Professional Teeth Whitening Los Angeles, CA
Professional teeth whitening is a safe, comfortable procedure that brightens and enhances the appearance of people's smiles. This cosmetic dental procedure can effectively remove surface stains caused by foods, beverages, aging, and more. People who receive this procedure can achieve a smile that is several shades whiter and brighter.
If you want to enhance your smile's appearance, professional teeth whitening may be the right option for you. We provide professional teeth whitening at Vatan Dental Group in Los Angeles and the surrounding area. Call us today at (310) 906-1300 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.
Understanding Teeth Whitening
As people age, their teeth often become discolored. Staining food and beverages, nicotine and tobacco use, and certain prescription medications can cause teeth to appear yellow and less healthy. These stains can be extrinsic or intrinsic, causing the yellow dentin beneath tooth enamel to show through minuscule cracks on the tooth's surface.
Fortunately, professional teeth whitening can help teeth become three to eight shades whiter than before. Teeth whitening can provide optimal results in a short amount of time when performed by a professional. Having professional care and consultation is the safest and most effective way to achieve a whiter, more beautiful smile.
“Fortunately, professional teeth whitening can help teeth become three to eight shades whiter than before.”
Good Candidates for Teeth Whitening
In hopes of putting their most attractive face forward, people all over seek brightening treatments. Not everyone is a good candidate for professional teeth whitening, however. Those who benefit most are those with minor to moderate staining due to smoking, drinking coffee, or eating foods such as blueberries. The following may not be good candidates or have specific issues that prevent their candidacy:
- Pregnant women: There is no danger to women in general from whitening treatments. However, the effect of some ingredients on babies is unknown. Those who are pregnant should discuss any concerns with their dentists.
- People with sensitive teeth: Pores in the teeth remain open following whitening, causing dehydration and pressure on the nerves. This discomfort lasts until the tooth rehydrates, which can take up to two days. Dentists can use a desensitizing gel following the procedure to rehydrate the teeth quickly, but those with extremely sensitive teeth may still feel some discomfort.
- People with cavities or gum disease: Those with cavities should have them treated before whitening to prevent sensitivity caused by the solution penetrating the decayed area. For patients with gum disease or worn enamel, whitening is not recommended. There is no enamel on tooth roots, and therefore whitening of exposed roots is not possible.
- People with crowns and fillings: Fillings and other restoration pieces, such as crowns, veneers, and bridges, cannot be whitened. Patients who are planning to undergo whitening should have decay treated first. Those with several restorations may want to consider veneers or other alternatives.
“Those who benefit most are those with minor to moderate staining due to smoking, drinking coffee, or eating foods such as blueberries.”
The Difference Between Bleaching and Whitening
Both at-home and in-office teeth whitening solutions contain peroxide, which is also in bleach and hair lightening products. It offers the same lightening effects as chlorine bleach without the dangers and is the reason many people refer to whitening as "bleaching." Among dental professionals, whitening typically refers to the removal of surface stains, while bleaching goes a little further to lighten the tooth enamel itself.
According to WebMD, over-the-counter teeth whitening products use a low concentration of peroxide, typically from 3% to 20%. Dentists use solutions with a higher concentration, usually between 15% and 42%. The higher concentration used by dentists means that the process of teeth whitening can be accomplished much faster.
“Among dental professionals, whitening typically refers to the removal of surface stains, while bleaching goes a little further to lighten the tooth enamel itself.”
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Results of Laser Teeth Whitening
Some dentists offer laser teeth whitening. This method involves applying a gel with peroxide, then heating it with light. In reviewing studies on this method, the American Dental Association finds that results vary. Some research shows that immediate results are better due to laser whitening. Other studies suggest that tooth sensitivity may be more prevalent with this method. Patients should discuss this option with a dentist.
“Some research shows that immediate results are better due to laser whitening.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. How effective is professional teeth whitening treatment?
Q. Are at-home teeth whitening treatments effective?
Q. Who is not a good candidate for teeth whitening?
Q. Is teeth whitening the same as teeth bleaching?
Q. How does laser teeth whitening work?
People Also Ask
Q. What are teeth whitening options at the dentist?
Q. What are the benefits of teeth whitening at a dentist's office?
Q. What are the common cosmetic dental services?
Q. How should you choose the right treatment and cosmetic dentist?
Cautions Against Teeth Whitening At Home
While teeth whitening is also possible at home through over-the-counter kits, it is important to approach with caution. Some of these whitening kits contain questionable ingredients that can do more harm than good. While do-it-yourself teeth whitening at home sounds convenient, many of these tips can cause serious problems and do not produce effective results.
Since our team supervises professional teeth whitening, we can use a stronger bleaching solution. We can also ensure that sensitive gums do not become more irritated while producing safe and reliable results. Ultimately, professional teeth whitening produces the most precise and effective results.
“Ultimately, professional teeth whitening produces the most precise and effective results.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Will my insurance pay for treatment?
A. Professional teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure. Because the process is not vital to a patient's health, many insurance carriers do not cover it. Always consult your provider before making a decision.
Q. How long does teeth whitening last?
A. Depending on the whitening solution, how it is administered, and the patients themselves, results will vary. The effects of OTC whitening products will typically last several weeks to several months, while professional teeth whitening usually lasts several years.
Q. How does teeth whitening work?
A. A dentist provides professional teeth whitening by applying a peroxide solution to teeth. The peroxide penetrates the enamel and begins oxidizing tooth molecules. This process causes teeth to reflect more light and appear colorless or white.
Q. Does teeth whitening hurt?
A. Professional teeth whitening administered by a dentist does not hurt because trays are custom-made to fit a patient's teeth. OTC products use a tray that is the same for each consumer. That means they cannot control the amount of peroxide used or the possibility of the solution leaking onto the gums and causing irritation.
Q. Will whitening remove smoking stains?
A. Most stains caused by smoking can be removed by professional teeth whitening. Every patient is different, however, and some teeth may not respond as expected. In cases such as these, patients may want to consider veneers or other alternatives.
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Cosmetic Dentistry Terminology
Call Us Today
Professional teeth whitening is a safe and effective way to achieve a whiter, brighter smile. Our team at Vatan Dental Group can help. Call us today at 310-906-1300 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
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