Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental procedure. It brightens your smile by removing stains and discolourations. Many can benefit from teeth whitening. But, not everyone is ideal. This article will explore who may not be suitable for teeth whitening. It will cover the reasons and important things to keep in mind.
Ideal Candidates for Teeth Whitening
Before discussing who should not get teeth whitening, we must first know the best candidates. Generally, the best candidates for teeth whitening have:
- Healthy teeth with few or no fillings.
- Healthy gums without any gum disease.
- Teeth with yellow tones, as they respond best to whitening treatments.
Whitening your teeth is a great option. It’s for those who want to improve their smile and boost their confidence. It is especially effective for those with stained teeth. The stains come from things like drinking coffee, tea, or red wine, or from smoking. However, not everyone falls into this category. Certain factors can make someone less suitable for this procedure.
Who is Not Suitable for Teeth Whitening?
Despite the benefits, some people should avoid teeth whitening treatments. The following are groups of individuals who may not be suitable for this procedure.
1. Children Under 16
Children under the age of 16 are not suitable candidates for teeth whitening. Young teeth have a larger pulp chamber than adults. So, whitening can cause irritation or sensitivity. It’s best to wait until the teeth are fully developed before considering whitening. During childhood and adolescence, teeth are still developing. Using whitening agents then could cause problems.
2. Pregnant and Lactating Women
Pregnant or lactating women should avoid teeth whitening treatments. There is little research on how whitening agents affect unborn babies. There is also little research on their effects on nursing infants. So, it’s better to be cautious and postpone the treatment. The top priority during pregnancy and breastfeeding is to keep the mother and child safe and healthy. Avoiding unneeded procedures is wise.
3. Individuals with Allergies or Sensitivities
If you have sensitive teeth, you should ask your dentist. Ask before whitening. Whitening agents can exacerbate sensitivity. Also, if you are allergic to peroxide, which is in most whitening systems, then you should avoid teeth whitening. Tooth sensitivity can cause discomfort during and after the procedure. This makes it a less than ideal experience.
4. People with Extensive Dental Work
People with many restorations, like fillings, crowns, and bridges, may not be good candidates for teeth whitening. They have too much dental work. Restorations do not respond to whitening treatments, which can result in an uneven appearance. If you plan to have dental work done, whiten your teeth first. It’s important to understand that dental materials used in restorations resist whitening agents. So, the contrast between natural teeth and restorations can be quite noticeable.
5. Individuals with Gum Disease or Tooth Decay
People with gum disease, tooth decay, cavities, or exposed roots should not get teeth whitening. Whitening agents can cause irritation and exacerbate existing dental issues. It’s crucial to address these dental health problems first before considering any cosmetic treatments. We need to treat gum disease and tooth decay. This will keep your mouth healthy and stop more problems.
6. Patients Seeking Unrealistic Results
Those who expect their teeth to become unnaturally white may be disappointed. Teeth whitening can brighten your smile a lot. But, it won’t make your teeth super-white. It’s important to have realistic expectations about the results. Understanding the limits of teeth whitening will help you get good results. It will also help you avoid disappointment.
Barriers to Successful Teeth Whitening
Even if you are not in those groups, certain factors can still affect teeth whitening success.
1. Types of Stains
Whitening is best for surface stains. They come from lifestyle choices like drinking coffee, tea, or red wine, and smoking. However, trauma, medications like tetracycline, and aging cause intrinsic stains. They may not respond well to whitening. Intrinsic stains are deeper. They are harder to treat and need alternative methods.
2. Oral Health
Good oral health is a prerequisite for teeth whitening. Gum disease, tooth decay, or cavities can hurt the treatment. They can interfere with its effectiveness. Addressing these problems first is essential for successful whitening. Keeping your teeth and gums healthy has two benefits. It will improve whitening results and maintain dental health.
Consultation and Professional Advice
Before deciding on teeth whitening, you must consult thoroughly with your dentist. They can check your dental health. They can see if you are a good candidate for the procedure. Your dentist can recommend the best action for you. They will do it based on your needs and circumstances.
During the consultation, your dentist will check your teeth and gums. They will also discuss your dental history and any risks or concerns. This approach is personalised. It ensures that you get the best treatment for your situation.
Conclusion
Teeth whitening can be an effective way to brighten your smile, but it’s not suitable for everyone. Teeth whitening isn’t for children under 16. It’s also not for pregnant or lactating women. Or, for people with allergies or sensitivities. It’s also not for those with lots of dental work, gum disease, or tooth decay. It’s also not for those seeking unrealistic results. Knowing these factors can help you make an informed decision. It can help you decide if teeth whitening is right for you. If you are not a good candidate, ask your dentist for other treatments. They will help you achieve a beautiful, healthy smile.
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Get Professional Advice from Bridge St Aesthetic and Dental Implant Clinic
At Bridge St Aesthetic and Dental Implant Clinic, we know each patient is unique. Our team is experienced. They can give you personalised advice and treatment options. These will be tailored to your needs. You may be considering teeth whitening or other cosmetic dental procedures. As an NHS dentist in Aberdeen, we are here to help you get your best smile. Contact us today to schedule a consultation. It’s the first step to a brighter, more confident you.
