Teeth whitening from your San Diego Dentist Association dental professional can make a dramatic difference in the look of your teeth and improve the youthfulness of your face without drilling, anesthetics or surgery.
Through the years, dentists have developed a wide range of options for whitening teeth. Most patients first try a home whitening system, which is convenient and affordable, but it can provide unexpected results. It only works on natural teeth – not crowns or fillings – and creates an uneven look. That’s why it’s often better to turn to professional teeth whitening from your dentist’s office.
You must also understand that teeth whitening isn’t permanent, and you’ll need additional treatments after your initial course of whitening if you drink coffee, tea or wine or are a smoker. These things as well as certain foods can quickly undo whitening results.
You may want to consider teeth whitening if you have:
- Brown or yellow staining on your teeth that keeps getting worse
- Teeth that have worn enamel
- Fluorosis, a condition involving too much fluoride in your teeth
- Discolored teeth for any other reason.
What’s Involved In Professional Teeth Whitening?
Two or more visits are usually required for dentist-assisted teeth whitening. For one popular type of teeth whitening, impressions are taken of your teeth so a dental lab can create custom take-home clear trays to hold a whitening solution. At your second appointment, the trays are fitted, and your dentist makes any changes necessary for comfort. You then take the trays home with you and use them along with the special whitening solution for a short time each morning and evening or overnight, if prescribed, for about two weeks. Your dentist can advise you about how long you will need to do this for the desired level of whitening.
Other whitening options are available as well, depending on your desired level of whiteness and your situation. In some cases, dental veneers can cover up restorations that cannot be whitened. Many people experience some sensitivity during and shortly after whitening, but this goes away over time. Your dentist will provide care instructions for maintaining results, and regular dental office visits can help you stay on track.
For more about professional teeth whitening, contact an SDDA dentist now. You’ll be glad you did.
To have your teeth whitened professionally, call (619) 745-6870.