What is Teeth Whitening?

Teeth can become discoloured for various reasons. Some may develop discolouration affecting a few or all teeth. Damage to a tooth or a previous root canal can lead to darkening. Individual tooth whitening should be discussed in detail with your dentist.

Am I a Good Candidate?

Your dentist will have thoroughly examined your mouth and documented their findings. X-rays may be necessary as part of this assessment. Most patients are suitable for whitening, but exceptions exist. If you have gum disease or dental decay, whitening is not advisable, as the gel can cause significant pain if it penetrates the tooth. Any issues with diseased or broken teeth must be addressed before considering whitening.

Is Teeth Whitening Suitable for Everyone?

In-office whitening uses a gel activated by UV light, which is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If you are light-sensitive, receiving PUVA (Psoralen + UVA radiation), or have conditions such as melanoma, diabetes, or heart issues, teeth whitening may not be safe. Always inform your dentist about any medical conditions or medications you are taking.