Teeth Whitening Patient Assessment & Candidacy

Question 1

Which condition makes a patient an unsuitable candidate for professional teeth whitening?

Accepted Answer

Active periodontal disease

Answer

Active periodontal disease must be treated before whitening, as peroxide agents can exacerbate gum inflammation and cause further damage to compromised tissue.

Question 2

What is the generally recommended minimum age for teeth whitening procedures?

Accepted Answer

16 years old

Answer

Most dental professionals recommend waiting until age 16, when permanent teeth are fully erupted and pulp chambers have sufficiently matured to reduce sensitivity risk.

Question 3

Which type of tooth discoloration responds best to peroxide whitening treatments?

Accepted Answer

Extrinsic (surface) staining

Answer

Extrinsic staining from coffee, tea, wine, and tobacco affects only the outer enamel surface and is most responsive to oxidizing whitening agents.

Question 4

A patient has porcelain crowns and veneers on their front teeth and wants whitening. What should they be advised?

Accepted Answer

Whitening agents will not change the color of porcelain restorations

Answer

Peroxide whitening agents only affect natural tooth enamel; porcelain crowns and veneers will not lighten, which may result in a visible color mismatch after treatment.

Question 5

Which dental condition most significantly increases a patient's risk of discomfort during whitening?

Accepted Answer

Dentin hypersensitivity

Answer

Patients with dentin hypersensitivity are at the highest risk for pain during whitening and typically require desensitizing pre-treatment or lower-concentration agents.

Teeth Whitening Practice Test

Teeth Whitening Practice Test

Teeth Whitening Patient Assessment & Candidacy