Teeth Whitening Information

Are stains and discoloration causing you to hide your smile? If so, professional teeth whitening can give you that brilliant smile you've always wanted. This cosmetic dentistry procedure can be completed in a relatively short time frame and yields immediate results.

Teeth Whitening Candidates

Before you can undergo professional teeth whitening, your cosmetic dentist must determine if you are an ideal candidate for the procedure. Your dentist will thoroughly examine your teeth and mouth and review with you how beneficial teeth whitening can be for your specific case. Ideal candidates for teeth whitening are those who have natural, unrestored teeth that are stained or discolored due to liquids, such as coffee or tea, smoking, or age.

Procedure Overview

To begin the teeth whitening treatment, your dentist will gently clean the plaque off your teeth and isolate your gums with a barrier, so they will not come in contact with the whitening solution. Then, the peroxide-based whitening gel is applied to your teeth. A special light is used to activate the gel, which will safely lift the stains from your teeth and give you that bright, white smile. The entire process takes approximately one hour and can whiten your smile up to 10 shades. After the treatment, you may notice increased tooth sensitivity, which should dissipate within a few days.

Whitening Results

With professional teeth whitening, teeth can become between six to ten shades whiter. However, while your smile will always be whiter than it was prior to treatment, the results aren't permanent. A good oral hygiene regimen and avoiding staining elements, such as coffee, tea, and cigarettes, can maintain your results even longer. If necessary, touch-up kits are available to help keep your smile as white as it was when you left the office. For more information about cosmetic dentistry treatments such as teeth whitening, contact our Santa Barbara dental center today.