What You Should Know About Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic treatment we offer at La Jolla Dental Image Group, in La Jolla, CA. Before you get your teeth whitened, here are some things you should know about the treatment.

What Are Teeth Whitening Treatments?

There is a lot that goes into taking care of your teeth and it is more than just a good oral health routine. Visiting your dentist every six months for regular dental cleanings and exams is vital for dental health. While having your teeth whitened may not be medically necessary, it is the most popular treatment to enhance your smile.

There is a wide range of teeth whitening treatments you can choose from including at-home kits and professional whitening treatments. At-home whitening products are a popular affordable and convenient alternative to getting your teeth professionally whitened. However, even though at-home kits can get the job done, professional whitening treatments offer a longer-term and more effective solution to whitening your teeth. 

Why Are Teeth Whitening Treatments Needed?

Your teeth act like sponges that absorb everything you eat and drink. Poor diet and lifestyle choices, the natural aging process, certain medications, and illnesses can change the coloration of your teeth. Gratefully, teeth whitening products can help revitalize your teeth leaving you with a smile radiant. If you have tooth stains or if your teeth have gradually become discolored or stained, teeth whitening is an effective solution to enhance your smile line by dissolving the color stains your teeth have absorbed over time.

How Does The Teeth Whitening Process Work?

One of the most important things to know about getting your teeth whitened is how the procedure works. Teeth whitening is a simple and effective cosmetic dental treatment that enhances your smile in as little as one treatment. Our professional teeth whitening treatment uses a safe but powerful whitening gel that is applied to the outer surface of your teeth. This gel works to reduce the appearance of stains, discoloration, and yellowing on the tooth enamel. 

Once the gel is applied, a strong whitening light activates the whitening gel for maximum effect. The duration of the process & concentration of the whitening gel will be based on the color choice made at the start of the procedure. Professional teeth whitening can give you a noticeably whiter smile that will boost your self-esteem and confidence in as little as one visit. 

When Should You Get A Teeth Whitening Treatment?

As a cosmetic treatment, teeth whitening should happen after all major dental treatments have been completed. If you are considering a professional whitening treatment, it is best to schedule it for after your semi-annual teeth cleaning because the whitening will take hold longer. You can also prepare for the whitening by using fluoride toothpaste that will remineralize and hydrate your teeth. 

If you currently have any dental issues, we suggest completing treatment before getting your teeth whitened as some issues can worsen or become more obvious after a whitening treatment. For instance, whitening procedures should never be performed in patients with active periodontal disease as it can lead to further inflammation of their condition.

Teeth Whitening Does Not Work On Restorations And Stains 

If you have restorations such as fillings, caps, veneers, or dental implants the typical whitening process does not work on them. Going through a tooth whitening process with restorations can affect your smile by leaving you with multi-colored teeth. Additionally, some teeth stains might also not be improved with teeth whitening treatments. 

Not to worry, if you have certain stains or restorations, other cosmetic treatment options are available. The teeth whitening experts at La Jolla Dental Image can recommend the best cosmetic treatments to enhance your smile line. 

Things To Consider Before A Tooth Whitening Treatment?

The natural color and genetic makeup of an individual’s teeth are set at birth. The goal of a whitening product is to remove all the stains that have accumulated over a period of time. At La Jolla Dental Image, we will guide you through the process of picking the right shade for you.

The longevity of the treatment is up to you. Even after you whiten your teeth, you will still need to practice good dental hygiene including daily flossing, use of mouthwash, and regular brushing to prolong the duration of the teeth whitening treatment and to keep your teeth healthy and strong.

Would I Benefit From A Teeth Whitening Treatment?

If you have changes in the color of your teeth that you want to lighten you can benefit from teeth whitening. Our dentists will work with you to determine the right type of treatment to achieve the smile aesthetic you desire. To learn more about professional teeth whitening and to schedule your consultation at our office, please call us today at 858-202-0481.