Everyone wants to have the whitest teeth possible. Whiter teeth can make you feel more confident about your smile. Studies by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry have shown that most adults find whiter smiles more attractive and that a whiter smile also increases employment prospects and success.
Teeth whitening is a form of cosmetic dentistry that whitens and brightens your teeth using any of several available whitening products. Most of the products currently on the market use a bleaching agent such as hydrogen peroxide to get the desired effect.
It is completely safe to professionally whiten your teeth. While the bleaching agents your dentist uses are strong, they can’t harm you. The worst side effect is potential irritation of the gums or an upset stomach.
Whitening your teeth will give you a brighter, whiter smile. You will feel better about your smile and have more self-confidence. These may be indirect benefits, but don’t discount their power. How you feel about yourself and your smile are important!
As mentioned above, the primary downsides are the potential for irritation and an upset stomach. Gum irritation is most often caused by poorly fitting trays instead of the chemicals used to bleach the teeth; if you experience this problem, talk to your provider at the Gardena office so that we can fix the issue.
Tooth whitening isn’t for everyone, primarily because it won’t work on all types of discoloration. If the stains are caused by injury or medication or are brown or gray, whitening products probably won’t work. They also won’t work on dental appliances such as veneers, caps, crowns, and fillings.
If any of these situations apply to you, we can still help you achieve a brighter smile. Call our Gardena office and schedule a consultation to discuss your options.
Most teeth whitening is done with the use of bleaching agents. These agents may come in the form of trays or gel strips that are applied to your teeth. Professional whitening can be done in about an hour in the office, or we can dispense products for you to use in the comfort of your own home. Laser tooth whitening is sometimes also an option.
The products used in the office are much stronger than those dispensed for at-home use, so if you’re looking for quick results or your teeth have severe staining, an in-office treatment is the best option for you. It may require several treatments to reach your whitening goals.
In-office treatments are also recommended if you have certain dental problems such as receding gums.
In the absence of severe stains or dental problems, this often comes down to a matter of personal preference. It is a cheaper option, however, so some patients on a budget prefer this method.
Your provider at the Gardena office will create custom trays for your teeth. You’ll put the whitening product in these trays and wear them for half an hour to an hour per day during treatment. The length of your treatment will depend on the amount of staining and your goals.
This depends on several factors, including the product used, how well your teeth take the treatment, your oral hygiene, your diet, and many more. Some people need to whiten only once a year while others need to do it every few months. Your provider will be able to recommend the best schedule for you.
You should follow this schedule to keep your teeth as white as possible without increasing the risk of side effects. Whitening your teeth too often can cause problems such as tooth sensitivity and enamel damage.
That’s impossible to say without knowing your exact situation. The best option for you depends on the state of your teeth, how white you want them to be, how quickly you want to whiten them, and your budget.
The first step to getting a whiter smile is to call us here at Dentist of Gardena to schedule an appointment for a personal consultation. Your provider will be able to answer all your questions and develop a customized treatment plan after assessing your teeth and determining your goals.
The whitening products sold in stores aren’t as strong or as effective as those used by professionals. These products need to be used more often, which increases the risk of side effects (not to mention the cost). Because of this, the apparent cost savings are often illusory.
They also won’t work for everyone. It’s better for your long-term dental health to use a customized treatment plan created by a dental professional to whiten your teeth.
The cost of tooth whitening varies widely. Because it’s considered a cosmetic dental procedure, insurance usually won’t cover it. This means you’ll be paying the entire cost of the procedure out of pocket.
When you come into the Gardena office for your consultation, your provider will discuss your budget and your goals with you before developing a treatment plan. We’ll come up with a customized plan that will work for you.
We can also discuss financing options with you if you would like.
Do you want to whiten your teeth? Do you want the brightest smile possible? We’ll be happy to help you achieve it here at Dentist of Gardena. We offer multiple options to give you the whitest, brightest smile possible.
Our office also has flexible appointments to help you fit your dental work into your busy schedule.
Call Dentist of Gardena today at (424) 321-7470 and schedule your appointment to begin whitening your teeth.