Teeth Whitening by Livermore Dentists
Interested in a brighter smile? Professional teeth whitening provides the best results in a fairly short amount of time. Teeth whitening performed by a dentist has gained popularity because patients are either displeased with over-the-counter (OTC) products or don’t want to have to bother with an at-home kit.
Professional, supervised whitening will work faster than any over the counter treatment. The Livermore dentist at Foothill Dental Care will also use products that protect sensitive gums and tooth-root surfaces better. Your dentist will also give you an oral exam before you even begin any whitening process and it is an important first step in making sure your tooth discoloration is not being caused by a dental condition in need of treatment. You should also be aware that it can be a risk to get tooth whitening by untrained workers at a mall. For any questions about tooth whitening, give Foothill Dental Care in Livermore, CA a call at (925) 961-5484.
Professional teeth whitening – What to expect
Teeth whitening by a dentist is not a totally complicated procedure, though it does require skill to avoid injury to the gum area. Moreover, pricy equipment may be needed to prepare and finish the procedure. The procedure generally takes between 60 to 90 minutes to complete.
Does Teeth Whitening Work for Everyone?
Whitening, unfortunately, doesn’t always work for everybody. For example, a whitening solution can generally help yellow discoloration. But, if your teeth are starting to brown or even develop a gray tone, they may not respond correctly or at all to whitening. It is also important to note that, as we age, our enamel begins to wear away. As the tooth enamel wears away, the darker tissue of the tooth, which is there to protect the tooth’s nerves and blood vessels, begins to be revealed. The teeth are also susceptible to erosion, like the cliffs near the ocean, which is why they appear to be that grayish color that we commonly see in elderly people.Whitening also doesn’t work if the tooth discoloration was caused by medications or an injury.
Standard steps to performing an in-office whitening:
- The dentist will begin the exam by taking a look at your teeth’s current shade.
- Your teeth will then be polished with pumice, which is a gritty paste used to remove any plaque on the surface of teeth.
- Your mouth will be separated with gauze to keep your teeth dry. Retractors may be used to prevent your cheeks, lips, and tongue from contacting the whitening solution.
- Next, to help protect it from being exposed to the solution a barrier would next be placed along the gumline
- Your teeth will then be coated with a whitening solution on the front surface only. A typical solution will include either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide for the bleaching process.
- Numerous whitening products need a curing light or laser, which is used to stimulate the peroxide.
- Once the whitening solution is applied, it will be left on as short as 30 minutes to as long as 60 minutes. Depending on what brand it is, the solution could also be occasionally reapplied.
- Once the ideal shade is reached, or the max amount of time with the solution on has passed, you will then need the solution to the rinsed. Fluoride is applied to help ease any tooth sensitivity.
- You might need to schedule additional visits until the shade you desire is reached.
How should I care for my newly whitened teeth?
Newly whitened teeth may stain more easily. To keep your teeth white as long as possible, avoid tobacco and stain-causing food and drinks for several days after whitening. Keep in mind, teeth generally return to their original shade after. Staying steer clear of tobacco and large amounts of stain-causing food and drinks, your teeth may stay bright for several years.
When the treatment is complete, your doctor will educate you on what food and beverages you will need to avoid for the first 24 hours, usually ones with a high level of pigment. These include coffee, tea, anything with tomatoes, yellow mustard, beets, black grapes, candies, and red wine. Avoid smoking during this time as well.
Teeth Whitening with our Livermore Dentists
Maintaining your oral health is our main concern at Foothill Dental Care. Though health is extremely important, we understand your need to keep your smile bright and gorgeous. Teeth whitening is safe and can be relatively affordable. Excessive amounts of anything is not good, so make sure you consult with a dentist before moving forward with whitening your teeth. If you are interested in whitening your teeth, call Foothill Dental Care in Livermore at (925) 961-5484 to schedule an appointment today.
Since it is considered a cosmetic procedure, dental insurance does not usually cover teeth whitening. It is good to note that traditional insurance may not cover it but is not your last resort since there are several other whitening methods available. May offices offer discount dental plans, which may provide the coverage you need.
Teeth whitening cannot whiten replacement teeth. If you are planning to get your teeth whitened, it is best to do it prior to your procedure. By doing this, your dentist will match your replacement teeth with your newly whitened teeth.
Tooth whitening is not always a good choice for many reasons. If your gums have pulled away from the teeth in certain areas, whitening could possibly cause irritation in these areas. Your dentist may recommend that you treat tooth decay or gum disease, but if your condition is bad enough, they may discourage you from getting the procedure done.