Teeth Whitening
Los Angeles

Teeth Whitening Done By Los Angeles Proffesionals

Teeth whitening is the most common dental procedure that patients ask for. Many people who do teeth whitening Los Angeles use a home kit even though a dentist is supposed to supervise. Very few people are born with brilliant white teeth, and different people have different shades of teeth color. Apart from genetics and environment, other things can cause discoloration of teeth. Tea and coffee, for instance, can stain teeth. Habits like cigarette smoking can also cause tooth discoloration. Also, if the tooth has tiny cracks, substances can penetrate the enamel and cause discoloration. After a staining substance penetrates the enamel, it reduces the amount of light reflected making the teeth to appear dull.Teeth whitening procedures administered by dentists include:

Teeth Whitening Using Professional Bleaching

Professional bleaching is a more common approach on account that it is relatively cheap and very effective. The first step is usually to assess if you are suitable to undergo the procedure. After this assessment, the dentist or dental team will use a rubber dam or gel to protect your gums. The bleaching product is then applied to the teeth in a specially designed whitening tray. Most whitening agents are made of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide as the active bleaching ingredient. The active agent works by providing oxygen to the enamel which lightens the tooth color.

This process takes about three to four weeks to complete. A minimum of two visits to the dentist are required. On the first visit, the dentist team will take impressions of your teeth and design a tray. After treatment has started, you are required to continue at home. The recommended usage is two to four weeks applying for 30 minutes to an hour. Nowadays, there are products which can be applied for eight hours at a time meaning the bleaching process can be done in less than a week.

Teeth Whitening Using Laser Whitening

Also referred to as power whitening, this method involves using a bleaching agent and a high-intensity laser light to achieve a lighter shade. A rubber dam is used to protect your gums from the bleaching product. After applying the product on the teeth, a high-intensity light is passed over the teeth to activate the bleaching chemical. The purpose of the light is to speed up the reaction that the chemical undergoes to achieve color change faster.

Power whitening is more expensive than professional bleaching. This can be attributed to the short turnaround time. Whereas professional bleaching takes two to four weeks, power whitening only takes one hour at the dentist’s office. You can also achieve a lighter shade using laser whitening. A few people who visit teeth whitening Los Angeles dentists complain of tooth sensitivity during or after whitening. Apart from being sensitive to cold, other side effects include a sore throat and white patches on the gums. These side effects usually go away after a few days. It is believed that the results of either method last for about three years. However, this will vary from one person to another and some factors like smoking, eating and drinking staining foods, etc. can reduce this period.

More On Teeth Whitening Using Laser Whitening Procedure In Los Angeles

The procedure involves a strong bleaching agent and laser treatment which enhances and quickens the gel for fast and dramatic results. Teeth can be lightened by up to eight shades. Typically, the concentration of hydrogen peroxide on most of these bleaching agents is 25 to 40%. With such a high concentration, precautions have to be taken to prevent damage to the mouth. The dentist will either use a;

• Specially formulated rubber dam to cover the gums
• A cheek retractor
• Desensitizing product such as fluoride
• Desensitizing toothpaste

This is to protect the gums and cheeks from getting into contact with the bleaching gel. After the procedure, there is no need to follow up at home with continual bleaching like in professional bleaching.

Teeth Whitening Procedure In Los Angeles

The cost will vary depending on the system at the dentist’s office. You may also need more than one treatment, all of which are billed; and the office will determine how many treatments are needed. Overall, this treatment is the most expensive of all. The American Dental Association (ADA) also doesn’t think the treatment is safe because of the high concentration gels although the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) have approved. Also, not every person is a candidate, and a dental exam is due before the procedure. Gum disease and gingivitis will deem the patient unfit for laser whitening. Some side effects like white patches on the inside of the cheeks and gums can be noticed, but these go away after a few days. Remember that any whitening procedure is deemed cosmetic and will not be covered by insurance.

Other Teeth Whitening Options In Los Angeles

Other than laser whitening, you can use other methods to whiten your teeth including OTC (over the counter) treatments. Results are not as dramatic and generally, take more than a week. They are;

• Professional bleaching – You can either choose a home application or in-office teeth whitening Los Angeles. The latter involves repeat visits to the office while home application requires only one application at the office and the rest at home. They yield better results because of the application method and concentration of the bleaching agent.
• Toothpaste and Whitening rinses – Rinses are used like mouthwash, and the toothpaste has a bit of bleaching agent.  They generally achieve one or two shades lighter color.
• Whitening trays – This is a whitening gel inside a tray and can be applied for up to 8 hours a day for best results. An advantage is that is can be used when you’re asleep.
• Whitening strips – In this method, a thin transparent strip is lined with whitening gel on one side. The strip is applied to the teeth and left for a while to work on the teeth surface.
• Paint-on gel – The whitening gel containing the bleaching agent is directly applied to the teeth.
• Chewing gum whiteners – The gum has the bleaching agent and is supposedly better at reaching all the surfaces.