Can Individual Teeth Be Whitened?

Question

Lance Timmerman, DMD, MAGD · Answer

The most common application is when a single tooth had root canal therapy.  A walking bleach method can be done, but has some significant risks.  Depending on the reason for the discoloration, the results can be unpredictable.  Most often the best is an individual veneer.

Elizabeth Jahanian, DDS · Answer

Yes, it is possible to whiten individual teeth using whitening gel in custom-made trays.  The dentist can make trays that have space for the whitening gel only on the selected teeth to be whitened.  As long as the patient does not overfill the tray with gel, the gel should not be able to contact adjacent teeth.  Best, Dr. Elizabeth Jahanian.

Paul D. Kantor, DDS · Answer

It's difficult to try to whiten one tooth. For a non-root canal tooth, you could try a custom tray with gel on one tooth, but it's tough to get the right shade with only one tooth. A veneer might really be the best bet.

M. Andrew Atwood, DDS · Answer

Usually single tooth whitening is a concern for teeth that have had root canals, or need root canals. If they have had a root canal you can bleach it from the inside. If they haven't, you may do a root canal and that may be enough. Often the tooth that has had a root canal needs a crown and can be matched with a cosmetically designed crown.

Michael J. Thomas, DDS · Answer

Trying to whiten one teeth is a toughy and most of the time the success rate is very low to minimal. A single veneer can be done if the color is really off. A good cosmetic dentist is your best source of information...Dr Thomas

Can Individual Teeth Be Whitened?

Answers (6)

Answer: Single tooth whitening

Answer: Single tooth whitening

Answer: I would shy away from it.

Answer: I would shy away from it.

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Teeth Whitening

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Can Individual Teeth Be Whitened?

Answers (6)

Answer: Single tooth whitening

Answer: Single tooth whitening

Answer: I would shy away from it.

Answer: I would shy away from it.

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Teeth Whitening

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.