Teeth Whitening Candidates
Of all the cosmetic dentistry treatments offered, teeth whitening is one of the most attractive to patients, as it is simple, effective, and provides many benefits and few risks. Nearly anyone can benefit from teeth whitening; some individuals such as pregnant women should not undergo teeth whitening, but the procedure is nearly universal. It should be noted however that there are several factors, including an individual’s dental health, lifestyle, and cosmetic goals, that can determine who makes a good candidate for teeth whitening. If you are interested in teeth whitening, consider the following questions to determine if bleaching is the best smile makeover option for you.
What are your cosmetic goals?
If you are looking for an easy way to brighten your smile and remove stains, teeth whitening may be right for you. Whiter, brighter teeth can have a positive and real impact on your overall appearance and boost your self-confidence. However, individuals who are seeking a more dramatic transformation may want to consider a different treatment or a combination of treatments. For example, the teeth can be reshaped with dental bonding and other techniques; realigned with braces or Invisalign®; or completely covered with porcelain veneers. Other treatments, such as cosmetic gum contouring, tooth-colored fillings, and porcelain inlays and onlays, are also available to correct other aesthetic and functional flaws.
Having a clear understanding of what results you are looking for can help you determine which treatments would be best suited to your needs. If you are happy with your smile but find it dull or embarrassing because it has become discolored or tarnished over time, teeth whitening provides a practical solution.
What are your expectations?
The ideal teeth whitening candidate has expectations that correspond with the scope of the treatment. You may want to consider another treatment if you are expecting results that are:
- Completely Predictable – You should be aware that one of the risks of teeth whitening is that the results are not 100 percent predicable. The results are unique to each patient.
- Instant – While teeth whitening typically provides relatively quick results (about an hour with in-office whitening, and a week or two with at-home whitening), it is possible that more than one treatment may be necessary to completely bleach the teeth.
- Permanent – The results of teeth whitening may fade over time, especially if a person smokes or drinks a lot of coffee, tea, or red wine.
Though a fast and effective treatment, the results of teeth whitening are not 100 percent predictable, nor are they instant and permanent. However, for individuals with realistic expectations that are seeking a quick, non-invasive, effective treatment for whitening their teeth, both in-office and at-home procedures are available to meet their needs.
Do you have sensitive gums?
While most teeth whitening systems minimize gum sensitivity, a person who normally has sensitive gums is more likely to experience irritation during or after professional bleaching. If you have sensitive gums, teeth whitening may not be the right treatment for you.
Find a Dentist Offering Teeth Whitening near You
If you are interested in transforming your smile with professional bleaching, locate a dentist offering teeth whitening in your area. A dentist can help determine your candidacy for the treatment. DocShop links people to talented cosmetic dentists who can help them achieve beautiful, natural-looking smiles.
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