Professional Teeth Whitening Candidacy in Dallas, TX

Who Qualifies for Professional Teeth Whitening?

At Buckner Family Dental, our Dallas dentists know a bright, white smile can help boost your confidence and enhance your appearance. However, not everyone is a suitable candidate for professional teeth whitening.

Our dentist will perform a comprehensive examination and evaluation to determine if you qualify for professional teeth whitening. If you’re ready to get your teeth whitened, contact our Dallas dental professionals today by calling our office at (214) 328-3595 to schedule your cosmetic dentistry consultation. We also proudly serve patients coming from Highland Park, Irving, Mesquite, and the surrounding communities.

woman looking at her new smile at the dental office

Tooth Whitening Candidacy Factors

Health Requirements

Before undergoing any dental procedure, including professional teeth whitening, it’s essential to ensure that you’re in good oral health. You won’t qualify if you have any underlying dental problems such as gum disease, cavities, or exposed tooth roots. These issues can cause tooth sensitivity and pain during and after the whitening process. Your dentist in Dallas will examine your teeth and gums before recommending professional teeth whitening.

Age Restrictions

Professional teeth whitening is generally recommended for individuals who are 18 years and older. This is because the enamel on the teeth of children and teenagers is still developing and can be more sensitive to the whitening agents used during the procedure. Additionally, professional teeth whitening isn’t suitable for baby teeth.

If your child has discoloration, it indicates a more severe issue. Rather than covering up the problem, we recommend parents take their children to the dentist to discover the root cause and treat it.

Pregnancy

We don’t recommend this treatment if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. Pregnancy causes oral health changes to the point that receiving the treatment seems impractical or complicates the process. Although there’s no evidence that professional teeth whitening is harmful during pregnancy, it’s best to be cautious and wait until after giving birth or finishing breastfeeding.

Extensive Dental Work

If you have dental restorations such as veneers, crowns, or bridges, you may not be a suitable candidate for professional teeth whitening. The whitening agents used in the procedure won’t whiten dental restorations. This is because dental restorations are immune to staining. If you have these restorations, your dentist will recommend other options to improve the appearance of your smile.

If you’re planning to receive dental restorations, we recommend that you whiten your teeth so your Dallas dentist can match the color of your restoration.

Other Considerations

Tooth Sensitivity: If you have sensitive teeth, professional teeth whitening may not be suitable for you. The whitening agents used in the procedure can cause sensitivity and pain in individuals with sensitive teeth.
Severe Health Problems: If you have severe health problems such as oral cancer or gum disease, professional teeth whitening may not be recommended. It’s essential to discuss any underlying health conditions with your dentist before undergoing any dental procedure.

middle-aged man smiling at his dental visit

Frequently Asked Questions

Is professional whitening permanent for teeth with root canals?

Teeth that have undergone root canals can be whitened, but the results may not be as long-lasting. The lack of a living nerve pulp means teeth with root canals can discolor faster over time.

Can I get my teeth whitened if I have gum disease?

No, if you currently have gum diseases like gingivitis or periodontitis, professional teeth whitening isn’t recommended until the gum disease is treated. The whitening agents can further irritate inflamed gums.

If I have amalgam or metal fillings, can I receive professional teeth whitening?

You can still qualify for professional whitening if you have amalgam or metal fillings. However, be aware that these fillings will not change color to match your newly whitened teeth.

Buckner Family Dental Can Give You a Shining Smile

If you’re considering professional teeth whitening, it’s essential to discuss your candidacy with a qualified dentist like Dr. Osorio. Contact our Dallas dental office today to set up your cosmetic dentistry consultation and see if our teeth whitening options are best for you. Call today at (214) 328-3595. We also proudly serve patients coming from Highland Park, Irving, Mesquite, and the surrounding communities.