Am I a Candidate for Tooth Whitening?
minute read
- A professional cleaning to remove external staining caused by food and tobacco
- Use of a whitening toothpaste like Colgate® Optic White® Sparkling White to help remove surface stains between dental visits
- For extra results, use of a convenient, affordable whitening gel or whitening strips
- Bleaching (in-office or at-home) for more stubborn stains or yellowing
- Veneers or bonding to fix irregular or damaged teeth or to achieve specific results
Ask your dentist which whitening technique is best for you.
- Teeth that are yellow respond best to bleaching. Brown or gray teeth, or teeth striped or mottled from tetracycline or too much fluoride, may not whiten evenly when bleached.
- People with periodontal disease or particularly sensitive teeth may want to avoid chemical whitening techniques that can irritate tender gums.
- Bleaching is not recommended if you have tooth-colored fillings, crowns, caps or bonding in your front teeth — the bleach will not change the color of these materials, making them stand out in your newly whitened smile. You may want to investigate other options, like veneers or bonding with your dentist.
- In some cases involving serious tooth or jaw problems, a crown or cap recommended correcting orthodontic problems may also result in a whiter and more appealing smile.
Copyright © 2002, 2003 Colgate-Palmolive Company. All rights reserved.
11/15/2010
This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
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