The Arlington Dentist: Are You A Candidate For Teeth Whitening?

By Author: Justin Bills
Total Articles: 16
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Teeth whitening in Arlington is a fabulous cosmetic treatment: it’s simply, quick and inexpensive, yet the results attained can make an incredible difference to the quality of your smile. “Teeth can become stained and discolored for a great number and diversity of reasons,” explains the Arlington dentist. “Most of the foods we eat and beverages we drink contain dark tannins that gradually seep into the enamel of your teeth, rendering them a darker color. In the long term, this staining can become permanent.”
Since a bright, white smile is considered beautiful and attractive, one can appreciate how dental staining can eventually become a problem. This applies even more so to people who indulge in particularly detrimental habits, such as tobacco smoking or chewing. “Not all people owe their darker dental enamel to food or smoking,” says the Arlington dentist. “Some people were just born with duller teeth.”
Whatever the cause of your imperfect smile and not-so pearly whites, teeth whitening in Arlington can give you the smile make-over you’ve been dreaming of. Or can it? “Although this treatment ...
... is very safe, there are certain patients we simply cannot recommend it for,” explains the Arlington dentist…
Risk Factors for Teeth Whitening in Arlington
According to the dentist in Arlington, you may not be a candidate for teeth whitening if:

1. Your teeth have restorations ~

“Veneers, crowns, inlays, onlays, bonding and tooth-colored fillings all represent a problem for patients who wish to receive a tooth whitening treatment,” explains the Arlington dentist. “This is because the restorative material does not chemically respond to the bleaching agent (carbamide or hydrogen peroxide) and thus doesn’t whiten.” The results are that your natural tooth surfaces will brighten up, while your restorations, which were matched to the old color of your teeth, will remain dull and yellowed. This makes for an unnatural and mismatched smile.
Advice from the Arlington Dentist: If you need to have restorations placed, consider undergoing teeth whitening in Arlington first. Then the color of your restorations will be matched to your new, whiter teeth. Alternatively, if you already have restorations, you could have them replaced. Speak to your Arlington dentist about this option.

2. Your teeth are stained internally ~

Some teeth bear discoloration that extends beneath the outer dental enamel. This could be a result of decay, certain developmental conditions or root canal procedures. Either way, teeth whitening in Arlington will not be able to improve the appearance of your teeth. “Your best option is to have porcelain veneers placed on your teeth, which will effectively hide the appearance of any internal staining,” advises the Arlington dentist.

3. Your natural tooth color is brown or grey ~

“Teeth whitening in Arlington works the best with yellowed dental enamel,” says the Arlington dentist. “If your natural tooth color leans more towards grey or brown, you very well might not get the results you desire. Once again, veneers would be recommended.”

4. You’re pregnant or nursing ~

“There is currently insufficient research to support the safety of teeth whitening when used on pregnant or nursing mothers. Prevention is better than cure,” says the Arlington dentist, “so rather avoid it entirely.”

5. Your teeth are hypersensitive ~

“If your teeth are super sensitive, you should probably avoid teeth whitening in Arlington. The chemicals used in the treatment tend to render teeth more sensitive, so it could get quite uncomfortable for you,” says the Arlington dentist.
If you have any questions or doubts about dental whitening, it’s best to consult with your Arlington dentist.