Everyone deserves a smile that they can be proud of. One of the most common ways to enhance a smile is through teeth whitening. Professional whitening achieves long-lasting results by removing stains and discoloration.
Teeth whitening can help you achieve a brighter, more beautiful smile. Oak Tree Dental offers teeth whitening procedures in Poway and the surrounding area so you can smile with confidence. Call us at (858) 748-2101 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.
Benefits of teeth whitening at the dentist’s office
Teeth whitening at the dentist's office is the safest and most effective method of achieving whiter teeth. In-office whitening occurs under carefully monitored conditions. Teeth whitening under professional supervision allows for safe, controlled, pain-free treatment.
Professional whitening products use a stronger concentration of hydrogen peroxide than over-the-counter products. Thus the whitening process takes less time to achieve better results. Treatment under a dentist's care ensures that sensitive gums are not irritated during the whitening process. The results should be long-lasting with careful oral hygiene practices.
“Teeth whitening under professional supervision allows for safe, controlled, pain-free treatment.”
What to expect at the consultation
Before the teeth whitening procedure, people will need to attend a consultation. This appointment will allow the patient to discuss their dental history, overall health, and teeth goals. It is also crucial to bring up any ongoing dental issues, such as teeth and gum problems that will require treatment before teeth whitening can occur.
We will also examine the patient's teeth to see if they will benefit from whitening treatments. It is important to note that existing dental work, such as crowns and veneers, will not respond to conventional whitening agents. If treatments are a viable option, we will help determine which whitening product or technique will be the most effective.
“This appointment will allow the patient to discuss their dental history, overall health, and teeth goals.”
Teeth whitening treatment length
Teeth whitening done in the office is the quickest method to whiten teeth. People can achieve much brighter teeth more quickly in-office because the concentration of bleaching solution is much stronger than other options. Professional teeth whitening requires an appointment.
Teeth can get three to eight shades whiter with several 30 to 60-minute sessions. Other tooth whitening treatments are available that can whiten teeth in a single two-hour session. People interested in teeth whitening should contact us for information about the available treatment options.
“Teeth whitening done in the office is the quickest method to whiten teeth.”
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Teeth whitening at the dentist is best for people with moderate to severe discoloration and staining. These stains can occur due to aging, smoking, medications, and certain foods and drinks. People with yellow or brown discoloration on their teeth are ideal candidates for professional teeth whitening. Pregnant and lactating women should also not receive teeth whitening.
We do not recommend teeth whitening for people with gum disease, worn down enamel, and existing decay. Cavities and damage will require treatment before a person can whiten their teeth. People with teeth that are gray or purple may not respond to bleaching. People interested in teeth whitening can speak with our team to determine the best-suited options for their needs.
“Teeth whitening at the dentist is best for people with moderate to severe discoloration and staining.”
Questions answered on this page
Q. What are the benefits of teeth whitening at a dentist's office?
Q. What happens during a consultation for teeth whitening?
Q. How long does teeth whitening treatment take?
Q. Who can get their teeth whitened at the dentist?
Q. How can people maintain their results?
People also ask
Q. What are cosmetic dental services?
Q. What restorative methods can help patients improve their smiles?
Q. What are the benefits of dental cosmetics?
Q. Why should someone see a cosmetic dentist?
Q. What are the benefits of teeth whitening?
Q. Is teeth whitening the same as teeth bleaching?
Follow-up care
Although professional teeth whitening is not permanent, people can help their results last longer with proper care and maintenance. People should avoid smoking and food and drinks that stain teeth, such as coffee, tea, or red wine. It is also essential to brush teeth twice a day, floss daily, and use mouthwash to reduce plaque.
People can also use whitening toothpaste as per the dentist's recommendation, such as Colgate Total SF Fresh + Whitening ™ Toothpaste, hello® Naturally Whitening Toothpaste, or Colgate® Optic White® Toothpaste. Keep up with regular dental appointments for teeth cleaning. Patients can discuss touch-up treatments at six-month intervals with our team.
“Although professional teeth whitening is not permanent, people can help their results last longer with proper care and maintenance.”
Teeth bleaching vs teeth whitening
People often use the two terms for the same service. Whitening is the general word for making teeth lighter by any method, and bleaching refers to using a peroxide gel to do it. The gels used at the dentist and in take-home kits are both peroxide-based, and they differ in strength and in how they are used.
Because the gel is a bleaching agent, whitening should be planned around your teeth and gums. A dentist checks them first and protects your gums during the visit, which a store-bought product does not include.
In-office vs at-home whitening
In-office whitening is done at the dental office. Your dentist chooses the method for your teeth, uses a gel with a higher strength than store-bought kits and looks after your gums as the visit goes on. A session usually takes 30 to 60 minutes, and how many sessions you need depends on how deeply the teeth are discolored.
At-home whitening uses a kit that you apply yourself, and it is meant to work more gradually. It suits people with healthy gums, light staining and little dental work on visible teeth, so ask your dentist whether it is right for you. A Zoom take-home kit for touch-ups is available from our office, and our team can show you how to use it. Used too often or the wrong way, a take-home product can irritate the gums and increase sensitivity, so follow the directions.
Frequently asked questions
It is considered a safe procedure. There are possible side effects, though. The teeth may become more sensitive during treatment. Gums can become irritated from the whitening process. These symptoms should go away once the whitening products are no longer being used.
A professional tooth cleaning removes plaque and tartar, which makes the teeth whitening procedure more effective. It also helps to keep the color uniform while whitening. During the dental cleaning appointment, the exam can identify any tooth decay or gum diseases that need to be treated before whitening.
Whitening products only work on natural teeth. A person with implants, crowns, or bridges can speak with our team about maintaining tooth coloration across all teeth. People with previous dental work can still receive a whitening treatment.
Our dental team can assess a patient's oral health to determine the right treatment course to get the desired results. Gum disease and tooth decay may need to be treated before whitening for the desired results. A consultation from our dental team will help you find solutions for good oral health.
Most dental insurance plans do not cover teeth whitening or other cosmetic procedures. Every insurance plan is different. People interested in teeth whitening should contact their insurance provider for more information.
Professional teeth whitening is done at the dental office. Your dentist checks your teeth and gums first, then explains the method before treatment starts.
Yes. Zoom whitening is one of the in-office whitening options at our Poway office. To ask which option suits you, call (858) 748-2101.
Zoom and other light-activated whitening are offered at our Poway office. Your dentist reviews your teeth at the visit and explains each option before you choose.
Your dentist first protects your gums, then applies a peroxide-based gel to the teeth. The peroxide moves into the enamel and breaks down the molecules that cause stains, so the teeth reflect more light and look lighter. Some in-office methods use a special light as part of the process.
Some people notice tooth sensitivity or gum irritation during or after whitening. Your dentist protects your gums first and wants to hear about any discomfort straight away, so tell us if anything feels uncomfortable.
It depends on the method, on your teeth and on habits such as tobacco use or frequent coffee, tea and red wine. Whitening is not permanent, and touch-ups may be needed about every six months. Individual results vary.
Smoking can darken teeth, and whitening can lighten stains on the surface. Teeth differ, and some respond less to whitening than others. Your dentist tells you what to expect and, if whitening does not give the shade you want, talks through other options such as veneers.
Smoking, tobacco, and drinks like coffee, tea and wine stain the outer surface of a tooth. Darker tones inside the tooth come with age and with some medicines. Your dentist looks at the cause when planning whitening.
Your dentist tells you how often, based on your teeth. Do not whiten more often than directed, because overuse can increase sensitivity.
A dentist checks your teeth and gums first, uses gels with a higher strength than store-bought kits and protects your gums during the visit. A store-bought kit does not include an exam, so ask your dentist whether whitening suits you before you start.
Oak Tree Dental offers professional teeth whitening in the office at our Poway location. Call (858) 748-2101 to ask about a visit.
Whitening changes the shade of natural teeth only, not veneers or crowns. If you are planning either one, ask your dentist whether to whiten first, because the dental work is matched to your natural teeth.
The cost depends on the method and on your teeth, so the best way to find out is to ask our team. Call (858) 748-2101.
Store-bought kits usually cost less than a visit to the dentist. The cost of dental treatment depends on the method and on your teeth, so ask our team what to expect.
Cosmetic dentistry terminology
Bleachorexia is when people continue to abuse teeth whitening solutions without consulting professionals, causing significant damage to their enamel and gums in the process.
Cosmetic dentistry is generally used to refer to any dental work that improves the appearance (though not necessarily the function) of a person’s teeth, gums and/or bite.
Deeper teeth stains are stains that require professional oral health services and can result from certain foods, beverages or improper oral hygiene.
Dentin hypersensitivity is when the enamel wears down on the tooth enough that the dentin faces exposure and will cause great levels of pain when a person applies pressure to the tooth or drinks hot/cold beverages.
A dentist, also known as a dental surgeon, is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity.
Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical compound in teeth whitening solutions that patients use to whiten the shade of their teeth.
Relief ACP stands for amorphous calcium phosphate, which helps to relieve the pain in sensitive teeth in a gel form.
Stained dentin can result from certain foods and beverages with a lack of proper brushing. Dental professionals can provide whitening treatments to brighten the teeth.
The surface enamel is the hard outer shell that protects the dentin and pulp of the teeth. The enamel is the surface that people see when one smiles.
Call us today
Teeth whitening is a safe and effective way to achieve the smile that you have always wanted. Oak Tree Dental can help. Call us today at 858-748-2101 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.
Individual results vary. How long a treatment lasts, and how it looks and feels, depends on each patient.