6 FAQ’s On In Office Teeth Whitening

One of the most requested dental treatments we receive at Allbright Dentistry in Houston is Teeth Whitening. In order to help you decide if it’s right for you, we’ve pooled together some of the questions we frequently hear from our patients.

Does insurance pay for teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening is considered a cosmetic treatment, therefore, dental insurance considers it elective and does not cover this procedure.

How often will I need to whiten my teeth?

The frequency of your whitening routine will mainly depend on your habits. If you smoke, drink red wine, or consume dark sodas regularly, then you’ll need to whiten your teeth more often. Typically, you may be looking at the effects from teeth whitening in Houston to last about six to twelve months, so touching up after each checkup is a great idea!

Does whitening hurt?

When used properly, dental teeth whitening is safe for your teeth. Some patients experience a bit of temporary sensitivity. If this occurs, using a fluoride toothpaste for sensitive teeth is helpful.

Who is a good candidate for teeth whitening?

A good candidate for teeth whitening in Houston is someone that has no dental work on any of their front teeth. If you have fillings, bonding, dental crowns, veneers, or any other type of restorations they will not change shades by bleaching. Stains that are yellow are usually whitened more easily than others.

Having healthy teeth and gums is essential.

Who should avoid teeth bleaching?

If you have had previous dental work on any of your front teeth, then bleaching may not be the best option for you. That’s not to say you can’t do it, but our Houston dentist can help you decide if whitening may make your teeth look more uniform in color.

Individuals who have decay, broken, or bad teeth should not whiten because it will be painful and further damage can occur to these already compromised teeth. Also, if gum disease is evident bleaching should be avoided.

Pregnant and nursing women are also discouraged from using teeth whitening systems.

Brown stains and discoloration from tetracycline can be challenging to improve with whitening.

Teeth whitening should be avoided in people younger than 13 years of age.

Do over the counter teeth whitening systems work?

Products that are available at your local pharmacy do work adequately, however they’re not as strong as our prescription-strength formula. If you only want to whiten your teeth by a shade or two, then you may an over the counter product may suffice. However, if you’re looking to make a more dramatic change, you should see our whitening dentist in Houston for a professional treatment.

Professional Teeth Whitening in Houston

When it comes to custom teeth whitening in Houston, call Allbright Dentistry. We care about our patients and are here to help you make the right decisions about your oral health. If you’re interested in bleaching your teeth or a smile makeover, call us today! New patients are always welcome.