Teeth Whitening in Santa Rosa

Teeth Bleaching

Having a beautiful smile may be even easier than you think. Many people achieve the look they’ve been dreaming of with our simple “bleaching” procedure.

It’s safe, quick, and inexpensive. Just let us know at any appointment if you would like to begin bleaching. You can lighten only your upper teeth or both the upper and lower, depending on how much of each shows when you talk and smile.

What can cause tooth discoloration?

There are many causes. The most common include aging and consumption of staining substances such as coffee, tea, or tobacco. During tooth formation, consumption of tetracycline, certain antibiotics, or excessive fluoride may also cause tooth discoloration.

Who may benefit from tooth whitening?

Just about anyone can benefit from tooth whitening. However, treatment may not be as effective for some as it is for others. Upon an oral exam, your dentist can determine if you are a candidate for this procedure, including a shade assessment.

Is tooth whitening becoming more popular?

Absolutely! A bright, beautiful smile can make a big difference. From baby boomers to the X-generation, people want to look their best.

Is tooth whitening safe?

Yes, research and clinical studies indicate that whitening teeth under the supervision of a dentist are safe. In fact, many dentists consider whitening the safest cosmetic dental procedure available. As with any tooth whitening product, bleaching is not recommended for children under 13 years of age and pregnant or lactating women.

What system do you use for tooth whitening?

We use Sheer White strips which are professional strength whitening strips that are easy to use and affordable. Many of our patients whiten their teeth several times a year to maintain the shade of their teeth.

Do the results last a long time?

The longevity of results from whitening varies depending on the consumption of foods or beverages that stain teeth (turmeric, tea, coffee).

Dental bleaching can be used to correct many tooth discolorations. These discolorations may have been caused by staining, aging, or chemical damage to teeth. Using the latest in bleaching technology, we can offer a safe method for creating a beautiful, “brilliant” smile.

In cases of extreme tooth discoloration, crowns or veneers may be the only choice. But because of the low cost of bleaching treatments, bleaching is nearly always worth a solid try.

Key Benefits

• Corrects brown, yellow, and mottled tooth staining.
• Works on people of all ages.
• It is a near-permanent solution for a “dull” smile, restoring brightness and bringing a smile alive.

What is the teeth bleaching procedure?

An impression is taken to make a specialized “mouthguard” or “stent” to hold the bleach against the teeth. The material is used each night for about 3-4 hours for a week or two, after which significant whitening will occur. In some cases, the change is nothing short of brilliant.

For confidence in appearance, bleaching technology offers improvements in yellowing, aging, or stained teeth. For very severely stained teeth, crowns or veneers may be more appropriate.

Considerations

Over-the-counter bleaching agents are available at drug stores and pharmacies. However, since these products can harm the gums and teeth, it’s better to use products that our practice recommends.

Internal Bleaching

This patient came in with a darkened front tooth from a previous root canal. Dr. Heather Anderson placed a whitening solution inside the tooth to restore its natural brightness then placed a permanent restoration.