TEETH WHITENING - FAQ
Who may benefit from teeth whitening?
A.:Almost everyone can benefit from teeth whitening, however teeth whitening is not recommended for children under 16 and for pregnant or nursing women. Furthermore, individuals with gum disease, worn enamel, cavities, and exposed roots should not undergo any teeth whitening procedures.
Are there any side effects?
A.:All teeth whitening gels cause some degree of tooth sensivity, mainly sensivity to hot/cold fluids and even air can cause discomfort. This sensivity is normal and should reside within 1 to 3 days after treatment.
Is teeth whitening harmful to teeth?
A.:To date there has been no evidence to show that teeth whitening is harmful to your teeth. Teeth whitening does not change your tooth's basic structure nor does it alter your tooth enamel. Peroxide is a common ingredient used in many whitening products - including many items available at your local pharmacy.
What causes tooth discoloration?
A.:There are many factors that contribute to the discoloration of teeth; aging, consumption of foods and liquids that stain (coffee, tea, red wine, soda, tobacco).
Does existing dental work whiten?
A.:Teeth whitening treatments work on natural teeth. All existing dental work including bonding, veneers, crowns and bridges will not whiten. This means that any preexisting dental work may need to be replaced to match newly whitened teeth.
Do some people's teeth whiten better than others?
A.:Teeth whitening may be more effective on some people and less effective on others. Patients whose teeth are stained by medications such as tetracycline may experience difficulty in achieving the desired whiteness. Teeth whitening works best on natural vital teeth.
Individual results will vary.