subject: Teeth Whitening - Evaluating Your Candidacy [print this page] Contrary to popular belief, teeth whitening isn't for every single patient. While you're unlikely to experience any particularly terrible side effects from using the various available solutions, you may not get much benefit from them, either. Of course, a good cosmetic dentist will be able to tell you definitively whether or not they can do anything for your situation, but it might be nice to know before you go through the trouble of making an appointment. It can also keep you from chasing an ideal you're never going to reach without exploring alternative solutions. While a very effective procedure for the right patient, it can't be used in all circumstances. However, there are some ways to evaluate your candidacy.
Restorative Work
Those with certain restorations may not be the best candidates for teeth whitening. Veneers, for instance, are usually not able to be whitened with the traditional methods. The materials aren't going to get any whiter than they originally were. That may sound okay. After all, you can just focus on the other surrounding areas. This is going to create an imbalanced look, though, and it's going to stand out in a bad way. Veneers and their bonding fillers are tinted at the outset to match your existing shade. If you mess around with bleaching, you're going to throw off that delicate balance and probably won't be pleased with the result.
Non-Food Staining
Staining that isn't a result of food, drink, or tobacco use may not be applicable for teeth whitening. The processes used in both the dentist's office and by the kits sold at the drugstore are designed to eliminate the kinds of stains you get from coffee and cigarettes. They aren't going to help if you have naturally discolored enamel or interior stains. They aren't going to help with discoloration that resulted from a root canal. That said, there are still options for those who suffer from these aesthetic abnormalities. Talk to your cosmetic dentist and he may be able to recommend a solution that's right for you.
Pregnancy
There is no outright evidence that teeth whitening is harmful for expectant or nursing mothers, but there is enough evidence to say that the jury is still out. As it is with hair dye and other practices, you're better off waiting until you've weaned the child until you see your dentist about a teeth whitening regimen. You're always better safe than sorry.
by: Anna Woodward
welcome to Insurances.net (https://www.insurances.net)
