Teeth Whitening
Teeth Whitening Services in Arcadia, CA
If you have yellow or stained teeth that don’t respond to preventive measures like brushing and visiting the dentist, consider professional teeth whitening. At his practice in Arcadia, California, cosmetic dentist Hanfu Lee, DDS, proudly offers Zoom teeth whitening as well as internal teeth bleaching. To achieve a brighter, whiter smile, schedule an appointment by calling the office or booking online today.
How Your Teeth Stain
There are two types of staining: intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic stains occur when the inner structure of the tooth, called dentin, darkens or yellows over time. Often, this type of stain is the result of excessive fluoride exposure as a child, tetracycline antibiotics, or facial trauma. Unfortunately, intrinsic stains do not respond to whitening or bleaching solution.
Extrinsic stains, on the other hand, are the result of pigment-heavy foods and beverages, such as tea, coffee, and wine. Tobacco use is also a big contributor to extrinsic stains. The outer layer of our teeth, the enamel, is porous and picks up these types of stains as we age. During your initial appointment, Hanfu Lee, DDS will be able to determine if your stains qualify for a professional whitening treatment.
What Is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dentistry procedure that uses medical-grade chemicals to eradicate stains and discoloration from the surface of your teeth. Most modern teeth whitening solutions use carbamide peroxide, a byproduct of hydrogen peroxide. Before being released to the general public, teeth whitening treatments undergo vigorous testing by regulatory bodies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
In-Office Whitening
During your appointment, we first place a rubber sheet over your gums to protect them during the whitening process. Next, we apply a high-concentration bleaching gel directly to the surfaces of your teeth. The gel is usually left on the teeth for about 20 to 30 minutes. In some cases, we may aim a LED light at the teeth to activate the gel and improve your results. Once your time is up, we may reapply a new coat of bleaching gel. This process is repeated until we achieve the desired results. In-office treatment may also take several appointments.
Before we begin treatment, we may take photographs of your teeth to establish a baseline and monitor your progress. By the end of your treatment, your teeth could be up to eight shades whiter than your baseline! Whitening treatment may lead to tooth sensitivity. For this reason, we may ask that your brush with a desensitizing toothpaste in the days or weeks following your appointment.
At-Home Whitening
Unfortunately, the whitening process is an ongoing one. Your teeth may collect stains, depending on your diet and personal habits. As a part of your ongoing treatment, we may recommend an at-home system. This involves the use of milder whitening gel and a bleaching tray. We will take an impression of your teeth to ensure your tray is custom-fit to your mouth. A custom-fit tray provides more effective results than stock or boil-and-bite tray.
Although the gel may be milder than the high-concentration solution we offer, it will still be stronger than store-bought products. Many people try whitening toothpaste, strips, rinses, and gels before they move forward with professional treatment. Many people also find that these store-bought alternatives do not provide satisfactory results.
How Can I Prevent Stains Following Teeth Whitening Treatment?
Following teeth whitening treatment, there’s no way to prevent stains entirely. However, you can significantly lower your risk by brushing twice daily, flossing regularly, using a fluoride-based mouthwash, and visiting Dr. Lee regularly for oral exams and cleanings.
Schedule Your Appointment
If you’d like to learn more about the various teeth whitening treatments at the office of Hanfu Lee, DDS, call 626-447-0888 to speak with a friendly team member or book online today.