11 May Can Senior Teeth Be Whitened? Safe and Effective Options for a Brighter Smile
Can senior teeth be whitened? It’s a common question, especially since teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures. Because it’s a simple and effective way to transform your smile, many seniors want to know if whitening is still possible after decades of staining.
Fortunately, senior teeth can be whitened, and there’s no age limit for achieving a brighter smile. Here’s everything older adults should know about the process.
Why Teeth Darken with Age
Decades of stains from drinking coffee or smoking tobacco can take a toll on teeth, leaving them yellow or brown in color. Years of enamel erosion from poor diet and/or poor oral hygiene can also cause discoloration. Even taking certain medications for high blood pressure or allergies can discolor your teeth.
But surface stains aren’t the only reason teeth look darker with age. Over time, the hard, outer protective layer of tooth enamel becomes thinner and more translucent. This allows the yellow layer of dentin underneath to show through, giving the teeth a darker, yellowish appearance.
Can Senior Teeth Be Whitened Safely and Effectively?
Seniors can absolutely whiten their teeth. We can help determine whether you’re a good candidate for whitening, and which method is best for you based on your dental health, lifestyle, and cosmetic goals. But it’s important to understand that the process may be a little different compared to teeth whitening for young adults.
Because older teeth tend to be more porous and more sensitive, extra caution is necessary when whitening them. And because dental restorations like crowns and fillings cannot be whitened, they will need to be replaced to match your new tooth color.
Is Teeth Whitening Safe for Seniors?
Teeth whitening is considered safe for adults of all ages, including seniors. However, as with any dental procedure, there are some potential risks and side effects.
For instance, seniors may be more prone to tooth sensitivity, gum irritation, and damage to existing dental work, depending on the condition of their oral health. It’s best to discuss any concerns with your dentist before you schedule a teeth whitening procedure.
Best Teeth Whitening Options for Seniors
1: Take-Home Professional Whitening Kits
Seniors can whiten their teeth gradually with a professional take-home kit. The kits include custom-fitted trays that you wear with a bleaching gel for several weeks, either twice a day for thirty minutes or overnight. Take-home treatments are generally safer and more comfortable for seniors with sensitive teeth than in-office treatments.
2: In-Office Professional Whitening Treatments
In-office treatments are a fast and effective way to get whiter teeth. In-office whitening treatments can brighten teeth by several shades in just one session. However, seniors with sensitive teeth or gums may not be good candidates for in-office treatments, because they can cause irritation.
3: Over-the-Counter Whitening Products
A simple way to improve your smile is to use over-the-counter whitening toothpastes and rinses. However, these products simply aren’t as effective as professional treatments. Over-the-counter products can only remove surface stains and not age-related discoloration from thin enamel.
If you do choose to go with over-the-counter whitening products, make sure to consult your dentist first. They can recommend the best products for your specific dental needs.
Brighten Your Smile at Any Age
So, can senior teeth be whitened? Absolutely. With the right approach and guidance from your dentist, seniors can safely enjoy a whiter, more confident smile. Whether you’re dealing with years of staining or increased tooth sensitivity, there are whitening options that can work for you.
Ready to brighten your smile safely?
At Dr. Saba and Associates in Sun Lakes, we offer custom take-home whitening kits designed specifically for seniors—comfortable, effective, and safe for sensitive teeth.
Call 480-895-2111 today to schedule your whitening consultation.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (5/10/2023). Photo by LOGAN WEAVER | @LGNWVR on Unsplash