Teeth Whitening
What’s Up with Teeth Whitening?
Popular, safe and effective, teeth whitening procedures have given patients across the world a reason to smile. Your appearance can affect your social, emotional and even business success. People who smile with confidence are viewed as warm, inviting and beautiful. Now, with professional whitening systems, Dr. Arthur Gulesserian can help you achieve the pearly whites of magazine models and movie stars -- from a leading dentist in Burbank.
Why Teeth Discolor
Chemicals in foods, beverages and tobacco can change the color of your
teeth, as can the effects of aging. Medications such as tetracycline,
excessive fluoride and previous dental work may also cause unsightly
stains on your tooth enamel. Genetics can also affect the color of your
teeth. While we think of tooth enamel as white, the natural, unstained
shade of your teeth can range from pearly white to bluish gray to pale
yellow. Even if you brush and floss daily, stains can tarnish your beautiful
smile and steal the confident image you want to convey.
Teeth Whitening Options
You don’t have to live with discolored teeth. After a thorough examination,
we can recommend one the best option for whitening and brightening your
smile from in-office whitening procedures to a take-home solution like
Bright
Smile teeth whitening.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
In-office whitening through procedures such as Zoom
bleaching is one of the safest and quickest ways to safely whiten
your teeth. During this process, we will place a protective rubber dam
around your gums and apply a solution of 15 to 35 percent carbamide
peroxide, a chemical found in most bleaching products, to your teeth.
Depending on the teeth whitening
method, your dentist may also use a laser or special lamp to speed up
the bleaching process. In-office whitening can give you dazzlingly white
teeth in less than an hour
At-Home Teeth Whitening
If you’d prefer not to avoid a dental appointment, we can create
clear, customized bleaching trays for you to whiten at home. The professional-grade
at-home whitening solution usually contains 10 percent carbamide peroxide.
Simply pour the solution into your custom mouth trays and wear them
for an hour a day. You will notice whiter teeth almost immediately,
but the most dramatic results will appear after one to two weeks of
daily treatments.
Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening
You can also purchase home use whiteners over the counter such as White
Light teeth whitening. While there are so many on the market, most
of these products are not as effective as the bleaching methods available
in our office. If you prefer to use a store-bought whitening system,
ask us which product would work best for you. We want you to have a
smile you will be proud of, so we’re happy to help. Use over-the-counter
products as directed, and never use whiteners for more than the recommended
time period.
Teeth Whitening Toothpastes
If your teeth are sensitive to bleaching, your dentists may recommend
a dentifrice (whitening toothpaste). These contain chemical or polishing
agents to gently remove stains from the surface of your teeth. While
your teeth won’t be as white as if you used a bleaching system,
whitening toothpaste is safe, easy to use and can be purchased over
the counter.
After Teeth Whitening
With all whitening systems, we advise patients not to eat or drink foods
that stain or to smoke, since recently whitened teeth absorb stains.
Teeth whitening systems can also cause increased sensitivity
in your teeth and gums. These side effects pass with time, but if they
persist or other problems arise, you should contact your dentist immediately.
Teeth Whitening Alternatives
If teeth whitening bleach and other whitening procedures can’t
get your teeth as white as you’d like, veneers or bonding may
be a good solution. These cosmetic procedures are long lasting and do
not discolor or stain. In addition to whitening your smile, veneers
and bonding can cover cracks, chips, and slight misalignments.