Looking to brighten your smile? University Dental Family Dentistry and Orthodontics in San Diego specializes in teeth whitening, getting rid of unwanted stains and discolorations on your teeth to give you a bright and radiant smile.
Call today at (619) 582-4224
Teeth whitening, one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures, is when a dentist lightens the shade of your teeth to get rid of any discoloration or stains. Teeth whitening procedures are usually used to return teeth to their original color, but oftentimes people opt for even whiter and brighter smiles to make their smile really stand out.
A survey from the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry indicated that 48% of people think a smile is the most memorable feature after first meeting someone. Aside from making great first impressions, a bright white smile can boost confidence and encourage social interaction, especially with people who are self-conscious about revealing their discolored teeth when smiling or laughing in public.
Teeth whitening is not a permanent treatment, but the effects typically last between six months to two years, depending on how well you care for your teeth. Avoiding smoking and stain-inducing beverages like wine, coffee, and tea will ensure the longest-lasting results.
Every individual is different, but in general, you will only need a teeth whitening touch-up once a year if you avoid staining agents and take good care of your teeth.
Teeth whitening is a safe procedure when performed by a dental professional using high-quality whitening products from reputable vendors, with virtually no risk of damaging the tooth enamel or gums. Additionally, the active ingredients in professional teeth whitening products ā such as carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide ā are non-toxic in this application.
Although you might experience some sensitivity in the few days following treatment, the effect is temporary and can be alleviated with an over-the-counter pain reliever. Your dentist might also recommend a special toothpaste to use prior to and after the procedure to help with sensitivity issues.
Teeth whitening products do not cause damage to dental restorations such as fillings, dental crowns, veneers, and dental implants, but because existing restorations are shaded to match your pre-whitened teeth, they will retain the same shade after treatment and might not match anymore. A slight difference in tooth color might not be noticeable, but if the whitening is dramatic, you might want to replace the restorations to match.
Almost anyone with stained or discolored teeth is a good candidate for teeth whitening, with a few exceptions. Teeth whitening is not recommended for those who are pregnant or nursing, and if you have gum disease, cracked teeth, or cavities, you will need to have the issue corrected before whitening your teeth.
Professional teeth whitening changes the color of the tooth enamel, while whitening toothpastesāeven those that contain peroxideāonly clean surface stains and donāt actually change the color of the tooth. Plus, teeth whitening treatment from a dentist will ensure youāre achieving the shade you want, making it much more customizable compared to toothpastes or over-the-counter whitening treatments.
Professional teeth whitening treatments typically cost anywhere from $300-$800, with extensive in-office procedures costing a bit more. Because teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure, dental insurance policies donāt usually cover it, but most dental offices offer financing plans to help with the expense.
University Dental offers expert teeth whitening at our San Diego office. If you have teeth stains or tooth discoloration, our teeth whitening team can help. If you are interested in scheduling a free consultation, give us a call at (619) 582-4224.
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