The best way to make sure your teeth look their best is with in office teeth whitening, professionally performed by a dentist. Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic procedure; one of the most popular purely cosmetic procedures in the world today. Commercial whitening products are available on the consumer market, but they have relatively low doses of whitening agents.
A licensed dentist must perform your professional teeth whitening service. That’s because a licensed dentist performs the procedure under carefully monitored conditions due to the higher concentrations of whitening agents in the bleaching gel. The results of professional whitening are immediately visible. In contrast, commercial at-home tooth whitening products require repeated use before you see results.
Advantages of Professional In Office Whitening
In office tooth whitening is far safer than using most commercially available products. You aren’t exposing your teeth to potentially harmful substances on a daily basis; most of the commercially available whitening treatments require daily or weekly application. This repetition can lead to erosion of tooth enamel and increased sensitivity.
In contrast, a professional whitening procedure doesn’t require consistent use. With the more potent whitening agents, it is far safer than commercial products. Previously, in-office bleaching could lead to increased sensitivity in gums and teeth, but this is no longer an issue; the peroxide gels used in the process are now thicker and do not soak into teeth as readily as earlier incarnations of the gels. A professional dentist can also make the experience even more comfortable through the use of potassium nitrate or fluoride, in order to lessen tooth and gum sensitivity.
Is the Expense Worth The Results?
While in-office bleaching treatments are more expensive than commercially-available alternatives, the results are better and the procedure is safer when undertaken by a professional. On average, professional tooth whitening costs in the neighborhood of $650. Take-home bleaching trays from your dentist cost around $400. However, commercially available treatments such as trays or strips can be found for less than $100. The cost difference can be quite large. On the other hand, you only get one set of teeth, and taking care of them properly is very important. If you’re going to be bleaching your teeth, it’s best to have it done by a professional so that the process can be as controlled and safe as possible.
Any time you bleach your teeth to make them whiter, there are various factors that can affect your results. A dentist will be able to assess whether factors such as age, heredity, or severity of staining will negatively affect you. This professional assessment saves you time and money. As a result, you understand the possible results and outcomes of your whitening procedure.
It’s important to keep in mind that no whitening treatment is permanent. Your teeth stain again very shortly after bleaching. This is especially true if you don’t change the habits which led to the staining in the first place. A dentist will be able to help you avoid this outcome with solid advice and follow-up care, including take-home maintenance products that have a lower concentration of whitening agents. These products can generally be left on teeth for a longer period than the treatments used in the office.
Removable Stains
There are many different substances that can cause your teeth to become stained. Some of these cannot be removed, even with professional whitening treatments. In-office teeth whitening typically works best on organic stains with a diverse array of causes, including:
- Age – As you age, your teeth may get darker. They may take on a brown cast, or become grey, yellow, or greenish in color. These changes may occur because of your dietary habits, or they may be due to heredity. Teeth that have a yellowish cast are easier to whiten than some of the other tints.
- Diet – Various foods may cause your teeth to become discolored. These include coffee, tea, red wine, and foods with dark, intense colors.
- Lifestyle – Some habits can cause physical damage, and smoking is the most common culprit. Tobacco can cause your teeth to become brown; the stains resulting from tobacco use can be extremely difficult to remove.
What to Expect During Your Office Teeth Whitening Procedure
The procedure for in-office teeth whitening may vary slightly from one provider to another. However, the typical procedure is painless and there is no discomfort. Before gel application, we place a cheek retractor to expose all of the teeth seen when you smile. A rubber dam or application of hardening resin protects the gums from irritation caused by the bleaching agent. Once the gums are protected, the hydrogen peroxide whitening agent is applied to the exposed teeth and left to do it’s magic. Typically for 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the whitening gel and severity of staining. After the first application, the gel is removed and then a new coat is applied and left on for an additional 15 to 30 minutes. During this time, intense light concentrations enhance the bleaching action of the gel.
While the procedure is in progress, we check your teeth between gel applications to view their progress. If additional bleaching is needed, additional coats of gel are applied. When your teeth have become whiter, the cheek retractor will be removed and you’ll be asked to rinse out your mouth. Once this is done, the degree of change is measured. However, it’s important to keep in mind that this color will not be the same as it will be a few days after the treatment. This is due to your teeth being dehydrated by the gel. They will change color a bit over a few days as they become rehydrated.
If you’re not satisfied with your results, the dentist may recommend an additional follow-up treatment in their office. You may also be prescribed a take-home treatment to help get the results you want.
In Office Teeth Whitening in Southern California
Doctor Sam Shahovesi and the team at City Dental Centers are here to provide our patients with the best dental services and dental surgeries for children and adults of all ages. From toddlers to seniors, City Dental Centers offers six convenient dentist offices in Southern California. We even have a dedicated children’s dentist office, City Dental Kids & Braces, to cater to the special physical and emotional needs of children.
Whether you need checkups, x-rays, braces, bonding, teeth whitening, sealants, oral cancer screenings, root canals, crowns, bridges, implants, or tooth extraction, City Dental Centers is here to make the process as easy and comfortable as possible.
Contact The Nearest Dentist to You
Ready to experience the best dentists in Los Angeles? Choose one of the convenient dental offices we have surrounding LA. We have dental practices in Azusa, Corona, Lake Forest, Montclair, Pico Rivera, and West Covina. You can call our main line at (888) 624-8933 or reach out to an office directly with the information below. We’re so happy you’ve chosen City Dental Centers. We can’t wait to help you along your dental journey and brighten your beautiful smile!
Dentist in Azusa, CA
Location: 483 S. Citrus Ave. Azusa, CA 91702
Phone: (626) 966-3400
Dentist in Corona, CA
Location: 161 McKinley St. STE 102, Corona, CA 92879
Phone: (951) 737-3746
Dentist in Lake Forest, CA
Location: 24602 Raymond Way #210, Lake Forest, CA 92630
Phone: (949) 461-5800
Dentist in Montclair, CA
Location: 5182 Moreno St, Montclair, CA 91763
Phone: (909) 295-3477
Dentist in Pico Rivera, CA
Location: 9400 Whittier Blvd, Pico Rivera, CA 90660
Phone: (562) 949-2526
Dentist in West Covina, CA
Location: 154 Plaza Dr, West Covina, CA 91790
Phone: (626) 962-1722