Question: Is starting a teeth whitening system ok, even if I think that I may have cavities? Will the whitening process make me even more prone to cavities than normal?
Many people have this question and aren’t sure what to do about teeth whitening if they have had cavities in the past, are prone to cavities, or think that they might have cavities that have not yet been filled.
Dentists recommend that you have any existing decay or tartar removed before starting a whitening regimen to have the best results possible. Additionally, take care of any nagging cavities before starting a whitening regimen to avoid pain and discomfort cause by the whitening solution.
If the cavities are biting surface cavities, it’s especially important that the cavities be filled before whitening. This ensures that the tooth is healthy before starting a whitening regimen, and also makes any custom bleaching trays fit more perfectly around the tooth. When a teeth whitening regimen is started before filling cavities, the whitening solution will infiltrate the inner parts of the tooth, making the entire tooth weakened and irritated.
You should also consider what type of whitening system you will be using. There are over-the-counter whitening systems, as well as professional whitening systems that your dentist will administer. If you are whitening your teeth on your own with an over-the-counter system, be reasonable with how often you use the whitening system so as not to irritate gums and cause sensitivity. Whitening too often can compromise your tooth enamel. However, if you are careful to follow whitening instructions and times, there should be no change in enamel structure.
If you have any questions about teeth whitening and if you are a good candidate for teeth whitening, contact the professionals at DentaLux today!
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