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Teeth Whitening: Are You a Good Candidate? Find Out Now

Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic procedure that can enhance your smile and boost your confidence. However, not everyone may be a good candidate for this treatment. This guide will help you determine if you’re a suitable candidate, outline what to consider before starting treatment, and explain how whitening can fit into a broader cosmetic treatment plan.

At Silver Oaks Dental Clinic, we specialise in cosmetic dentistry, including professional whitening. Our experienced team uses advanced techniques to provide safe and effective results, ensuring you achieve the brightest smile possible.

Assessing if you’re a good candidate for teeth whitening treatments at Silver Oaks Dental Clinic

Find out if you are a good candidate for teeth whitening

Understanding Teeth Whitening Treatments

Teeth bleaching involves using special agents to lighten the color of your teeth. There are various methods available, including in-office procedures and at-home kits. Each option has its benefits and considerations, and it’s essential to understand these before deciding which method is best for you.

In-Office Whitening

Choosing an in-office whitening treatment can provide you with several advantages:

  • Professional Supervision: Performed by dental professionals ensuring safety and effectiveness.
  • Stronger Agents: Utilises stronger bleaching agents for quicker, more noticeable results.
  • Immediate Results: Significant improvement in a single visit.

At-Home Whitening Kits

At-home whitening kits offer convenience and affordability. Here’s what you can expect:

  • Convenience: Can be done at home at your convenience.
  • Cost-Effective: Generally less expensive than in-office treatments.
  • Gradual Results: Achieve whitening over a period of weeks.

Key Factors to Determine Candidacy 

Several factors influence whether you’re a good candidate for teeth whitening. Here’s what you need to consider before starting treatment.

  • Dental Health: Healthy gums and teeth are essential, as candidates should have no active cavities or gum disease.
  • Types of Discolouration: Extrinsic stains respond well to whitening, while intrinsic stains may require more intensive treatment.

Integrating Teeth Whitening into Your Cosmetic Plan

If you’re considering other cosmetic dental treatments, plan your whitening accordingly. Whitening should be done first to ensure any subsequent treatments match your new shade.

  • Cosmetic Bonding and Veneers: Match shades with any new dental work.
  • Orthodontic Treatments: Consider whitening after removing braces or aligners.

Teeth Whitening Techniques at Silver Oaks Dental Clinic

At Silver Oaks Dental Clinic, we use a technique Dr. Huson discovered in London’s Harley Street district. This consists of a two-stage “laser” procedure, commonly called “Deep Bleaching.”

  • Initial Consultation: Impressions of your teeth are taken, and a cleaning is advised.
  • Bleaching Trays: Fitted trays with UK-imported gels worn for 14 nights.
  • Laser Whitening: The final step to ensure lasting brightness.

We have been using this technique for over 15 years with great success, often resulting in teeth that are 4-5 shades whiter.

Conclusion

Teeth whitening is an effective way to enhance your smile and boost your confidence. However, it’s essential to determine if you’re a good candidate and to choose the right treatment plan tailored to your needs. At Silver Oaks Dental Clinic, our experienced team is here to guide you through the process and ensure you achieve the best possible results.

If you’re considering teeth whitening and want to learn more about your options, contact us today for a professional consultation. Let us help you achieve the bright, beautiful smile you desire.

FAQs About Teeth Whitening Eligibility

Q: Can anyone get their teeth whitened?
A: Most people can, but it’s essential to consult with a dentist to ensure you’re a suitable candidate.

Q: How long does teeth whitening last?
A: Results can last from several months to a few years, depending on your oral care habits.

Q: Is teeth whitening safe for sensitive teeth?
A: It can be, but it’s important to use products designed for sensitive teeth or consult a dentist for professional advice.

Q: Can teeth whitening remove all types of stains?
A: It’s most effective on extrinsic stains; intrinsic stains may require additional treatments.

Q: How often can I whiten my teeth?
A: It’s recommended to wait at least six months between whitening treatments to avoid damage to your teeth and gums.

Is it safe to whiten your teeth at the beauty salon?

The Dangers Of Teeth Whitening At A Beauty Salon

In recent years, beauty salons have been offering teeth whitening in the form of cosmetic dental treatments. However, there are many reasons why you should NOT have teeth whitening done at a beauty establishment. They often show little regard for the laws surrounding the procedure, and therefore often neglect to offer patients a safe and effective service.

  1. It is illegal to whiten your teeth unless it is performed by a registered dental practitioner.
  2. Because beauty salons arent subject to the same regulatory oversight that dentists offices are, it’s difficult to ensure their treatments are sanitary and safe.
  3. In the event that dental bleaching agents leak onto your gums and into your mouth, this could result in severe burns, blistering, and sensitivity.

The Professional Opinion

There’no way that our practice endorses teeth whitening outside of a dental officeProviding teeth whitening treatments without a dental professional is illegal. A teeth whitening procedure performed by someone who is not qualified can cause serious damage to your mouth and gums. Here are three reasons you should only be treated by dentist for teeth whitening.

  1. Often, hydrogen peroxide is used to whiten teeth. For this substance to be safe for oral consumption, it must be controlled and monitored. Dentists are well trained in adjusting hydrogen peroxide levels to meet your whitening needs. The levels can be adjusted safely without causing any damage to your gums or teeth.
  2. In dental practices, whitening treatments are guaranteed to be safe, effective, and FDA-approved. There are thorough licensing and inspection procedures in the dental industry. Each country has its own dental regulatory board, ours is SADA.
  3.   You can benefit from the experience and expertise of a dentist. Their expertise in examining, understanding, and diagnosing the structure of the mouth provides them with the ability to detect issues, diseases, and infections immediately. Your dentist will be able to advise you on whether teeth whitening is right for you.
  4.   Dental professionals only use dental-grade products (bleach or whitener). To ensure their quality and effectiveness, these products need to be stored according to strict safety protocols. This is done to maintain their potency and their safety. This is why using counterfeit or non-FAD-approved products could result in greater damage to your teeth. Dental-grade whitening products will not be available to non-dental professionals.

Here at Silver Oaks Dental, we use only the best, tried, and tested! POLAR day and night whitening system. Our chairside whitening treatment can go up to 9 shades whiter. This treatment includes a 14-night home kit and laser chair session. For more information about teeth whitening solutions, or to schedule your appointment with us call us on 031 202 6584 or contact@silveroaksdentalclinic.co.za