Is Anyone Not a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?

If your smile doesn’t make you happy, cosmetic dentistry in Boca Raton can fix it for you. One of the most popular treatments to whiten and brighten yellow and dingy-looking teeth effectively includes professional teeth whitening. Although this involves a minimally invasive procedure, it’s not for everyone. We’re here to help you determine whether you are or are not a candidate for teeth whitening.   

Who Aren’t Candidates for Teeth Whitening?

Individuals Under 14 Years of Age

Children aren’t ideal candidates for teeth whitening because the bleaching chemicals can easily penetrate the nerves inside their underdeveloped teeth and cause dental sensitivity. The American Dental Association confirms that minors shouldn’t use teeth whitening products unless they meet specific conditions. These conditions include the following: 

• The child has lost all primary teeth
• All permanent teeth are in place for at least two years
• They’ve completed their orthodontic treatments

As a general rule of thumb, children under 14 should also refrain from using at-home teeth whitening products. Since these items contain high levels of hydrogen peroxide, they cause damage to their tooth enamel and lead to irreversible yellow teeth. For this reason, most dentists recommend deep cleanings and fluoride treatments for minors who want to get their teeth whitened.  

Pregnant and Lactating Women

Although there isn’t strong evidence that teeth whitening is bad for pregnant and lactating women, scientific evidence doesn’t confirm whether it’s neutral or beneficial. To err on the side of caution, dentists generally ask these patients to wait until they’ve given birth or are done with breastfeeding before getting their teeth whitened. 

Gum Disease and Other Dental Problems

Patients who suffer from gum disease have inflamed and painful gum tissue. For this reason, most dentists advise them to seek treatment for the condition before using bleaching agents that can worsen their problem and damage their teeth.  

While professional dental cleaning addresses minor gum disease, severe cases may require scaling and root planing procedures. Once the patient completes a personalized treatment plan, the dentist assesses teeth and gum health to determine if the patient is a good candidate for professional teeth whitening.  

Patients with Allergies and Sensitivities

Whitening gels contain peroxide, an active ingredient that potentially causes an allergic reaction or unforeseen side effects. If you’re allergic to peroxide, it’s best to let your dentist know. Likewise, if you have sensitive teeth, you’ll want to see your dentist before starting your whitening treatment. They can help you fight discoloration without compromising your safety. 

Patients with Multiple Dental Restorations

Those who’ve had dental veneers, crowns, bridges, or implants have to consult their dentists before initiating any whitening treatment. Otherwise, whitening products will cause the new color to be lighter than the old restorations, resulting in a mismatched-looking smile. 

Since bleaching only works on natural teeth, the best candidates for teeth whitening are patients who have untreated, healthy, and natural front teeth. If you’re looking to whiten your teeth, you’ll want to have the whitening treatment before getting your restorations done. 

Considering Cosmetic Dentistry in Boca Raton?

Are you looking to find a comfortable and professional environment where you and your family can receive personal and friendly care for your dental needs? The highly skilled professionals at Boca Dental Group use state-of-the-art technology to help you achieve the kind of smile you’ve always wanted. Contact our office to make an appointment today.