening. Gum disease, multiple restorations, and extensive decay disqualify individuals from this cosmetic procedure.
Brown or gray teeth, or teeth striped or mottled from tetracycline or too much fluoride, may not whiten evenly when bleached. People with periodontal disease or particularly sensitive teeth may want to avoid chemical whitening techniques that can irritate tender gums.
If you have a lot of fillings, dental bonding or crowns, you may not be a candidate for dental whitening. This is because restorations will not respond to whitening, and a whitening treatment could result in a very uneven appearance.
Teeth whitening isn't for children under 16. It's also not for pregnant or lactating women. Or, for people with allergies or sensitivities. It's also not for those with lots of dental work, gum disease, or tooth decay.
Teeth whitening can be safe for senior citizens, including those in their 70s, as long as their overall health is good and their dentist gives them the green signal to move forward. There are some considerations that you must factor in before undergoing a teeth whitening procedure at such an advanced stage.
Teeth that have yellowed with age
As we age, the enamel becomes thinner due to wear and tear, revealing the underlying layer of tooth structure called dentin. Dentin is naturally yellowish and cannot be lightened with teeth whitening products.
Extrinsic teeth stains are typically simple to erase, but not all types of teeth stains are extrinsic. For example, if a stain develops underneath your tooth's semi-translucent enamel, or if it's the result of damage or infection within your tooth, then no amount of teeth-whitening solution will be able to erase them.
Lots of people can have teeth whitening treatment, but some people may not be suitable if they have gum disease or other dental health problems such as tooth decay. You'll need to have consultation with your dentist before having treatment, to assess the suitability of your teeth.
If used over time and without the aid of a professional cosmetic dentist, this treatment could cause tooth sensitivity and at times pain. The worst part for these patients is that by affecting the enamel and causing teeth to become more sensitive overall, the teeth are then primed to become even more stained over time!
Ever wondered how celebrities achieve those stunning, picture-perfect smiles? The secret lies in a combination of professional treatments and at-home care. These could include professional teeth whitening treatments, porcelain veneers, over-the-counter whitening products, etc.
If your teeth and gums aren't in the best shape or if you've had a lot of previous dental work, both issues can affect your results with traditional teeth whitening treatments. You won't be able to whiten either porcelain crowns or most commonly used dental bonding materials.
Whitening is not recommended for people who experience chronic sensitivity, periodontal disease, oral cancer, or excessively worn and damaged enamel. Teeth that appear translucent may worsen with each whitening application and should be discontinued upon notice.
Out-of-Pocket Payment: In most cases, teeth whitening is considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by dental insurance, whether in-network or out-of-network. As a result, you should anticipate paying for the procedure out of pocket.
This is a common concern, but we can assure you that professional teeth whitening treatment won't make your teeth look unnaturally white. If you've seen people whose teeth look too white to be natural, you're probably seeing their veneers, not their real teeth.
Seniors can whiten their teeth gradually with a professional take-home kit. The kits include custom-fitted trays that you wear with a bleaching gel for several weeks, either twice a day for thirty minutes or overnight.
Most teeth whitening products contain a harmless solution of hydrogen peroxide. This ingredient will break down into water and oxygen during the bleaching process. Furthermore, the possible side effects can include tooth sensitivity and irritation.
The natural color of teeth can vary due to various factors, including genetics, age, and lifestyle habits. Some individuals naturally have teeth that are darker or have a yellowish tint. These teeth may have a denser enamel layer or more pigmented dentin, making them more resistant to whitening treatments.
The Link Between vitamin D Deficiency and Yellow Teeth
Increased Susceptibility to Cavities: Weak enamel due to insufficient calcium absorption increases the risk of cavities. Decayed areas can appear yellow or brown, contributing to an overall discolored smile.
Enhancing your smile and building confidence can be achieved through teeth whitening. Despite the potential for teeth to yellow over time, even post-whitening, various factors like diet, lifestyle choices, age, and genetics may contribute to this discoloration.
Your teeth won't brighten significantly if you have grayish teeth due to antibiotics or brownish teeth due to overexposure to fluoride. People with brownish and grayish teeth may want to consider porcelain veneers to achieve their smile goals. Teeth whitening isn't effective on teeth with plaque and bacterial deposits.
One of the most common side effects is tooth sensitivity, which can occur during or after treatment. Overuse or misuse of teeth whitening products can also lead to enamel damage, gum irritation, and discoloration.