Good Candidates for Teeth Whitening Treatment
Having a smile that's bright, white, and perfectly clean is an ideal option if you want to look your absolute best. Yet not everyone has a smile that's this perfect. That's where a little cosmetic dentistry treatment can go a long way. One especially good option to consider to get a bright smile is professional teeth whitening treatment. Let's take a look at this matter right now.
Common Causes of Tooth Discoloration
First, here are a few common causes of tooth discoloration so you know what may be responsible for your tarnished smile:
- Cigarettes
- Chewing tobacco
- Coffee
- Soft drinks
- Red wine
- Tea
- Curry
- Blueberries
- Carrots
- Tooth decay
- Certain medications
- The natural aging process
How Teeth Whitening Works
Teeth whitening treatment uses hydrogen peroxide-based gels in order to physically whiten the actual tooth structure. This gel penetrates deep into the enamel and even into the dentin layer of the tooth in order to achieve an excellent appearance.
General Candidacy for Teeth Whitening
The best candidates for teeth whitening are people who suffer from superficial stains on their teeth. They should be in otherwise good dental health and have realistic expectations about the cosmetic dentistry treatment process, including all of the risks and benefits of treatment.
Poor Candidates for Teeth Whitening
Poor candidates for teeth whitening are people who are suffering from tooth decay or tooth damage in addition to the discoloration of the tooth. It's important that a cosmetic dentist address these dental health issues before any sort of aesthetic treatment is pursued.
People who have dental restorations in place may not be good candidates for whitening treatment since the bleaching agents will not affect the ceramic materials. This will need to be considered on a case-by-case basis.
If a person suffers from a dental stain that originates within the tooth, he or she is similarly not an ideal candidate for teeth whitening. The bleaching agent will not be able to access the internal structures of the tooth.
A Word On At-home Teeth Whitening
Many people wonder about the use of at-home teeth whitening products. We suggest that patients ask their dentist about these before undergoing care. If your dentist can address any health matters before you commit to an at-home whitening treatment, that can make your results better. In addition, your dentist may suggest a professional-grade take-home whitening kit, which will offer better results than even the most sophisticated over-the-counter whitening system.
Alternatives to Teeth Whitening
If you are not considered a good candidate for whitening treatment, a common alternative used by many dentists today is porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers are thin shells of dental ceramic that fit over the front portion of the teeth in order to achieve an aesthetically pleasing appearance. This and other potential smile makeover treatments can be discussed in greater detail during the consultation process.
Learn More About Teeth Whitening
For more information about teeth whitening treatment and what it can do for you in terms of enhancing dental aesthetics, be sure to contact our Kansas City cosmetic and restorative dentistry center today. The entire team here looks forward to meeting you in person and helping you achieve the best looking smile possible.
