Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental procedure that can help improve the appearance of your smile. However, if you have traumatized teeth, you may wonder if you’re a good candidate for teeth whitening.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the potential risks and benefits of teeth whitening for those with damaged teeth, as well as alternative options that may be available to you.
How Does a Teeth Suffer Trauma?
First, it is important to understand what is meant by teeth that suffered trauma. Damaged teeth refer to teeth that have been damaged or injured as a result of an accident or injury. This can include teeth that have been chipped, cracked, or broken, as well as teeth that have been knocked out or displaced. Damaged teeth can also result from tooth decay or gum disease.
Is Teeth Whitening Safe for People with Damaged Teeth?
The main concern with teeth whitening for those with damaged teeth is that the whitening agents used in the procedure can penetrate through the enamel and dentin and reach the tooth’s pulp. This can cause pain and sensitivity, as well as an increased risk of infection and inflammation. Additionally, if the tooth is already compromised, the whitening agents may not be as effective and can even cause discoloration.
Consulting with your dentist is critical before undergoing any teeth whitening procedure. They’ll be able to examine your teeth and determine if whitening is safe and suitable for your specific situation.
Perhaps you have a chipped or cracked tooth, for example. The dentist may recommend having it repaired or restored before teeth whitening. Similarly, suppose you have a tooth knocked out or displaced. The dentist may recommend that the tooth be replaced or restored before whitening.
When Teeth Whitening Is Unsafe for Damaged Teeth
Suppose your dentist determines that teeth whitening is unsafe or suitable for your situation. In that case, other options may be available to you.
For example, you can get dental veneers or crowns to improve the appearance of your teeth, even if they have been damaged. Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells designed to fit over the front of your teeth. On the other hand, crowns are caps placed over the top of your teeth to restore their shape, size, and strength.
In addition to these options, there are other cosmetic dental procedures to improve the appearance of your smile, such as dental bonding, contouring, and reshaping. Dental bonding involves using a tooth-colored resin to repair chipped or discolored teeth. In contrast, contouring and reshaping can be used to change the shape and size of your teeth.
Maintaining good oral hygiene habits is also essential to keep your teeth healthy. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing when you brush your teeth, and visiting your dentist regularly for maintenance check-ups and cleanings.
Conclusion
Teeth whitening might not be safe or suitable for those with damaged teeth. However, you can get other options, such as dental veneers, crowns, bonding, contouring, and reshaping to improve the appearance of your smile.
Consulting with your dentist before undergoing any cosmetic dental procedure is critical to ensure that any procedure is safe and suitable for your specific situation. Additionally, maintaining good oral hygiene habits and visiting your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings can help keep your teeth healthy and prevent further trauma.