Professional tooth whitening, sometimes called bleaching, is a fast and safe way to rid your enamel of tooth stains and discoloration. It remains the best way to transform your smile and is non-invasive.
Tooth whitening is more than a trending aesthetic concern. It has long been a high priority for patients seeking an inexpensive cosmetic dentistry option that offers impressive results.
Of course, whitening your teeth at home with a store-bought gel is probably the most popular way to remove tooth stains, but it may not be the safest or most effective.
This professional guide tells you everything you need to know about teeth whitening!
- About professional teeth whitening in Pacifica, CA
- Reasons to Whiten Your Teeth
- Dispelling popular tooth-whitening myths
- Why professional teeth whitening is best
- Teeth whitening in Pacifica: Who is a good candidate?
- What to expect after treatment
- How to maintain your results
- Professional teeth whitening as part of a smile makeover
About Professional Teeth Whitening in Pacifica
At Cabrillo Family Dental Care, we believe that you should oversee your teeth whitening. The method should be simple, and you should be able to whiten when convenient.
With our method, how bright you want to go is entirely up to you!
First, the dentist has you come in for a consultation, especially if you’re a new patient or have no recent or relevant dental information on file. This dental visit ensures teeth whitening is safe for your oral health profile and that treatment will give you the results you’ve been looking for. You'll also learn about teeth whitening costs in Pacifica.
If you’re a suitable candidate, we may start you with teeth cleaning to enhance the result—removing plaque and tartar allows the teeth whitening gel to better adhere to and penetrate your enamel.
Next, we take impressions of your teeth to create custom tooth-whitening trays. You take the trays and custom whitening gel home and brighten your smile when convenient. We urge you to follow the instructions provided by our dental office.
Over the weeks, you’ll notice your teeth brightening. When you reach the desired shade of white, you can stop treatment.
Top Reasons to Whiten Your Teeth
- To choose lighter restorations
- Too much fluoridation
- Before a big event like a wedding or reunion
- Tetracycline stains
- Normal wear and aging
- Brown, yellow, or dark tooth stains
Dispelling Popular Tooth Whitening Myths
Myth #1: Enamel Damage
The most common misconception is that teeth whitening damages enamel or causes chronic sensitivity—this is a myth. When you whiten under the directions of your Pacifica dentist, we ensure your enamel is in shape for whitening. Additionally, mild sensitivity does not last and typically means the whitening gel has reached the gum and tooth.
Myth #2: Whiter Restorations
Professional teeth whitening and over-the-counter systems will not lighten your restorations. However, your dentist can often replace restorations after professional teeth whitening to ensure they match your new bright smile.
Myth #3: Short-Lived Results
Professional teeth whitening is not permanent, but healthy habits and avoiding or reducing tooth-staining foods and drinks, such as curry, tea, coffee, red wine, and bright sauces, can prolong the results.
Remember to see your dentist for teeth cleanings every six months and to brush and floss at least twice daily. You can also use your take-home kit and remaining gel for periodic touchups.
Why Professional Teeth Whitening Is Best
Professional teeth whitening is the safest option because your dentist has sanctioned it. We know the ingredients and whether they are safe for you. Remember, all smiles are different; a product suitable for you may not be good for someone else. When you whiten on your own, you risk your dental health and comfort.
Regarding genuine results, it’s important to remember that only dentists can access prescription-grade whitening gel. Whitening with a store-bought system may not give you the results you were hoping for. With self-whitening, you also risk uneven whitening—some teeth being darker than others.
We strongly encourage you to choose professional teeth whitening over gels and kits purchased online and in stores for safe, effective, and lasting results.
It’s also vital to avoid internet methods and TikTok teeth whitening fads, which can harm oral health.
Teeth Whitening in Pacifica: Who Is a Good Candidate?
It’s impossible to know for sure without a cosmetic consultation. However, most patients who care for their teeth and receive regular dental care are good candidates for professional teeth whitening treatment.
What to Expect After Treatment
After professional teeth whitening treatment, you can expect a spectacular result! If you do notice sensitivity, this typically does not last long. You can take a few days off teeth whitening if you experience it during treatment. If sensitivity lingers, contact your cosmetic dentist in Pacifica.
A member of our team can provide custom tips to help you maintain your new bright smile.
How to Maintain Your Results
- Brush and floss regularly.
- Visit your dentist regularly.
- Avoid tooth-staining foods and drinks.
- Touch up your results periodically.
- Talk to us if you have concerns.
Professional Teeth Whitening as Part of a Smile Makeover
We often incorporate professional teeth whitening into smile makeovers or before restorative dentistry.
Smile makeovers require meticulous planning. One consideration is tooth and restoration shade. By whitening your teeth before the makeover, you can choose lighter restorations, such as dental crowns and porcelain veneers.
A smile makeover in Pacifica means using various cosmetic options to transform your smile. Treatment may include any combination of the following:
- Dental Bonding
- Dental Veneers
- Tooth-Colored Restorations
- Tooth Replacement
- Invisalign® Clear Aligners
- Professional Teeth Whitening
If you choose a smile makeover alongside professional teeth whitening, the dentist can work on a timeframe that fits your goals and budget.
Trust Your Teeth Whitening to a Dental Professional
Call us for more information about professional teeth whitening or other cosmetic dentistry options. You can also schedule a consultation with the dentist by contacting a friendly team member at (650) 359-1646.
We look forward to hearing from you and helping you achieve your smile goals.