In case you can’t do the quiz - or you just want some more information, here’s a short guide to how to approach different teeth whitening options:

If you’re considering teeth whitening but aren’t sure where to begin, you’re not alone. At The Ivory Dental in Winter Park, we help patients every day choose the whitening option that works best for their needs—whether it’s fast in-office results, gentle at-home treatments, or solutions for more specific issues like a single dark tooth.

That’s exactly why we created this guided quiz: to help you better understand what types of whitening might work for you based on your smile goals, sensitivity concerns, and dental history. But we also know some patients prefer to skip quizzes and get the facts right away. So here’s everything you need to know to make an informed choice—direct from your trusted Winter Park dentist.

Step 1: What Are You Trying to Whiten?

The first thing to consider is what part of your smile you want to improve:

• Overall Whitening: If your teeth are generally darker or more yellow than you'd like, you're likely a candidate for traditional whitening methods such as over-the-counter whitening strips, custom take-home trays, or in-office whitening treatments.

• Specific Tooth or Problem Area: If you have one or two teeth that are noticeably darker—often due to trauma or a root canal—you might need internal bleaching, a treatment that can only be done at a dental office.

Knowing your whitening target helps narrow down the most effective (and safest) approach.

Step 2: Have You Whitened Your Teeth Before?

Your whitening history also affects your options. If you’ve used over-the-counter products like Crest White Strips, you might already know what kind of results to expect. If you've used dental office–provided products—such as professional-strength gels and trays—you may have seen faster or more noticeable results.

Patients who haven’t tried whitening before often ask whether they should start at home or in the office. While both methods work, professional guidance ensures better shade matching and sensitivity management, especially if you're new to whitening.

Step 3: Do You Experience Tooth Sensitivity?

One of the most important factors in choosing the right whitening product is tooth sensitivity.

• If you’ve ever experienced discomfort with hot or cold foods, or if even biting or chewing on a certain tooth triggers pain, this could indicate underlying gum issues or root exposure.

• Mild sensitivity to cold, especially after whitening, is relatively common and not necessarily a red flag.

• However, sensitivity to heat, pressure, or touch may signal something deeper. In these cases, we recommend seeing your Winter Park dentist before starting any whitening routine.

Patients with a history of sensitivity can still whiten safely, but the product selection and technique matter. We often recommend take-home trays with lower-concentration gel or in-office whitening with pre-treatment desensitizers.

Step 4: Do You Have Any Dental Restorations Like Crowns or Fillings That Are Visible When You Smile?

Whitening products do not change the color of dental restorations such as crowns, veneers, or tooth-colored fillings. If you have visible restorations:

• And they already match your natural teeth → whitening is likely still a great option.

• But if they don’t match your current shade → you’ll need to plan for post-whitening adjustments (e.g., updating a crown or filling) so your smile looks consistent.

This is where working with a Winter Park dentist becomes essential—we can guide you through sequencing your whitening and restoration updates for the best cosmetic result.

What Happens After You Answer the Quiz Questions?

Based on your responses, the quiz provides one of several custom recommendations, such as:

• Ideal Candidate for Whitening: No restorations, no sensitivity, and some prior success with whitening? Great! You likely have the full range of whitening options available, from fast in-office Zoom whitening to flexible take-home kits.

• Whitening with Sensitivity Considerations: If you have mild to moderate sensitivity, we’ll recommend products specifically designed for sensitive teeth, or techniques to minimize discomfort.

• Internal Bleaching Recommended: If your concern is a single tooth that’s dark or discolored from trauma or a root canal, traditional whitening won’t help. Instead, internal bleaching performed by your dentist can restore the natural appearance of that tooth.

• Consultation Advised: If your sensitivity points to a deeper issue, or if your restorations won’t blend well after whitening, you’ll be advised to consult with your dentist before proceeding.

Ready to Whiten Confidently?

Whether you're whitening for a wedding, a job interview, or just to feel better when you smile in the mirror, your whitening journey should start with understanding—not guessing.

At The Ivory Dental, we’ve helped hundreds of Winter Park patients whiten their teeth safely and successfully. This quiz is simply a digital version of the conversation we’d have in the office—and we’re here if you want to take the next step.

Prefer personalized guidance? You can always book a consultation with your local Winter Park dentist and we’ll walk you through your whitening options together.