Feel insecure because your teeth are yellow? Professional teeth whitening, a popular cosmetic dentistry treatment, is one of the quickest and most effective ways to brighten your smile. Store-bought pastes, gels, and strips rarely offer the same results, especially if you are on a time crunch.
If you are considering professional whitening, make sure you are a suitable candidate first. Learn about the qualifications here, but it’s also important to speak with a dentist to learn if you qualify for treatment.
Dr. Matthew Bridges, our dentist in Duncan, OK, will talk to you about your smile goals, examine your smile, and determine whether professional in-office and at-home whitening treatment is the best option for you. Call our dental office today to schedule your teeth whitening consultation!
The Ideal Teeth Whitening Candidate
Patients with yellow-stained teeth and an otherwise healthy smile are the best candidates for teeth bleaching. During a dental examination, Dr. Bridges can determine whether the stains on your teeth are intrinsic or extrinsic.
Intrinsic vs Extrinsic Dental Stains
Intrinsic stains are inside the tooth and can occur because of medical conditions, medications, dental trauma, excessive fluoride, and genetics. In this case, Dr. Bridges may recommend veneers. Extrinsic dental stains can be treated with teeth bleaching because they only occur on the outside of the tooth due to external factors like chewing tobacco, smoking, coffee, tea, sodas, and dark-colored foods.
Teeth Whitening Disqualifications
Cavities, gum disease, fillings, crowns, and bridges may disqualify you from treatment. Other conditions and circ*mstances that may bar a patient from teeth whitening treatment include:
- Pregnancy and breast-feeding
- Being under the age of 16
- Allergic to peroxide or other teeth-bleaching agents
- Sensitive teeth
Duncan, OK, Teeth Whitening Options
At our dentist’s office in Duncan, OK, Dr. Bridges offers two types of professional teeth whitening:
- Zoom!® In-Office Whitening
Zoom in-office teeth whitening is a professional dental procedure that uses a powerful whitening gel and a special light to quickly and effectively whiten teeth. It is a popular option for people who want to get a brighter, more confident smile without the hassle and expense of at-home whitening kits. The procedure typically takes about an hour, and the results can last for several months with proper care.
- Opalescence® Take-Home Whitening
Opalescence take-home whitening is a whitening treatment that you can use in the comfort of your own home. It involves wearing custom-fit trays filled with a whitening gel for a specified amount of time each day. The gel contains a powerful bleaching agent that penetrates the enamel to remove deep stains and discoloration.
With regular use, Opalescence take-home whitening can help you achieve a brighter, whiter smile. It’s a safe and effective way to improve the appearance of your teeth and boost your confidence.
Schedule Your Appointment
Are you ready to feel more confident? Want to ensure your smile is picture-perfect for an upcoming wedding or special occasion? Call Dr. Bridges today! Our Duncan, OK dental team is ready to help you achieve a beautiful smile. Contact us at (580) 255-4880.
FAQs
Teeth whitening is good for individuals who have healthy teeth already. It is better for patients not to have visible restorations before choosing whitening. Patients should also have healthy gums. The good news is that patients can have teeth restored and gums treated to become whitening candidates.
What qualifications do you need to whiten teeth? ›
Teeth whitening is a form of dentistry and should only be carried out by a dentist or another regulated dental professional, such as a dental hygienist or dental therapist, on the prescription of a dentist.
What disqualifies you from teeth whitening? ›
Teeth Whitening Disqualifications
Cavities, gum disease, fillings, crowns, and bridges may disqualify you from treatment. Other conditions and circ*mstances that may bar a patient from teeth whitening treatment include: Pregnancy and breast-feeding. Being under the age of 16.
What are the criteria for teeth whitening? ›
Dentists want prospective patients to meet two criteria before teeth whitening procedures. First, the patient has to be free of cavities. Next, they have to be free from gum disease. Occasionally, teeth whitening causes slight inflammation of the gums.
What would make you ineligible for teeth whitening? ›
Patients with the following conditions or circ*mstances may not be the best candidates: Pregnant and lactating women. People who have restorations such as fillings, implants, crowns and dental bridges. Children under 16 years of age.
Who cannot do teeth whitening? ›
Poor Candidates
If you are younger than 16, you are not a candidate for teeth whitening. This is because the pulp chamber in young teeth is larger than that of an adult, and whitening treatments could cause irritation. If you are pregnant or lactating, teeth whitening is not recommended.
Can you whiten teeth without a degree? ›
Not even if they take a teeth whitening course. They may offer retail whitening kits intended to be used at home by non-professionals, but this is not the same as a medical-grade in-office system. In California, teeth whitening can only be performed by a licensed dental professional.
Can anyone do a teeth whitening course? ›
Is teeth whitening illegal? Our teeth whitening courses are all in line with the law. We are not training you to be a dentist. You will be qualified to be able to whiten teeth.
Can I start my own teeth whitening business? ›
You can start a teeth whitening business from under $1,500. Starting a teeth whitening business can be a great way to make a profit while providing a useful service. The cost of starting a teeth whitening business can vary depending on the type of services you are offering and the equipment and supplies you will need.
Why do dentists not recommend teeth whitening? ›
Tooth and gum sensitivity and pain
Store-bought products may contain abrasive substances like hydrogen peroxide, which can be effective if used minimally, but in large doses can cause erosion of teeth's enamel and shrinkage of the gums.
“Generally speaking, whitening kits are not harmful to your teeth,” explains Dr. Greg Scheier, DDS of Scheier Dental Group. “There are, however, potential temporary sensitivities, both in the teeth and gums, that may result from the use of both over-the-counter and dentist-administered whitening kits.” Dr.
What is the safest teeth whitening method? ›
Custom-fitted trays and in-office treatments are the safest and most effective ways to whiten teeth. ADA-approved over-the-counter toothpastes, gels, and strips are more affordable and convenient options.
Who is not a good candidate for teeth whitening? ›
Those who are suffering from periodontal disease, oral cancer, or who have enamel that is excessively worn down to not make good candidates for teeth whitening either. Most other patients should not have a problem.
What makes you a good candidate for teeth whitening? ›
If you struggle with dull or yellowed teeth that cannot be easily whitened with regular brushing and flossing, then you are a great candidate for teeth whitening treatment. Teeth whitening is suitable for any type of discoloration, including age-related yellowness and stains caused by coffee and cigarettes.
What is the degree of teeth whitening? ›
A change of just two or three shades can make a noticeable difference in just about anyone's smile. While whitening can occasionally change tooth color nine or more shades, the majority of people who whiten their teeth see a change of between two and seven shades. Each procedure has its advantages and disadvantages.
Who should go for teeth whitening? ›
Teeth whitening is ideal for people who have healthy, unrestored teeth (no fillings) and gums. Individuals with yellow tones to their teeth respond best. But this cosmetic procedure is not recommended for everyone.
Is it worth it to get your teeth professionally whitened? ›
As a result, you may wonder if professional tooth whitening is worth the cost. Lots of patients are curious about in-office treatment and ask if it is really better than at-home options. The answer is a resounding yes. The most effective way to whiten teeth is with a professional in-office treatment.
What makes you suitable for teeth whitening? ›
Lots of people can have teeth whitening treatment, but some people may not be suitable if they have gum disease or other dental health problems such as tooth decay. You'll need to have consultation with your dentist before having treatment, to assess the suitability of your teeth.
Can all teeth be professionally whitened? ›
One of the common misconceptions about professional teeth whitening is that it works on all teeth, regardless of the type or cause of the discoloration. Although teeth whitening is safe and effective for certain types of stains, it will not work in every situation.
