Teeth Whitening at Dentist Los Angeles, CA
Teeth whitening at the dentist offers advantages such as speed, reliability, customization, and a more thorough job. The benefits of whiter teeth include higher self-esteem and confidence. Professional teeth whitening delivers optimal results in a short period of time.
If you want to achieve a healthy, beautiful looking smile, teeth whitening at the dentist may be right for you. Teeth whitening is available at Dr. Robert B Tamaki, DDS in Los Angeles and the surrounding area. Call us at (310) 402-0156 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.
Benefits of Teeth Whitening
One of the most popular cosmetic procedures is teeth whitening. There is a good reason for that. As the Oral Health Foundation puts it, a healthy mouth is a great asset. Beautiful teeth have other day-to-day benefits as well. A stunning smile can give individuals greater confidence, influence their social life, and affect careers and relationships.
Berkeley's Greater Good Magazine says that all those benefits add up to one significant physical health benefit: better heart health. When individuals are confident in their smiles, they smile more. Smiling more has a profound effect on a person's happiness levels and, subsequently, their physical health, as happiness helps the heart recover more quickly from stressful events.
“A stunning smile can give individuals greater confidence, influence their social life, and affect careers and relationships.”
Teeth Whitening Options at the Dentist
Various teeth whitening options are available at the dentist. Our team works with each patient to determine the right treatment for their needs. The two main professional teeth whitening options are tray-based whitening and in-office whitening.
Tray-based whitening involves filling a tray with a whitening gel solution made of a peroxide-bleaching agent. Depending on the degree of discoloration, people will wear the trays for a few hours each day or at night for a few weeks or longer. In-office teeth whitening involved applying the bleaching agent directly to teeth combined with heat, a special light, or a laser. People who are interested in teeth whitening should speak to us about the available treatment options.
“Our team works with each patient to determine the right treatment for their needs.”
The Process of Teeth Whitening at the Dentist
While there are various teeth whitening treatments, there are some standard steps that occur. First, we will polish the teeth and gums to get rid of plaque and tartar. Then we will isolate the mouth to protect the cheeks, lips, and tongue from the bleaching agent. We will coat the teeth with the bleaching agent and activate it with a curing light, laser, or heat to activate the peroxide. After waiting 30 to 60 minutes and the patient's teeth reaches the optimal shade, the teeth are rinsed.
Some patients visit only once for whitening, while others make multiple visits. Patients may also be fitted for professional whitening trays they use at home, whether they underwent a whitening procedure in the office or not. These professional kits are less likely to leak and to damage patients' gums than store-bought kits. Our team supervises each procedure to ensure that patients are safe and comfortable.
“Our team supervises each procedure to ensure that patients are safe and comfortable.”
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Top Reasons to Bleach Teeth
Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures, with about 37 million Americans using teeth whiteners in 2020. People bleach their teeth for various reasons. The biggest reason is to combat discoloration and stains due to aging, smoking, and certain foods and drinks.
Whiter teeth can help people look healthier and more youthful. Teeth whitening is a great way to get ready for a special occasion or event such as a wedding, anniversary, or graduation. A person's smile also plays a large part in their confidence. Having a white and bright smile can boost confidence and self-esteem.
“Whiter teeth can help people look healthier and more youthful.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What are teeth whitening options at the dentist?
Q. What happens during teeth whitening at the dentist?
Q. What are the top reasons for bleaching teeth?
Q. What are in-home treatment for teeth whitening?
Q. What happens and an in-office teeth whitening session?
People Also Ask
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In-Home Treatments
People whose gums are in good shape, who have no fillings, and who need just light stain removal may be good candidates for in-home treatment. It is always to consult with a dentist to see if they recommend it. People who decide to pursue at home-treatment should look for the ADA seal on products. The seal shows that products have met certain standards for safety and effectiveness. The ADA keeps a list of these products approved for bleaching.
While in-home treatments are convenient, store-bought kits are not as effective as professional in-home kits. This professional tray-based whitening treatment is a great option for people who want whiter teeth without going to the office. People interested in whitening their teeth should have a consultation with our team to discuss the best, most effective options.
“People whose gums are in good shape, who have no fillings, and who need just light stain removal may be good candidates for in-home treatment.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How does teeth whitening at the dentist work?
A. Before applying a whitening gel to a patient, the dentist will apply a protective gel or guard to the gums to prevent them from becoming discolored. The dentist will then apply the bleaching agent. Once the bleaching agent is applied, the dentist may use heat or light to speed up the whitening process.
Q. Is teeth whitening at the dentist more effective than at-home treatments?
A. Yes, it is. In-office whitening systems use stronger bleaching agents than OTC options. Most at-home options use low-strength bleaching agents that typically contain 3% to 6% hydrogen peroxide. In-office solutions, however, have hydrogen peroxide concentrations of between 15% and 43%.
Q. Is there a cost difference between at-home whitening and teeth whitening at the dentist?
A. OTC whitening solutions are generally the less expensive options. Dentist-supervised treatments and in-office bleaching procedures both typically cost more. However, in-office results last the longest, which can make for savings in the long term.
Q. Is teeth whitening at the dentist safe?
A. Professional treatments at a dentist's office are noticeably more effective. Patients' smiles are usually whiter and stay that way longer. However, patients with healthy teeth and gums and only light tooth staining may benefit from at-home bleaching treatments with the ADA seal. Always talk with your doctor or dentist before whitening at home.
Q. Can anyone be a good candidate for teeth whitening?
A. Much of this depends on why the teeth are discolored and the health of the patient's teeth before the procedure. Teeth whitening is not recommended for pregnant women, those with gum disease, or multiple restorations that do not respond to teeth whitening. Each patient should discuss their unique situation with their dentist to determine if whitening is right for them or if another tooth brightening procedure is a fit.
Cosmetic Dentistry Terminology
Call Us Today
Teeth whitening at the dentist produces quick and effective results that people can be proud of. Our team at Dr. Robert B Tamaki, DDS can help. Call us today at 310-402-0156 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
About our business, license, and website security
- Dr. Robert B Tamaki, DDS was established in 1985.
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