Teeth Whitening
Your smile is the first impression you make. It can say a lot about you, even before you even say hello. The color of your teeth can make a significant difference. Tooth enamel is naturally dazzling white. There are many factors. However, that can lead to discoloration. Even minor discoloration can significantly dull the beauty of your smile and can leave you feeling self-conscious. Encino Cosmetic Dentistry can help with teeth whitening.
What is Teeth Whitening?Your teeth can become stained for many different reasons. Common causes of stains include: | • |
Different types of foods and beverages, including dark berries, red wine, coffee, tea, curry, and tomato-based sauces.
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Cigarettes and other tobacco products.
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Certain types of medications.
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Aging. |
When your teeth become discolored, the quality of your smile is dulled. This can have a significant impact on your smile as well as your confidence. Teeth whitening is a simple, non-invasive procedure that is performed to eliminate tough stains, brightening your teeth, and your smile.
Can I Use OTC Whitening Products?There are numerous different whitening products that you can easily find in the oral care aisle of most pharmacies and grocery stores. These products are advertised to provide incredible results with an affordable price tag. There are many different types of OTC whiteners, including toothpaste, gels, strips, and pens. OTC whiteners contain low levels of bleaching agents, meaning that it could take several treatments before you see any noticeable results. While these products can help to treat minor surface stains, they often cannot provide the drastic results most patients are looking for.
Professional Teeth Whitening OptionsThere are two ways in which your teeth can be professionally whitened. One way is with an in-office procedure. This treatment requires a single appointment and only about an hour of your time. After cleaning your teeth, we apply a bleaching agent to your teeth. A light is then shone over your mouth. The bleaching agent remains on your teeth for about an hour. The active ingredient breaks down to form oxygen bubbles that enter into your tooth enamel to bleach away stains. The light is used to enhance the results, which are noticeable immediately after your treatment is complete.
The other method of professional whitening enables you to whiten your teeth at home. This is done using whitening trays. We create trays for you based on impressions of your mouth. The trays are made to hold the bleaching agent against the surfaces of your teeth either twice a day for just a few hours or once overnight while you sleep. Treatment typically takes one to two weeks, depending upon the severity of your discoloration, and results are often noticeable within a week.
Is Teeth Whitening Safe?Teeth whitening is a very safe procedure. The biggest issue that it can cause is tooth sensitivity. This sensitivity is only temporary though. It will disappear after your treatment is complete. Toothpaste designed for sensitivity can be used to help alleviate the symptoms in the meantime.
Ensuring the Longevity of Your WhiteningTeeth whitening is effective, but it is not permanent. There are things you can do, though, to help ensure that your results last. | • |
Limit staining foods and beverages.
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Drink plenty of water, especially after consuming anything more likely to cause stains.
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Brush and floss your teeth daily.
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Have your teeth periodically touched up. |
Teeth whitening is a safe, effective way to boost the appearance of your smile, allowing you to leave the impressions you want to leave. For more information, and to schedule your consultation, call Encino Cosmetic Dentistry today at (818) 783-0408. |
