Tooth/Teeth Whitening

With time, colored foods and drinks will cause the shade of teeth to darken. These stains, which are known as extrinsic stains, are within the enamel layer and result in a yellow hue. No matter how thoroughly or how much you might brush, stains like these do not go away easily.

The most effective method for removing extrinsic stains from teeth is having them whitened by Dr. Patel of Aliso Smiles. Before the process can begin, Dr. Patel will need to assess your oral health and determine if your stains are actually extrinsic stains. After all, stains can have other causes. Stains caused by amalgam leakage, internal resorption, tetracycline, cavities, or traumatic pulpal necrosis all require different treatments.

Tooth whitening (or bleaching) is a popular, simple, and non-invasive cosmetic dentistry service that dentists like Dr. Patel use to enhance the beauty of smiles.

Having a whiter smile is the primary cosmetic concern for many dental patients across the country. As a result, there’s more than one way for dentists like Dr. Patel to help them meet their goal.

Two whitening options are offered by most dental offices: in-office laser whitening (Zoom bleaching) and take-home whitening. The in-office tooth whitening option offers immediate satisfaction, while take-home whitening takes more time.

Here’s what you can expect from in-office Zoom whitening:

• First, your dentist will determine where your teeth are currently on our dental shade guide.
• After your lips and gums have been shielded, the ZOOM gel will be applied to your teeth.
• A laser will activate the ZOOM gel, and within one hour, your teeth will be dramatically whiter.
• Finally, your dentist will measure your smile’s progress.
• With whiter teeth in an hour, you can take the first step to feeling more confident about your smile.

Your dentist will take an impression of your teeth, which our lab will use to make your custom bleaching trays. Along with the tray, the medication and your treatment instructions are provided. When you use your kit, you’ll line your trays with the bleaching gel and wear them as directed. This could mean wearing them for several hours a day or wearing them while you sleep, depending on the results you desire.

For the absolute best results, Dr. Patel recommends combining in-office and take-home whitening. With in-office whitening, you can “jump start” the whitening process, while take-home bleaching will give your smile the occasional boost your teeth will need later on. Combining services will help you achieve immediate and long-lasting results you’ll love.

If you’re in need of replacement restorations, those will be placed following your whitening treatment to account for changes in your tooth shade. Whitening does not yield permanent results. To keep your teeth white, touch-ups may be needed every few years, or more often depending on whether you use tobacco, or consume dark drinks like coffee, tea, or red wine.

Tooth sensitivity is normal following treatment with tooth whitening, but it will go away shortly after treatment is complete.

We would love to help you get your brightest smile. Contact Aliso Smiles for your teeth whitening consultation today.