Tooth whitening is a model for patients who have healthy, unrestored teeth (no fillings) and healthy gums who want a good smile. Patients with yellow shades of teeth respond excellently. But this beauty process is not optional for everyone.
Teeth whitening is not optional or will be less successful in the following situation:
o Age and pregnancy. Whitening is not optional for children under 16 years of age. This is because the pulp chamber or nerve of the tooth is inflamed until this age. Teeth whitening in this state can irritate the pulp or cause it to become sensitive. Teeth whitening is also not optional in pregnant or lactating women.
o Gum disease, worn enamel, tooth decay, and bare roots. People with gum disease or teeth with worn enamel are generally advised not to undergo a teeth whitening process. Cavities should be treated before undergoing any whitening process. This is because the whitening response goes into any accessible decay and into the internal areas of the tooth, which can cause sensitivity. Also, whitening procedures will not work on roots with bare teeth because the roots do not have an enamel layer.
o Sensitive teeth and product allergies. People with responsive teeth and gums, receding gums, and/or imperfect restorations are supposed to consult with their dentist before using a teeth whitening system. Anyone allergic to peroxide (the bleaching agent) should not use a bleaching product.
o Additional crowns, fillings and restorations. Dental red colored fillings and resin composite resources used in dental restorations (crowns, bridges, bonding, veneers) do not whiten. Therefore, the use of a whitening agent on teeth with and without restorations will result in uneven whitening, in this case making teeth without restorations appear lighter than those with restorations. Any whitening process should be completed prior to the placement of composites, crowns, dentures, fillings, veneers, bonding, or porcelain restorations so that the degree of whitening best matches the color of your new tooth. A minimum of 2 weeks should be allowed after a whitening procedure before crowns, veneers, or bonding are finished. This will allow enough time for the enamel to optimize and remineralize the bond strength. Tooth-colored fillings will need to be replaced after the whitening process is complete. People with many restorations that would result in uneven whitening may be better remineralized with crowns, bonding, veneers, or remineralized instead of a tooth whitening system. Ask your dentist which strategy may be best for you.
o Unrealistic expectations. People who expect their teeth to be a new “blinding white” may be disappointed with the results. Smokers should be aware that their results will be limited unless they refrain from further smoking, especially during the bleaching process. A healthy guideline as to a reasonable degree of whiteness to achieve with a whitening process that would give a person’s teeth a natural appearance is a color slightly whiter than the whites of their eyes.