Teeth whitening is one of the most accessible cosmetic dental procedures—you can come in for one session at Simply Dentistry and walk out with a brighter smile. However, it’s not for everyone. Understanding who makes a good candidate for our teeth whitening in San Bruno can help you decide if it’s right for you. Explore the factors that determine whether teeth whitening is a fit for your smile.
Types of Teeth Stains
There are two types of teeth stains: extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic stains are on the tooth surface and are often caused by your lifestyle—foods like berries or tomato sauce, drinks like coffee or wine, and tobacco use.
Intrinsic stains are deeper and usually result from aging, medication, or trauma. For instance, if you took the antibiotic tetracycline when you were a child, you might have permanent tooth discoloration. Teeth whitening is more effective on extrinsic stains, but there are options for intrinsic stains as well.
Ideal Candidates for Teeth Whitening in San Bruno
Good Oral Health
You wouldn’t paint a house before fixing the structure. In the same way, you don’t want to get teeth whitening before your teeth are strong and healthy. Before teeth whitening at our San Bruno office, we’ll check for untreated cavities, gum disease, or other dental issues. Whitening can just cover up or even worsen these problems, so it’s crucial to address any health issues first.
Extrinsic Tooth Stains
If you have yellowish teeth from a coffee-drinking habit, you’re likely a good candidate for teeth whitening. These surface stains respond best to whitening treatments. Brownish or grayish stains may also respond but are often a sign of intrinsic stains and may require more intensive treatments.
Non-Smokers
People who don’t use tobacco products are better candidates for our San Bruno teeth whitening. There are several reasons—tobacco use often leads to less ideal oral health. Smoking can also stain teeth and reduce the effectiveness of whitening. If you smoke, you may still undergo whitening but should consider quitting to maintain the results (and for your overall health!).
No Sensitivity Issues
Simply Dentistry’s teeth whitening in San Bruno includes using a barrier to protect your gums from irritation. Still, all teeth whitening systems carry the risk of temporary gum and tooth sensitivity. If you already have sensitive teeth, tell our dentist. We can suggest alternatives or treatments to reduce sensitivity.
When San Bruno Teeth Whitening Might Not Be Right for You
Dental Restorations
Whitening doesn’t work on crowns or fillings. If you have these, the solution will not alter their color, potentially leading to uneven coloring. However, we can discuss replacing these restorations to match your smile’s new shade.
Severe Discoloration
If your teeth are severely discolored, traditional teeth whitening at our San Bruno office might not be effective. But you’re not out of luck! We offer other cosmetic treatments, like porcelain veneers and dental bonding. These can cover intrinsic teeth stains for a bright smile—and they can correct other imperfections like gaps or uneven tooth shape.
Talk to Our San Bruno Teeth Whitening Dentist
If you’re unsure if you’re a candidate for our professional teeth whitening, just ask! At Simply Dentistry, we’re more than happy to evaluate your oral health and determine the best way to brighten your smile, whether it’s with whitening or our other cosmetic procedures. Schedule a consultation today.
