With all of the advancements in science and technology, there are a wide range of teeth whitening products and whitening systems available. Choosing the right option will depend upon a variety of individual factors. In general, those patients with a yellow tone to their teeth are the best candidates for teeth whitening, as they will see the most significant results and respond to the treatment most favorably.

Determining the best course of action for teeth whitening will depend largely on the individual person. Since this is a cosmetic treatment, it may not be the recommended route for every patient to take. In fact, the best candidate for teeth whitening is a person who has had minimal dental treatment and maintains healthy gums and teeth. Options such as whitening toothpastes, strips, and over-the-counter gels may work for some patients. However, professional whitening is by and far the most effective method.

To learn more about your teeth whitening options, please contact our Royal Palm Beach office today.

Tooth Discoloration

Teeth may suffer from staining in two different capacities: extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic stains refer to surface of the teeth. This type of stain usually results from too much exposure to dark-colored beverages such as coffee and soda, tobacco, dark foods, and everyday wear and tear. Intrinsic stains, however, form on the tooth’s interior. The most common causes of intrinsic stains are aging, extreme ingestion of fluoride, trauma, and exposure to certain medications during tooth formation (such as tetracycline exposure).

There are many instances where a patient may have tooth stains. From issues that are caused by the patient to those that are occur outside of the patient’s control, many people choose to whiten their teeth. The following are some of the most common causes of tooth discoloration:Teeth-Whitening

  • Eating habits
  • Age
  • Thinness of Enamel
  • Original tooth color
  • Grinding
  • Translucency
  • Smoking habits
  • Trauma
  • Chemicals/drugs

As such, many patients choose the most effective method of whitening, in-office, to improve the appearance of their smile. Unfortunately, there are some people that are not candidates for teeth whitening. Further, those with fillings, crowns, or veneers on their front teeth should know that dental restorations will not whiten by bleaching.  People with the following issues should avoid undergoing whitening treatment:

  • Sensitive teeth
  • Pregnant women
  • Those under the age of 16
  • Darkly stain teeth
  • Worn enamel
  • Cavities
  • Gum disease
  • Exposed roots

In addition, many people go into professional teeth whitening expecting dramatic results. Those who have especially darkened teeth must understand that while in-office whitening is very effective, it may not give the patient the bleach-white smile that they may have imagined. Nevertheless, patients who have received in-office teeth whitening have been elated with the results. For added confidence and a bright, white smile, in-office tooth whitening is most certainly the best option.

To schedule an appointment today, please contact James Family Dentistry.