Teeth whitening uses special compounds called “peroxides” to restore the natural brightness of your teeth. Peroxides like hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide react strongly to the presence of surface stains.
Teeth whitening uses special compounds called “peroxides” to restore the natural brightness of your teeth. Peroxides like hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide react strongly to the presence of surface stains. This “bleaches” surface stains away from your enamel, leaving you with a bright, white smile.
Professional teeth whitening is faster, safer, and provides better results than over-the-counter whitening kits.
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There’s no need for any drilling, shots, or other invasive treatment. Teeth whitening is completely non-invasive, so it’s great if you have dental anxiety.
Teeth whitening is one of the most affordable ways to get started with cosmetic dentistry, especially compared to other treatments like veneers and dental bonding.
Your smile will look bright and beautiful once again, boosting your self-confidence. You’ll love the way you look, and you’ll never have to hide your teeth again.
First, you’ll come in for a consultation with Dr. Chew. She’ll assess your oral health and cosmetic challenges, and help you decide if teeth whitening is right for you. Then, Dr. Chew will help you choose between in-office and take-home whitening.
To begin the in-office whitening treatment, Dr. Chew will clean your teeth, then apply a special protectant to your gums. Then, she will use retractors to keep your tongue and cheeks away from your teeth, and apply a powerful whitener. She will activate it with a UV light, leave it in place for a few minutes, then rinse it away. This process will be repeated until your smile reaches your desired level of brightness.
In take-home whitening, Dr. Chew will take molds and images of your smile. She’ll send you home, and send these to a lab, where a set of reusable whitening trays will be made. When they're ready, you’ll come back to pick up your trays and a whitening kit. Then, you’ll follow Dr. Chew’s instructions to whiten your smile at home. Most patients whiten their teeth for about an hour per day for 2-3 weeks.
There are several reasons why teeth may become yellow or discolored over time. One of the primary causes is age. As we age, the outer layer of enamel on our teeth naturally wears down, revealing the yellowish dentin underneath. Additionally, certain lifestyle factors can contribute to tooth discoloration. Consuming foods and beverages with strong pigments, such as coffee, tea, red wine, and berries, can stain the teeth over time. Tobacco use, whether smoking or chewing, can also lead to yellowing of the teeth. Poor oral hygiene, certain medications, and certain medical conditions can also cause tooth discoloration. Teeth whitening treatments can effectively remove these stains and restore the natural whiteness of your teeth.
If you have further questions or concerns about teeth whitening, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with our experienced dental team. We are here to help you achieve a brighter, more confident smile. Call Nest Dental at (650) 692-5600 to book your appointment today.
Remember, a beautiful smile starts with healthy teeth, and our team is dedicated to providing exceptional dental care to patients in Burlingame, CA, and the surrounding areas.
Teeth whitening results vary significantly among individuals, but on average, a professional teeth whitening can last anywhere from six months to two years. Factors influencing the duration of your whitened teeth include genetics, age, the type of staining experienced, and the specific whitening method used. However, daily habits play a pivotal role in maintaining the longevity of your results. Foods and beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, and dark berries can stain your teeth, as can habits like smoking or chewing tobacco. Regular brushing with whitening toothpaste, flossing, and using mouthwash can aid in prolonging the effects. Moreover, periodic touch-up treatments and consistent dental cleanings can also help in preserving that bright, radiant smile. Remember, individual results will vary, and it's best to discuss your expectations with your dentist.
It is common for patients to experience temporary sensitivity after teeth whitening treatments. This is often due to the bleaching agents penetrating the enamel and irritating the nerve of the tooth. However, the notion of permanent sensitivity from teeth whitening treatments is very rare. Most people find that any sensitivity usually subsides within a few days or weeks after the treatment. If you do experience prolonged sensitivity, it is imperative to communicate with your dentist, as there might be underlying dental issues to address. Using a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth, avoiding extreme temperature foods and drinks, and using a desensitizing gel recommended by your dentist can help alleviate the discomfort. Always ensure to consult with your dentist before undergoing any teeth whitening procedure, and follow post-treatment care instructions to minimize sensitivity.
No. Similarly to cosmetic dental work, Crowns, fillings, and other restorative dental work are not affected by peroxide whiteners. But if you already have some tooth-colored dental work and you want to have your teeth whitened, Dr. Chew can build a custom treatment plan to match the color of your natural teeth with the color of your restorative dental work.
No. Teeth whitening only affects natural enamel. If you’re interested in getting cosmetic treatment like veneers, it’s best to have your teeth whitened first, and then to get other cosmetic dental work done. This ensures that your smile will look even.
Yes, especially when it’s delivered by a dental professional like Dr. Chew. Teeth whitening is 100% safe, and the only side effect is tooth sensitivity, which will go away after your treatment is over. You can get your teeth whitened with confidence at Nest Dental.