Who is Eligible for Teeth Whitening Treatments?

Teeth whitening treatment is recommended for patients who have generally healthy teeth and are interested in making their smile brighter. Some patients may not be eligible if they have severe stains, although there are effective alternative solutions to teeth whitening for those who do not qualify. 

When to consider teeth whitening treatments

This review discusses who is eligible for teeth whitening. Patients who are not eligible may find dental veneers or dental bonding to be more beneficial. When determining if a patient is eligible, a dentist looks at the condition of the patient’s enamel, periodontal health, and considers the patient’s treatment goals. 

It has been more than a year since your last whitening treatment

The results of professional, in-office teeth whitening last for a year or more in most cases. Subsequently, dentists often recommend whitening treatment every 12 to 18 months. Patients that are up-to-date on all check-up visits and cleaning and have not received a whitening treatment in more than a year may be eligible for treatment. Dentists do not recommend more than one in-office whitening procedure per year. 

Your teeth stains are extrinsic rather than intrinsic

There are two main types of teeth stains, which are extrinsic and intrinsic. Intrinsic teeth stains are deeper into the enamel and harder to remove. Subsequently, intrinsic teeth stains often require veneers or bonding, rather than professional teeth whitening. However, extrinsic stains can typically be treated through an in-office whitening procedure. 

Your teeth are relatively healthy and cavity-free

Patients who have oral health concerns that may affect the quality or safety of treatment may need to have the health concern treated before their whitening procedure. For example, patients with weakened or eroded enamel may need to have dental fillings or fluoride treatment, especially if the enamel damage is on the visible surface of teeth. 

You are interested in making your smile brighter

Teeth whitening is, of course, a cosmetic procedure. It is recommended to those who are not as happy as they should be with their smile due to minor to moderate discoloration or staining. However, it is important for patients to have realistic expectations of the results before they begin a teeth whitening procedure. 

You are willing to keep your teeth bright with proper aftercare

Dentists can correct minor to moderate teeth stains with in-office teeth whitening. However, keeping the results long-term largely depends on how well the patient cares for their teeth. It is important to follow the aftercare instructions, which likely include brushing several times a day, flossing daily, and limiting consumption of foods and drinks that contribute to teeth discoloration and stains. 

Find out if you are eligible for teeth whitening treatments

You can find out if you are eligible for professional teeth whitening treatments by visiting our dental practice at a time that is convenient for you. We are glad to answer your questions and help you decide if teeth whitening is appropriate. Feel free to reach out to us by phone today to schedule a visit.

Request an appointment here: https://www.thegalleryofsmiles.com or call Midtown Dental - The Gallery of Smiles at (713) 979-4127 for an appointment in our Houston office.

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