FAQs About Professional Teeth Whitening

If you would like to receive professional teeth whitening, you may have questions about safety, sensitivity, effectiveness, and treatment options. We have provided you with a list of our most common questions regarding teeth whitening in our office, so you can better understand the treatment.

Common Teeth Whitening Questions

Is teeth whitening safe?

The American Dental Association approves teeth whitening as a safe treatment for teeth since 1989. As long as the patients use teeth whitening products at home or by a professional in an office setting, they are completely safe for regular use. Never use teeth whitening products more than the directions say, or they can cause sensitivities.

What happens if my teeth become sensitive to whitening?

If the teeth become sensitive during whitening use, give them a few days between treatments to recover. If it seems to be a common occurrence, we can provide the patient with a toothpaste that will combat sensitivities and provide the teeth with extra protection during the teeth whitening process. No sensitivities the patient experiences will be permanent when a professional completes the teeth whitening.

Once I whiten my teeth, will they stay that way?

Unfortunately, due to everyday use, the teeth will not remain at their whitest shade forever without additional teeth whitening treatments. Staining may show up again after six months to a year. Patient's can maintain beautifully whitened results by visiting for treatment every few months. Remember to visit for regular dental cleanings too, as this will help maintain whiteness. Patients can also keep the teeth white longer by avoiding staining foods and drinks, as well as by quitting smoking habits.

How long will it take until my teeth are white?

Everybody's teeth are different, so times may vary. The patient will most likely want to receive more than one treatment to attain the whitest shade for his or her teeth, but will definitely notice a big difference after one treatment. Many people obtain the whitest white within a few days while select others do not see dramatic results for a few weeks. We will help one achieve the whitened results the patient wants in a matter of time.

Why are my teeth stained in the first place?

Teeth can become stained for many reasons. There are two major types of staining, intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic stains are deeper in the tooth and occur from certain medications, injuries, and excessive use of fluorine compounds. Extrinsic stains are the most common and result from eating and drinking dark-colored or rich-colored items. Smoking also affects the extrinsic color of the teeth. Teeth naturally become more stained with age, which is why it is so important to begin teeth whitening treatment as soon as possible for the best and most long-term results.

We hope this informative article has helped you better understand the teeth whitening process and the effects it has on your teeth. When you visit our Los Angeles office for information about professional teeth whitening, you will receive excellent service and beautiful results. We can help you accomplish the whitened results and healthier appearance you want.