Cosmetic Dentistry
Teeth Whitening in Long Beach, CA
Do you want to brighten up your smile? When it comes to tooth whitening, you have two options: in-office whitening or at-home whitening. Peroxide-based bleaching agents are used in all tooth whitening options. Peroxide levels in materials used in at-home systems range from 3% to 20%. Peroxide concentrations in-office systems range from 15% to 43%. In-Office Teeth Whitening: Teeth whitening performed by the dentist will brighten your teeth more quickly. Unlike at-home packs, the bleaching solution is typically much more potent. To enhance the whitening process, heat, light, or a combination of both heat and light may be used. Procedure: Every in-office teeth whitening process follows a similar pattern. A dentist will... *Take a shade measurement of your teeth. *Use pumice to polish your teeth. *Use a cheek retractor to expose all of your visible teeth when you smile. *Protect your eyes, gums, and lips from the bleaching gel. *Use a whitening gel to whiten your teeth. *Instruct you to rinse your mouth thoroughly with water. *Polish your teeth with pumice once more (if necessary). *Examine the level of whitening to determine whether the treatment should be repeated. *Use extra whitening gel, if required. *Rinse your mouth and remove your cheek retractors. *Take your ultimate shade of teeth.
Take-Home Teeth Whitening Trays: Like other techniques for brightening a person's smile, take-home trays utilize a bleaching chemical such as hydrogen or carbamide peroxide to eliminate discoloration caused by poor dental hygiene, certain meals, and cigarette use. Continue reading to discover four crucial facts about this tooth whitening therapy. Making a custom-fitted tray takes time Patients who use whitening trays from a dentist are given a custom-fitted tray designed to fit tightly around the teeth. These trays provide more space for inserting the bleaching solution and are designed to ensure that the bleaching solution reaches all parts of the tooth without spilling onto the gums. It takes around two weeks to complete the therapy For most people, wearing the trays for an hour a day for two weeks is sufficient. This, however, will vary based on the demands of the patient and the type of bleaching agent employed. It is essential to follow instructions Patients who prefer take-home teeth whitening trays, as opposed to in-office bleaching, apply the solution themselves. The dentist will give you precise instructions on preparing your teeth, inserting the solution into the trays, how long to wear the trays, and cleaning your teeth afterward. Each patient's outcome is unique While many individuals believe that teeth whitening always results in beautiful, brilliantly white teeth, this is not always the case. Extrinsic stains that develop over time due to a person's diet may typically be removed with bleaching, while intrinsic discoloration caused by heredity, medicine, or trauma may not be reversible. Reasons for Tooth Discoloration: The following are the main reasons why teeth would get stains and would need teeth whitening treatment… *Coffee, tea, colas, wines, and some fruits and vegetables. *Tobacco use, whether smoking or chewing, can discolor teeth. *Too little brushing, flossing, and rinsing to get rid of plaque and stain-causing chemicals. *Diseases that damage the enamel and dentin. *Antibiotics tetracycline and doxycycline are known to discolor developing teeth. *Chlorhexidine and cetylpyridinium chloride mouth rinses and washes can also discolor teeth. *Some dental materials, such as amalgam restorations, can give teeth a gray-black appearance. *Excessive fluoride, either from environmental sources or through excessive usage.
Why Do I Need to Whiten My Teeth? Before you whiten your teeth, think about why you want to improve your smile in the first place. Patients seek teeth whitening for various reasons, one of which is to enhance their confidence by having a beautiful, healthy smile. Other reasons for tooth whitening include… *Trying to attain a more youthful appearance. *If you're getting married or attending a significant occasion. *Fighting against years of aging and wear on teeth. *Reversing the appearance of yellow and brown imperfections caused by accident. The list goes on and on, but they all lead to the same objective and purpose: giving you the grin you've always desired. Yellow teeth aren't necessarily a sign that you're neglecting your oral hygiene. There are various other elements in a person's lifestyle that might contribute to tooth darkening or yellowing - it isn't always linked to their health.






























