One of the most commonly requested services in dentistry is teeth bleaching. Patients want whiter and brighter smiles, and there are a plethora of whitening options to achieve this. It is important for patients to know, however, that there are some situations in which bleaching is not recommended. The patient's overall oral health must be considered before going forward with this type of elective procedure.
Before whitening options are explored, the patient's overall oral health must be considered. The dentist must also consider if the whitening agent chosen will be effective for the patient's particular situation. For many patients, traditional bleaching options are acceptable. There are some requirements, though, that must be met to be the ideal candidate for this service.
Patients who have gum disease and active dental cavities should have those things addressed before electing to do cosmetic treatments such as teeth bleaching. Gum disease can lead to gum recession, and this situation makes traditional whitening options less effective. Cavities only get worse over time, so all necessary treatment (especially of the front teeth) is to be completed first for the patient's benefit. An exception to this may occur if the patient is having a crown placed on a front tooth and wants the adjacent teeth to be whiter before choosing a final shade for the new crown.
Intrinsic stains are those that are deep within the tooth and cannot usually be removed with traditional bleaching measures. An example is tetracycline stain that occurs when a pregnant woman or small child takes the antibiotic, which causes the child's permanent teeth to have a yellow or brown tint. In these situations, the patient should be informed that the results may not be ideal. Crowns or veneers are often explored in these cases to change the shade of the front teeth.
Fillings, crowns or veneers on the front teeth can greatly affect what types of whitening treatments are available. Whitening agents do not change the color of fillings or crowns. In fact, the ingredients can actually etch the surface of composite or porcelain, so it is essential that these patients consult a dentist before using any whitening products.
For patients who have fillings on the front teeth, even if the bleaching material is safe to be used, it will change the shade of the natural tooth but not the filling itself. Therefore, patients may find that the filling becomes an eyesore because it will look much darker than the bleached natural tooth.
Due to the complex nature of dentistry, a patient should always consult with a dentist before using any bleaching products to find out if they are a candidate for these services. With all the advances in dentistry made in recent years, most patients can have the whiter smile of their dreams. For some, though, it will take a few extra steps and different methods to achieve this.
Request an appointment here: https://www.casasadobesdentistry.com or call Casas Adobes Dentistry at (520) 365-0559 for an appointment in our Tucson office.
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