Teeth Whitening In Ann Arbor

If you live in Ann Arbor or anywhere else there are some important things you need to know about teeth whitening before you have it done. There are some things that your dentist should make you privy too.

Things To Know About Teeth Whitening

It’s true! Not all mouths are created equal. There are some conditions that make it a “bad idea” to have your teeth whitening done in Ann Arbor. Bleaching, the primary method for whitening teeth, is not recommended in children less than 16 years old because the nerve of the tooth, or “pulp chamber” is still enlarged until then. If you attempt to do teeth whitening before then, it can irritate the pulp or cause extra sensitivity.

If you are expecting your teeth to become “staggeringly white”, you will be disappointed. Those brilliantly white teeth we see in pictures are often retouched to be whiter than natural. A healthy guide to expectations is to plan for your teeth to be just slightly whiter than the whites of your eyes. Check with your Ann Arbor teeth whitening dentist for more clarity in regards to your own situation.

Teeth whitening is also not recommended in pregnant women, mostly because the effects of the peroxide are still largely unknown. It is safe to bleach or laser teeth while lactating, however, though it is wise to inform your Ann Arbor teeth whitening dentist of your nursling prior to undergoing teeth whitening.

If you have sensitive teeth or gums, or receding gums or defective restorations should ask their Ann Arbor teeth whitening dentist prior to using a teeth whitening system. This also holds true for those with gum disease or teeth with well-worn enamel. Cavities should be treated prior to whitening, because the peroxide solution will penetrate the existing decay and other areas of the tooth, making them very sensitive.  

One who is allergic to peroxide should not undergo teeth whitening in any form, as peroxide is the primary agent. If you have darkly stained teeth, it is unrealistic to expect they will end up very white. Yellowish teeth respond the best to bleaching. Brownish teeth respond a bit less well, and grayish-hued or purple-stained teeth may not respond at all.

Teeth damaged to blue-gray from tetracycline are much more difficult to lighten and may take intense work with a teeth whitening dentist in Ann Arbor as well as perhaps 6 months of home treatments or several in-office visits. There may be better options for teeth this discolored (like veneers, crowns or bonding). Check with your Ann Arbor teeth whitening dentist for more information.

If you have tooth-colored fillings or restorations you should be aware that those parts of the teeth will not whiten, leaving the teeth unevenly white. If you have extensive restorations you might be more happy with the choice of bonding, veneers, or crowns rather than teeth whitening. One can consult with their teeth whitening dentist in Ann Arbor for the best strategy for their mouth.