Smile Like a Queen With Professional Teeth Whitening Services

Smile Like a Queen With Professional Teeth Whitening Services : Teeth whitening involves various processes that make one’s natural teeth appear brighter and whiter. Teeth whitening methods include bleaching, sanding down stains, and ultraviolet (UV) light therapy.

Some whitening methods can have uncomfortable side effects like gum irritation and tooth sensitivity; this is why you should consult your dentist before you try these remedies at home.

What Are the Types of Teeth Stains?

Before starting the teeth whitening procedure, the dentist looks closely at your teeth’s condition to determine the type of tooth stain you have and choose the appropriate whitening method. The two types of teeth stains are:

Intrinsic Stains

Intrinsic stains are stains inside the tooth enamel. Sometimes, staining is present even before teeth emerge from the gums at a young age due to high levels of fluoride exposure, antibiotic use, or your enamel growing thinner as you age. And at times, it can also be genetic.

Extrinsic Stains

These stains are visible on the outer surface of the teeth. And can be due to exposure to substances that can discolor your teeth; these include coffee, cigarette smoking, and artificial food colorings. Like intrinsic stains, antibiotic use can cause extrinsic stains.

Professional Teeth Whitening

Professional whitening is efficient, safe, and effective in brightening your smile. Before you schedule this dental procedure, consider the cost, your lifestyle, and whether in-office teeth whitening is better than using whitening treatments at home. The top teeth whitening services in San Diego, CA, include:

In-Office Whitening

In-office treatment involves one or several appointments with your dentist, with each appointment taking about an hour and a half. During the whitening session, the dentist leaves a whitening agent on the teeth for 15 to 30 minute increments.

In-office whitening treatments include:

Application of a high-concentration hydrogen peroxide gel using a syringe.
Combining hydrogen peroxide with a high-intensity light such as UV, LED, or halogen. This light is applied using a lamp or laser device, and this treatment achieves more teeth brightness than hydrogen peroxide alone.

In-office treatments can whiten your teeth up to eight shades with a single treatment.

What to Expect During Your In-Office Appointment

During your treatment session, your dentist will determine the current shade of your teeth using a tooth shade chart. And using pumice, polish the teeth to remove any remaining plaque. The dentist uses a mouth prop to keep your mouth open and places a barrier along the gum line.

The doctor finally places the whitening agent, leaves it for an hour, and rinses your mouth afterward. If the whitening agent requires extra coats, the dentist reapplies it. And after this treatment, you may apply fluoride to reduce potential sensitivity.

Take-Home Trays

A take-home tray can be your only teeth whitening treatment option, but it can also be a follow-up to in-office whitening treatment, preventing your smile from getting new stains. Using a professional take-home tray instead of OTC trays is advisable, as it is custom fabricated to fit perfectly.

Each patient wears the treatment tray for varying durations, ranging from 2-10 hours a day. And for up to 28 days.

Teeth Whitening Toothpaste

Using teeth-whitening toothpaste for two to six weeks can also be effective in whitening teeth, with results lasting up to three to four months or longer when you take care of your teeth. You can also use it every day or several times a week.

These kinds of toothpaste contain polishing or whitening ingredients that include:

Hydrogen peroxide
Carbamide peroxide
Mild abrasives

Toothpaste containing abrasives alone can’t change the teeth’s interior color and only tackle the surface stains. In comparison, those with hydrogen or Carbamide peroxide remove stains and whiten teeth to varying degrees.

Side Effects of Teeth Whitening

The long-term use of teeth whiteners can be uncomfortable for some patients, with potentially more serious side effects that include:

Gum burns and irritation: Although it’s usually mild and temporary, you can avoid this side-effect by covering the gums completely before treatment or using custom-fitted trays.
Gum whitening: The active ingredients may bleach your gums, making them lose their color for a while.
Gastrointestinal distress: If you accidentally swallow a whitening product, it may cause a mild stomach ache or a burning sensation in your throat.

Teeth Whitening Q&As

Q: Who is the ideal candidate for teeth whitening?

A: Anyone with healthy teeth and gums looking to brighten their smile is a suitable candidate.

Q: Do teeth whitening toothpastes irritate?

A: Teeth whitening toothpastes cause only mild irritations that last a short time.

Q: What should I do if I experience irritation after using take-home trays?

A: Sometimes, the whitener gets into cavities, which is irritating. It may be necessary to discontinue its use and consult your dentist.

Q: Which active ingredients are in teeth whitening products?

A: Teeth whitening creams and toothpaste contain hydrogen peroxide and Carbamide peroxide that easily permeates dental hard tissues.

Q: Is teeth whitening only for natural teeth?

A: Your dentist can only whiten natural teeth, not tooth-colored restorations like fillings, dentures, or crowns.

Q: Are whitening treatments effective on both intrinsic and extrinsic stains?

A: Yes. Teeth whitening works on both intrinsic and extrinsic stains.

Q: What should you avoid when whitening your teeth?

A: You should keep off colored beverages, tobacco products, food colorings, and colored dental hygiene products.

Q: Is teeth whitening safe?

A: Most dental health professionals consider teeth whitening harmless, with no effect on the enamel.

Q: How long do the teeth whitening results last?

A: If you can avoid foods and beverages that easily stain the teeth, whitening lasts a year before you need another touch-up.