As we grow older, the appearance of our teeth inevitably changes. Whether as a result of acidic drinks, tobacco use, or simple wear and tear, our teeth tend to lose their luster with the passage of time. For many patients, teeth whitening offers an effective way to improve the appearance of their teeth and feel more confident about their smiles. There are a number of different ways to whiten teeth, and your dentist can help you settle on the most appropriate one for your needs.
If you are curious about whether teeth whitening is right for you, you should speak with your dentist so that you can get the answers to any questions you have about the procedure. For example, you might be wondering whether whitening your teeth will have a noticeable impact on any existing tooth restoration work you have had done. Here is what you need to know about teeth whitening and its effect on your overall oral health.
Can teeth whitening hurt my dental restorations?
If you have had fillings, crowns, or veneers in the past, then you do not have to worry about them being damaged by the teeth whitening process. The reason is that these restorations are designed to be extremely durable. After all, we use our teeth every day, and your restorations must be strong enough to stand up to repeated use. The bottom line is that teeth whitening is a safe and time-proven process that will not have any negative effects on your oral health.
Will teeth whitening also whiten my dental restorations?
The teeth whitening process is not effective for dental restorations, so it will not whiten any crowns, fillings, or veneers in your mouth. If you are concerned that this may detract from the appearance of your smile, then be sure to talk with your dentist. In some cases, your dentist may recommend that you replace some of your original restorations so that they will be the same color as the rest of your whitened teeth.
Can I have my teeth whitened before doing restoration work?
If you are scheduled for any restoration work such as fillings, then you should always have those procedures performed before you have your teeth whitened. You may also need to wait for a brief interval after the procedure before you undergo teeth whitening. Be sure to ask your dentist if you have any questions about how you should prepare for the teeth whitening procedure.
If you would like to discover the benefits of teeth whitening for yourself, then it’s time to pay a visit to Long Island Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry. We are continuing to offer all of our procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic, including our cosmetic dental treatments. Our practice follows all recommended safety precautions in order to keep our patients safe. Our dentists will be happy to sit down with you for a free consultation to explore your options for improving your smile. Call our Rocky Point office today to schedule an appointment.
Additional Resources:
- WebMD, Should I whiten my teeth if I have fillings, crowns, and other restorations?, https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/qa/should-i-whiten-my-teeth-if-i-have-fillings-crowns-and-other-restorations
- American Dental Association, Whitening, https://www.ada.org/en/member-center/oral-health-topics/whitening
