Self Analysis for teeth whitening

Although most people can whiten their teeth, not everyone is a good candidate. Teeth whitening only whitens natural tooth structure. Any fillings, crowns, veneers or restorations(including dentures) will not whiten. However, do not terminate your decision to whiten your teeth just yet. One yellow existing veneer or crown should NOT necessarily prevent you from having an all-round white smile!


Stand in front of a mirror and evaluate your smile. Give specific attention to any discolorations and existing dental work on your front top and bottom teeth:

1. Old stained front fillings
If whiter teeth are your end goal then you would possibly want to replace old stained front fillings or yellow crowns anyway to match your new whiter smile. Whiten your teeth first then replace these unsightly restorations.

2. Tray Whitening and In-chair ZOOM Teeth Whitening
ZOOM Teeth Whitening also supports tray whitening that gradually whitens your teeth 1 day at a time. This is great as it puts you in control of how white you want to go. All In-chair ZOOM teeth whitening treatments also come with the custom tray home whitening included in the price and package!

3. Your Diet and Smoking
If you are a heavy smoker or drinking and eating lots of foodstuffs that cause staining (red wine, tea, coffee, curries, etc.) then it makes sense that you would need teeth whitening on a more continual basis. Your teeth will be under constant attack from these stain-causing foods and drinks. (Unlimited Whitening option)
Many people use teeth whitening as a way of motivation to stop smoking or drinking coffee etc.

4. See your Oral Hygienist
For best whitening results all the surfaces of your teeth must be clean from plaque or tartar before any teeth whitening is applied. If you haven't seen your hygienist for a while, get your teeth cleaned first for optimum results.

5. People with white spots on their teeth
Initually these white spots will appear to whiten more (white spots) and give an uneven level of whitening. With continual whitening, the remainder of the tooth will 'catch-up' creating a more 'even' level of whiteness.

6. Old restorations
If you have defective or loose teeth, crowns, veneers, gum disease or tooth decay it is best to consult your dentist about these before considering tray whitening. The 'suction' created by taking impressions is minimal but might loosen these restorations.

7. A Discoloured front tooth
A discoloured front tooth often is the result of trauma to the nerve or previous root treatment. A special professional whitening treatment (walking bleach) is recommended by the dentist that whitens the tooth from the inside out.

8. People who should not whiten their teeth unless indicated by their dentist include:

 

• a) Pregnant or Lactating women
  As with most medicines or treatments, it is best to leave teeth whitening until a later stage.
  
  b) Children under the age of 12 years
  During the forming and developing years, it is best to delay cosmetic or aesthetic dental treatments.
     
  c) If you have dental restorations 
  Crowns, fillings, veneers, dentures, etc. on your front teeth will NOT whiten and best is to replace these with a whiter shade after your teeth whitening.
  (Please note: The gradual whitening effect put you in control of the level of whiteness, so you can stop whenever you are happy with the result)
  
  d) People with a high GAG reflex
  Taking impressions mean to be able to tolerate putting the impression trays in the mouth
  
  e) People with very sensitive teeth
  Teeth whitening causes temporary tooth sensitivity to some people's teeth and on exposed neck areas. This is a normal and temporary response. By shielding off these neck areas with a block-out resin, we usually mask these. You might want to get a desensitizing gel from your dentist. Alternating between whitening days also works well to prevent most of the sensitivity. 
  
  
  
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Teeth whitening is the most conservative cosmetic dental procedure and can give amazing results! If you are uncertain whether you are a good candidate, please contact us by completing the form below.