General Dentistry: When Would a Dentist Recommend Teeth Whitening?

As demand for a bright white smile grows, teeth whitening options increase in popularity and variety. Picking the appropriate solution requires a consultation with a dental professional who can ensure you get the desired results for your individual needs.

Types of tooth stains

Most dentists develop patient tooth-whitening plans based on the patient’s existing stains. The type of stain determines which treatments will be most effective and can help dentists decide when to recommend professional teeth whitening services.

Extrinsic tooth stains

Extrinsic tooth stains are the easiest tooth blemishes to treat. Most tooth stains have external causes, such as the usual suspects black coffee, red wine, and tobacco smoke. Taking good care of your teeth and gums can prevent these stains from developing. Adequate prevention includes brushing, flossing, and avoiding known culprits.

Intrinsic tooth stains

Intrinsic stains, on the other hand, develop inside the tooth, usually due to tooth or gum disease, genetic conditions, or natural aging. In some cases, tooth decay, childhood antibiotic use, and antiseptic mouth rinses are responsible for intrinsic stains. Since these stains are internal, traditional tooth whitening treatments are less effective at removing them. Patients must address the underlying cause to eliminate intrinsic stains.

Treatment recommendations

While you can take matters into your own hands, dental professionals recommend consulting a dentist before attempting to whiten teeth at home. In addition to being less effective, over-the-counter kits are not safe for every patient. A dentist can assess your tooth and gum health and set you on the right path toward a brighter smile.

Evaluation

The first step of any teeth whitening plan is to complete an evaluation with your dentist. At this appointment, your dentist will examine your teeth to determine the type of stains responsible for your less-than-pearly whites. A thorough evaluation includes a visual examination of the teeth and, in many cases, X-rays or photos that reveal any structural damage or health issues.

Considerations

During your examination, the dentist will note any dental work that might impact your treatment. For example, artificial supplements such as fillings, crowns, and bonds respond poorly to most whitening agents and require custom whitening plans. Similarly, whitening may not be advisable for patients with persistent dental issues because whitening agents exacerbate some tooth and gum diseases and do not always adhere to synthetic materials.

Take-home whitening kits

If your teeth are already in good condition, a take-home whitening kit may be your best bet. Usually, this kit consists of a custom-molded tooth tray and whitening gel. This option is ideal for those who do not have any unique demands but prefer professional quality.

In-office treatments

For optimal efficacy, dentists suggest getting an in-office tooth whitening treatment. Professional whitening services are typically more effective than over-the-counter remedies and can be tailored to your specific needs more efficiently. Teeth whitening services are perfect for those with gum or tooth sensitivity, disease, or synthetics.