Are There Restrictions on Getting Teeth Whitening?

Restrictions on getting teeth whitening

Are you interested in teeth whitening? The inside information is right here. Discover the different alternatives to cosmetic dentistry in Murray Hill. In this article, you’ll learn how teeth whitening works, the process used to whiten teeth effectively, and if anyone can get their teeth whitened. 

Woman after cosmetic dentistry Murray Hill

Teeth Whitening Q and A’s

Who Makes the Best Teeth Whitening Candidates?

Suitable candidates for professional teeth whitening are those with healthy gums and teeth free of fillings or other restorations. Patients who have yellow teeth are more likely to benefit from treatment. 

Do All Teeth Whitening Procedures Work? 

Unfortunately, not everyone can benefit from whitening. For instance, whitening usually helps with yellow discoloration. However, over-the-counter whitening treatments may not effectively work on teeth with brown or gray tones. 

Additionally, whitening won’t help if the discoloration is brought on by medications or an accident. Finally, patients with dental caps, veneers, crowns, and fillings are not good candidates for tooth whitening. 

What Teeth Whitening Options Do I Have?

If you want to whiten your teeth, you have a variety of options to choose from. 

  • In-Office Teeth Whitening 

The most pleasing results come from professional in-office whitening, which often whitens teeth by around eight shades. Professional teeth whitening is more expensive than other options, but the benefits are more noticeable and immediate. This process is also safer than bleaching at home because the whitening is done by a professional. 

  • At-Home 

This includes whitening toothpaste, teeth-whitening strips, and whitening-solution-filled mouth trays. All of these at-home bleaching techniques have benefits, but they also have some downsides.  

One drawback is that it takes time to see results, and those effects are less dramatic than those you may get from professional whitening. Additionally, those with sensitive gums or teeth shouldn’t use these techniques because they will only create more harm than good. 

  • Bleaching Toothpaste 

Chemicals are used in whitening toothpaste to brighten teeth. However, these toothpastes usually brighten teeth by a shade or two. Hence, the most subtle outcomes are provided by this type. 

What Causes Yellow Teeth?

There are several reasons why people get yellow teeth. The most frequent causes are: 

  • Early tetracycline antibiotic exposure 
  • Excessive fluoride intake  
  • Inadequate dental care 
  • Aging 
  • Trauma 
  • Drinking dark beverages like red wine, tea, coffee, and cola 
  • Smoking 

Most people don’t think about how becoming older changes the shade of their teeth. The enamel makes up the outer layer of your teeth. Dentin, a yellow tissue layer, lies beneath it. Studies show that enamel starts to erode with age. When this occurs, the dentin peeks through, and the teeth seem yellow.

What Are the Obstacles to Effective Teeth Whitening?

Special considerations are required if your mouth contains fillings or other materials. Your natural teeth and inorganic restorations may not match after tooth whitening since crowns, bridges, and other inorganic restorations are resistant to the effects of the process.  

If inconsistent color is going to be an issue, your dentist may be able to devise a plan to provide more reliable results. New fillings or other repairs can be necessary for specific circumstances. Even if teeth whitening is not an option, your dentist can still help you achieve the perfect smile with veneers or bonding. 

Patient receiving cosmetic dentistry Murray Hill

Know More About Cosmetic Dentistry in Murray Hill

Since teeth tend to be yellow with age, very few people have naturally white teeth. However, good oral hygiene and routine dental exams can help keep the teeth white. 

Although yellow teeth are not usually a symptom of health issues, a dentist can check for tooth decay and enamel loss. If you want to arrange professional teeth whitening or other treatments, please schedule your dental appointment. 

Can Anyone Have Their Teeth Whitened?

woman shows off teeth because of cosmetic dentistry in Times Square

Everyone wants to smile without hesitation, and there are many different ways to do this. It may be helpful to know that there are just two types of teeth whitening treatments to select from – professional, in-office bleaching or at-home treatments. Often, the choices can be perplexing, especially when it comes to cosmetic dentistry in Times Square.   

No matter which teeth whitening option you select, both will include bleaching agents with peroxide content. While professional, in-office treatment solutions contain 15 to 43 percent peroxide, at-home remedies often only have 3 to 20 percent carbamide or hydrogen peroxides.  

When done correctly, bleaching aging and yellow teeth can be advantageous for many people, but is it advantageous for everyone?  

whitened teeth because of cosmetic dentistry in Times Square

Age Restrictions and Teeth Whitening Factors  

How Old Do You Have to Be to Get Teeth Whitening Done Professionally?  

Numerous dentists advise against having youngsters get professional teeth whitening until after their permanent teeth have fully emerged. Most dental offices even require the patient to be at least 16 years old and accompanied by a parent before beginning treatment. 

Teeth whitening can be done at any stage of maturity. Products for teeth whitening remove embedded stains and brighten the enamel. They offer simple, low-cost remedies to the issue of yellow or stained teeth.  

Teeth Whitening Methods  

  • Whitening trays  

You can buy bleaching trays from a dentist or from a store. These bleaching trays, as opposed to bleaching toothpaste, contain a form of hydrogen peroxide that is highly concentrated. It is advised that you purchase your bleaching trays from your dentist because those trays can be created in a lab and specially tailored to fit your mouth. This is a quicker method of teeth whitening for stained teeth.  

  • Whitening Toothpaste  

Using bleaching trays or whitening toothpaste can help you whiten yellowed teeth. Most whitening toothpaste brands contain low-concentration bleach, which is not harmful to your teeth. This strategy can be effective, but it takes a while before you notice a difference in the color of your teeth.  

cosmetic dentistry in Times Square compares teeth
  • Whitening Rinses  

Like most mouthwashes, whitening rinses also include compounds like hydrogen peroxide that whiten teeth and eliminate dental plaque and gum disease and improve breath.   

Due to the fact that rinses only have daily contact with the teeth for two minutes as opposed to 30 minutes for strips, and those benefits can take up to 12 weeks to manifest, they are less effective than other over-the-counter whitening solutions.  

  • Whitening Strips  

Whitening strips are applied for 30 minutes. They are coated with a peroxide-based whitening gel, and the recommended continuous use is at least 14 days for it to be effective. The results may be akin to what whitening toothpaste does. However, this can be observed after four to five months of usage.  

patient points at white teeth due to cosmetic dentistry in Times Square

Looking for Professional Cosmetic Dentistry in Times Square?  

If you have any questions about teeth whitening or any treatment covered by cosmetic dentistry, please give us a call! We are always happy to answer any questions or concerns you have about treatment. A professional whitening can brighten your smile by numerous shades.