Skip to Main Content

Are My Teeth Healthy Enough For a Whitening Treatment?

A white smile can significantly boost one's self-esteem. Your dentist must examine your teeth to ensure their health and suitability for whitening. Our team at Valley Dental has established the criteria by which we determine whether teeth whitening is a viable option for you.

Whitening your teeth is an excellent way to improve your appearance. A more confident grin can be revealed with a brighter, whiter smile. That being said, there are a few things you should know before applying the first whitening strip. Our 100 Mile House dental team will need to examine your smile to ensure that your teeth are in good enough health to undergo whitening treatment. We'll discuss the criteria for determining whether teeth whitening is right for you in this post.

Am I a good candidate for teeth whitening?

If you wish to have your teeth whitened, schedule an appointment with your Valley Dental dentist. Your dentist will examine your teeth for signs of thinning enamel or decay, which could compromise the treatment's efficacy. If you have periodontal disease or teeth that are extremely sensitive, porcelain veneers may be suggested as an alternative to bleaching.

Individuals who have yellow tones in their teeth but have healthy, unrestored teeth (no fillings) and gums are normally the best candidates for teeth whitening.

What should I expect from teeth whitening treatment?

While teeth whitening is generally considered to be safe and effective, some patients may experience mild tooth sensitivity or gum irritation. These symptoms should disappear once the procedure has been completed. The bleaching of teeth has a limited ability to lighten grey teeth to a lighter shade of grey.

Remember that each patient's outcome will vary, and visible restorations such as a crown or bridge will not whiten and will retain their original colour.

You should have at least one vial of bleaching gel left after using a cosmetic kit. This can be used to "refresh" your smile, and additional bleaching gel vials for use with your custom mouthguard can be purchased as needed.

Consistent Oral Hygiene Preserves Smiles Best

Regardless of the condition of your teeth, our dentists recommend scheduling a checkup and cleaning every six months (the frequency of your visits depends on the general condition of your teeth and gums and your at-home oral hygiene routine). Combining effective at-home oral care with regular dental visits is one of the most effective ways to maintain a white smile and avoid oral health problems.

Are you interested in learning if you qualify for Valley Dental's whitening services? Contact us to find out. We want you to have a positive experience each time you visit our clinic.

We're Your Family Dentists in 100 Mile House, BC

Contact Valley Dental today to book a consultation for you or your family. 

Contact Us

(250) 945-9994