When it comes to teeth whitening, there are several different options to choose from. Achieving brighter teeth can be as easy as using a whitening toothpaste. You can also purchase bleaching kits over the counter, or take advantage of a professional formula for the best results possible, with the help of The Center For Restorative & Cosmetic Dentistry in Newport Beach.
However, it’s not for everyone; some people are better candidates for bleaching than others. Here are some guidelines that can be used to determine if teeth whitening is right for you.
Do Whiten Your Teeth If:
Teeth whitening can give your smile great results. It’s an easy and inexpensive way to achieve a whiter, brighter smile. If you fall into the following categories, you should consider a professional treatment for teeth whitening in Newport Beach.
- You Have Mild to Moderate Discoloration:
Drinking coffee or red wine, smoking, and natural aging can cause your teeth to discolor over time. Yellow stains on the outer surface of your teeth can usually be easily eliminated with the right bleaching products.
For deeper stains, you’ll want to be sure to visit our dentist in Newport Beach for a professional whitening formula.
- You Have a Healthy Mouth:
If you don’t have any cavities, decay, tooth infections, gum recession or periodontal disease, then you’re a great candidate for teeth whitening.
Don’t Whiten Your Teeth If:
While whitening your teeth sounds like a great way to get a brighter smile, this method isn’t for everyone. If you fall into any of the following categories, you should stay away from bleaching. Our dentist in Newport Beach can help you find an alternative way to whiten your smile.
- You’re Pregnant
Undergoing dental treatments while pregnant is something that’s usually restricted to necessary or preventative procedures, such as cleanings or treating a toothache. Extra precautions are always taken to ensure the safety of both mom and fetus, so elective services like whitening should be delayed.
While using a mild whitening toothpaste during pregnancy isn’t a problem, you should put off using stronger bleaching agents like over the counter whitening kits, or professional systems that you already own.
The oxidation process caused by peroxides (which are contained in bleaching formulas) could be harmful to tissues and cells. Even more so during pregnancy, because during this time your gums are usually more sensitive than normal.
As far as what effect teeth whitening has on a fetus, there are no known side effects. Still, professionals recommend that it’s best that pregnant women refrain from bleaching until after baby is weened.
- You Have Sensitive Teeth or Cavities
Some patients have overly sensitive teeth. This can be caused by demineralization when the pH level near your teeth drops and the outer enamel becomes weak. In addition to teeth being bothered by cold temperatures, they are more susceptible to developing cavities.
Teeth bleaching can cause sensitive and decayed teeth to become unbearably painful. For this reason, it’s important to come in for a consultation with us. Dr. Yazdan can evaluate your smile and determine if bleaching is right for you.
It may be recommended that before you begin teeth whitening in Newport Beach, that you brush with a prescription strength fluoride toothpaste to eliminate sensitivity.’ Or, if you have decay, we will recommend getting those areas repaired first.
- You Have Existing Dental Work
If you have dental restorations in your smile zone (the ones you show when you smile) then you may want to think twice about teeth whitening. Dental restorations like bonding, veneers, crowns, and bridges, won’t brighten or look whiter. As such, you may be left with an unevenly colored smile.
Furthermore, if you’re planning on getting dental work on any of your front teeth, you may want to consider bleaching your teeth beforehand. That way when we’re ready to decide the shade of your new dental work, we’ll be matching it to your teeth when they’re at their brightest.
If you’re unsure if you have any dental restorations on any of your front teeth, our dentist in Newport Beach can take a look and let you know.
- If You Are Younger Than 13 Years of Age
As a child grows, their teeth are still developing. It isn’t until the age of 13 or older when children’s teeth and gums are strong enough to withstand teeth bleaching.
If done prematurely, the results of bleaching a child’s teeth can cause severe sensitivity and possible nerve damage.
How Do You Know If Bleaching Is Right for You?
If you’re unsure about teeth whitening in Newport Beach, call us to schedule a consultation. We’ll be glad to do a quick evaluation of your smile to let you know if you qualify for this common cosmetic procedure.
