If you’re over the age of 14 with permanent teeth, you can qualify for teeth whitening. Your dentist is the most qualified person to determine your oral health and recommend the best technique to lighten your teeth. He or she will inspect the condition of your teeth and how severe the staining is. Some possible options may include:

1) A thorough dental cleaning to scale off the tartar and remove the stain caused from tobacco use, food, and plaque.

2) Brushing with a whitening toothpaste to remove superficial stains.

3) For slight yellow discolorations, your dentist may recommend over the counter gel or strips. The disadvantage of these products is it takes longer to remove the discoloration because the concentration of bleaching product (carbamide peroxide) is lower than products used in the dental office.

4) If your teeth show yellowing or moderate staining, your dentist may suggest in-office bleaching and/or a home bleaching system. With this technique, you can immediately see results right after the procedure. The reason in- office bleaching is so effective is because your dentist uses a very concentrated formulation of carbamide peroxide to brighten your teeth. A high intensity light can also be used to maximize the effectiveness of the solution. When the in-office bleaching is completed, your dentist may recommend continued bleaching at home with a home whitening kit. Although you can bleach your teeth using just the home system, you get faster results when you use it following the in-office bleaching. A home system consists of custom made mouthguards and concentrated bleaching solutions. Bleaching time can range from a few hours a day to overnight.

5) For severely stained or damaged teeth, your dentist may recommend porcelain veneers, bonding, or even full crowns to correct the problem.

The most effective treatment option depends on proper diagnosis of your staining. Only your dentist is best qualified to determine which option is best for you.

There can be drawbacks to making your teeth whiter. The strong bleaching solutions can cause temporary teeth sensitivity during or after the treatment. This side effect will resolve itself shortly after your treatment is finished. If you already suffer with daily teeth sensitivity, whitening may not be a good option as it can increase the sensitivity of your teeth. A history of gum disease with resulting gum recession will also be a contraindication since your gums and teeth may be irritated by the strong solutions.

If your teeth suffer from a brown/grayish stain or have mottling from previous tetracycline or flouride treatment, bleaching won’t be the treatment of choice. Teeth with these pre-existing conditions bleach unevenly. A better option to discuss with your dentist is cosmetic bonding or porcelain veneers.

Bleaching will not change the color of your existing fillings, crowns, caps, or bonding. If the majority of your teeth are restored with these procedures, you may want to consult with your dentist about replacing or veneering over these restorations.

Find out the condition of your dental health by seeing an Orange dentist or Santa Monica dentist today for an evaluation!