Are You a Candidate for Teeth Whitening? A Checklist

Teeth naturally get darker over time. Stain-causing foods, negative habits like smoking, and even aging cause teeth stains and discoloration. This may make people self-conscious when it’s time to show off their pearly whites. If you feel too embarrassed to smile in public, we recommend getting teeth whitening in Panama City.

While stains don’t always harm oral health, disliking your smile’s appearance can significantly impact your confidence. However, not everyone is a good candidate for whitening procedures. Here’s a checklist to help you determine if this applies to you.

Am I a Candidate for Teeth Whitening?

1. You Have Good Oral Health

Good oral health is fundamental to teeth whitening. The substances used during whitening treatments can irritate existing dental issues such as gum disease and cavities. In the long run, this can lead to further complications like increased dental sensitivity, pain, and even tooth loss.

To prevent these issues from occurring, we always conduct an extensive dental exam to address concerns before proceeding.

2. You Have Extrinsic or Removable Stains

Sadly, not all types of dental stains can be removed. Intrinsic stains, or discoloration from within the tooth, cannot be removed with the bleaching components used in whitening treatments. Factors like aging, trauma, and certain medications often cause these types of stains.

Instead, intrinsic stains may require different treatment approaches, such as veneers or bonding.

Whitening treatments are most effective on extrinsic stains caused by foods, beverages, and tobacco. Nevertheless, if the discoloration has been present too long, the results may not be as expected.

Recently formed stains respond better to whitening treatments than older, deeper stains.

3. You Are of Age

Dentists don’t perform whitening procedures on children under 16. Whitening procedures can be very harmful and extremely painful for this age range since their dental enamel is still developing. Moreover, these patients often don’t develop noticeable stains anyway.

While whitening treatments have no age limit, mature adult teeth tend to be more sensitive. For that reason, older adults should consult their dentist before whitening.

4. You Don’t Have Sensitive Teeth or Gums

Whitening may exacerbate the issue if you have a history of sensitive teeth. Many whitening products use strong agents to break down stains, which can lead to temporary sensitivity. Before whitening, we may recommend desensitizing treatments or gentler alternatives for sensitive teeth.

Similarly, individuals with sensitive gums should approach whitening with caution, as the process can lead to irritation or discomfort.

5. You Don’t Have Any Dental Restorations

If you have crowns, veneers, or fillings, whitening products will not affect these materials. This can lead to uneven coloring, so consult your dentist about the best approach if you have restorations.

If you plan to undergo restorative procedures, wait until after whitening to ensure uniformity in your smile.

Recover Your Smile’s Shine with Teeth Whitening in Panama City

This checklist gives you a general idea of your candidacy for teeth whitening. It’s always best to consult one of Forest Park Dental's cosmetic dentists to determine whether whitening is the treatment for you.

Even if you aren’t a good fit for a whitening treatment, we'll work together to create a personalized plan for you. We’re committed to helping you achieve a brighter, healthier smile, so contact us today!

Thank you for trusting Forest Park Dental with your smile journey. If you’ve recently reached out or scheduled a consultation, click here to view our thank you page.