Is Professional Teeth Whitening Healthy

For many people hoping to have a brighter smile, professional teeth whitening is a healthy option. In-office visits use bleaching agents to achieve lighter and faster results than over-the-counter treatments. However, this use of more potent agents means patients should consider their current dental history before deciding on professional whitening treatments.

It is important to weigh the options with a dentist in Phoenix, AZ. Even if previous dental work or oral complications prevent a patient from professional whitening treatments now, future therapy for progressive discoloration is possible with restorative and preventative care. The primary concern is figuring out which patient can benefit most from whitening treatments and who requires further dental care prior to a bleaching procedure.

Why are whitening procedures recommended for healthy teeth?

While dental whitening is beneficial for many people, dental professionals generally recommend such treatments for patients with permanent, natural teeth and good oral health. A dentist in 85053 also considers the color of the stains. Professional bleaching treatments can be an excellent option for people with prominent teeth yellowing. However, the American Dental Association advises against whitening treatments for patients with brown or gray discoloration.

Professional teeth whitening treatments use trays customized for patients to help shield the gums from the bleaching chemicals. Healthy gumlines and teeth also have better resilience, so patients generally experience less sensitivity both during and after the procedure. Candidates with good oral hygiene and health are more likely to be recommended for professional bleaching treatments. Other patients may be advised to look into restorative and preventative care before attempting these procedures.

Who may require further dental work for healthy white teeth?

There are several factors to consider before determining the immediate eligibility of a patient for whitening:

• Gum health
• Existence of caps, crowns or other restorative dentistry applications
• Sensitivities and allergies

Patients with gum disease are less likely to fair well with the chemicals used in professional whitening treatments, sometimes experiencing tooth sensitivity and gum irritation. Because of these risks to patients, dentists typically suggest treating the disease first, improving gum health before attempting to reverse discoloration.

One of the most common side effects of teeth whitening is temporary tooth sensitivity, which can occur during and after the treatment. Some individuals may also experience gum irritation or sensitivity. Your dentist can provide recommendations to minimize these effects, such as using desensitizing toothpaste or adjusting the whitening treatment. Call us to learn more.

For people with existing dental work, like crowns, whitening treatments tend not to be viable options. While bleaching works to whiten yellowish stains on natural teeth, restorative appliances do not brighten in the same way. However, patients with prior dental work can still achieve brighter smiles through other dental procedures, such as bonding or veneers. Both procedures work by applying a substance or material — bonding resin or porcelain — that a dentist then colors to match surrounding teeth or a patient's desired brightness.

Conclusion

Overall, professional teeth whitening can be a safe and effective way to enhance the appearance of your smile under the guidance of a qualified dental professional. Before undergoing any whitening treatment, it's essential to discuss your goals, expectations, and any concerns with your dentist to ensure that it's the right option for you.

Request an appointment or call Phoenix Family Dentistry at 602-547-9007 for an appointment in our Phoenix office.