Not happy with the color of your teeth? Are your teeth stained? Looking for a teeth whitening dentist in the San Diego area? Many people have a goal of whitening their teeth for a better and more consistent appearance. Approaching the process of teeth whitening is made much easier when you identify a board-certified specialist in Prosthodontics and cosmetic dentistry who is thoroughly experienced in this field. Many people are nervous about going to a dental office but knowing that you’re in the experienced and talented hands of a great dentist can ease your fears and help you look forward to your incredible results. At San Diego Dental Health Center, you will be treated by a board-certified specialist and your teeth will be a lot whiter safely and without jeopardizing your oral health.
Teeth Whitening 90210 Style
Teeth whitening or teeth bleaching is an extremely popular cosmetic dentistry procedure. It typically involves the use of a whitening gel that is applied to the external surface of the teeth, which allows them to lighten the color gradually.
Teeth whitening can remove stains on the outer surface or the enamel of the teeth. Anyone who experiences a lack of confidence about their smile or their discolored teeth may benefit from teeth whitening. Anyone who is self-conscious about their teeth can benefit from an initial consultation with a board-certified prosthodontist to learn more about the teeth whitening process.
Types of Teeth Whitening
There are several different types of teeth whitening available to patients. Teeth can be whitened chairside, often referred to as power bleaching. Another type of teeth whitening is over the counter, which is one way to whiten your teeth without the supervision of a cosmetic dentist. Many of the gels that are used to bleach a person’s teeth are various strengths of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.
Chairside whitening is usually done in one session that lasts anywhere from one hour to one and a half hours. Take home trays may also be recommended by one of our expert cosmetic dentists. These are clear thin mouth pieces that you apply anywhere from 20 minutes to 3 hours over a period of up to two weeks. The fit and the way they are manufactured are key issues in the selection of customized mouth pieces. Teeth whitening can be repeated by the patient every 6 to 12 months as a touch-up procedure to maintain the bright smile results.
Teeth Whitening Results
When it comes to teeth whitening you have to keep a few things in mind. This process is not going to make your teeth whiter than the original color of your teeth. That means you have to be realistic with your expectations. If your teeth are fairly white and have been stained and discolored by coffee, tea or other beverages that can stain your teeth, you can expect whiter teeth after the treatment. But if your teeth are not dazzling bright, to begin with, you can only expect your teeth to become whiter only one or two shades. For more drastic changes and whiter results, you can ask your cosmetic dentist about alternative treatments such as porcelain veneers. When they are done correctly you can expect very drastic changes in the color of your teeth and also the shape of your teeth as well.
Teeth Whitening Cost
Cost of your teeth whitening treatment is very minimal and it normally depends on your teeth. Some of our patients have very slight staining on their teeth and some have more serious stains due to drinking coffee and tea, tetracycline stains or fluorosis, which refers to the excessive intake of fluoride during the teeth development stages. When you come for a consultation to San Diego Dental Health Center, your teeth and your oral health will be evaluated, and you will be given a treatment plan and pricing based on your evaluation. You also can contact one of our friendly staff for more information about the cost and dental financing program available for teeth whitening treatments. CareCredit is a third-party dental financing company that can help you pay for your teeth whitening treatments. After they check your credit, you will be approved for a certain amount of credit limit that can cover a portion or the entire cost of your treatment in our San Diego office.
90210 Teeth Whitening Process
As mentioned above, many teeth whitening procedures can be completed chairside at the dentist. Your cosmetic dentist first applies a protective gel to your gums, followed by the application of the whitening gel to the teeth. This is then left on the teeth for some time and certain systems may also require an LED light activation.
While the process may vary in length of time, one our experienced San Diego Dental Health Center dentists will explain it in advance. The teeth whitening procedure can last a varying period depending on numerous factors such as the patient’s habits and lifestyle. It could take as long as a few years before the patient’s discoloration returns to the level where it was prior to treatment in our office.
Patients who have had their teeth stained by tetracycline, fluorosis, cigarettes, coffee, tea, color producing bacteria or other substances may benefit from teeth whitening or teeth bleaching with long-lasting results. It is important to remember that certain dental materials cannot typically be lightened with bleach, including veneers, crowns or fillings. In these cases, restorations may be recommended instead. Schedule a consultation with your experienced San Diego Dental Health Center dentist to understand more how this may affect your teeth and the overall look of your smile.
