Teeth Whitening – 9 Facts You Need To Know

Have you ever wondered what the minimum age for teeth whitening is? The consensus among dental professionals is a patient should be at least 14 years of age to bleach their teeth. Bleaching younger than 14 years could increase the chances of irreversible damage to the nerves of your child’s teeth. Your best options would be to visit your local dentist and get a professional recommendation on the best method to lighten your teeth. Your dentist will examine how bad the staining is and the overall condition of your teeth. Some possible recommendations may include:

1) A dental cleaning by your dentist or hygienist to remove tartar buildup and staining caused by plaque accumulation, food, and smoking.

2) Using a whitening toothpaste at home to polish off light stains. This technique does not lighten the internal color of your teeth.

3) For slight yellow discolorations, your dentist may recommend over the counter gel or strips. The disadvantage of these products is it takes longer to remove the discoloration because the concentration of bleaching product (carbamide peroxide) is lower than products used in the dental office.

4) If your teeth show yellowing or moderate staining, your dentist may suggest in-office bleaching and/or a home bleaching system. With this technique, you can immediately see results right after the procedure. The reason in- office bleaching is so effective is because your dentist uses a very concentrated formulation of carbamide peroxide to brighten your teeth. A high intensity light can also be used to maximize the effectiveness of the solution. When the in-office bleaching is completed, your dentist may recommend continued bleaching at home with a home whitening kit. Although you can bleach your teeth using just the home system, you get faster results when you use it following the in-office bleaching. A home system consists of custom made mouthguards and concentrated bleaching solutions. Bleaching time can range from a few hours a day to overnight.

5) For heavily stained or damaged teeth, your dentist may suggest porcelain veneers, cosmetic bonding, or full coverage crowns to correct the problem.

The key to effective teeth whitening is dependent on a proper diagnosis of the condition of your teeth. Only a skilled cosmetic dentist is qualified to recommend the best option for you.

While lightening your teeth is a safe procedure, it does have minor side effects. Your teeth can experience temporary sensitivity during and after the bleaching procedure. This will usually disappear when your treatment is finished. Patients who already experience extreme teeth sensitivity may not be good candidates for teeth whitening as the solutions may cause increased irritation of the teeth. If this is your situation ask your dentist about the benefits of desensitizing treatment prior to brightening your teeth. If you have periodontal disease, your gums may also be sensitive to this procedure.

If your teeth exhibit a dark internal brown/grey staining or appear striped or mottled due to tetracycline antibiotics or excessive flouride treatment, bleaching won’t be a successful option. Teeth discolored from these conditions won’t stain evenly.

You should also be aware that bleaching will not lighten the color of your existing fillings, caps, or bonding. A better option to discuss with your dentist would be the replacement of all your old fillings and crowns or the possibility of veneering over them.

Find out the condition of your dental health by seeing an Orange dentist or Santa Monica dentist today for an evaluation!