Dental discoloration can happen due to several different issues. A dentist can help determine the reason for the color problems, as their expertise will help ensure that it’s prudent to proceed with whitening.

Exploring Options

An X-ray is important prior to whitening to learn the reason for the discoloration. Sometimes, a dentist will discover an underlying problem that is causing a lack of brightness. These troubles might include decay, abscessed teeth, or root canal issues. If someone has one of these problems, whitening will simply cover it up for a short time, but the trouble will persist.

Potential Reasons Not to Bleach

Some people have physical characteristics that make bleaching ineffective. People who show significant amounts of gums when smiling may not experience the best results after this procedure, because gums will continue to be a prominent part of the smile. Anyone with exposed roots will continue to have discoloration, even after bleaching.

Sensitivity Issues

In general, when a dentist performs bleaching after conducting the recommended diagnostics first, most people experience positive results. However, sometimes patients experience increased sensitivity after bleaching. Brushing with a desensitizing toothpaste for about two weeks prior to the procedure can help patients avoid this problem.

Other Possible Challenges

Patients will experience a varied level of whitening. All teeth have an innate top level of whiteness they will achieve. The process will not whiten teeth beyond this unique level. Translucent teeth may have trouble accepting the bleaching process. In this case, the dentist will need to apply special filling material to surfaces to improve appearance. People must remember that no whitening process delivers permanent results, so it will be necessary to repeat the treatments periodically.

Patients should always consult a dentist prior to whitening teeth to ascertain the reasons for the yellowing color. After this consultation to rule out potential problems, patients can anticipate positive cosmetic results from the procedure.