Looking for a way to make the color of your teeth a few shades whiter? If so, you likely want to explore what teeth whitening can do for you. Here are a few things that you need to keep in mind if you want whiter teeth.

Make Sure You're A Good Candidate 

Before you can consider teeth whitening, it is important to make sure that you are a good candidate for it. If you are currently pregnant or nursing, it is recommended that you do not have teeth whitening done. This is because there is not enough research done on if the products used for teeth whitening are safe for people who are pregnant or nursing. You should also not use any teeth whitening method if you are using photosensitive drugs, have cracked enamel, cavities, or other dental problems that need to be addressed first. 

In addition, someone may not be a good candidate based on dental work they have had done in the past. If you have dental veneers, you cannot use whitening to get the veneers to change colors. If you have anterior fillings on the front surface of the teeth, that can also cause problems with teeth whitening. Your dentist can tell you if you are a good candidate for teeth whitening if you have any doubts.

Get Your Teeth Cleaned

It is also important that you have teeth whitening done after you have your teeth cleaned. If you are the type of person that has gone to the dentist for regular cleanings every six months, then you are probably fine and can get your teeth whitened. However, if it has been years since you had your teeth cleaned, then a professional cleaning is going to be a necessity. That is because the whitening treatment is going to treat the tartar on the front surface of your teeth and not the color of the tooth underneath. 

Decide On A Method

There are several methods available to pick from if you want whiter teeth, each of which has a different price range and takes a different amount of time to complete the treatment. Work with your dentist to pick a method based on the results that you want and how much you are willing to spend. Some people can see results using over-the-counter whitening products from the pharmacy, while others want instant results by using a laser whitening treatment. 

To learn more, contact a family dentistry clinic.