Tooth Whitening Procedures

Tooth whitening is one of the most common cosmetic dental services provided by dentists, and there are a growing number of tooth whitening procedures, from the professional bleaching sessions at your dentists’ office to over-the-counter whitening systems that can be purchased from your local drugstore.

Most of us are born with sparkling white teeth, thanks to its enamel surface. Composed mostly of crystalline calcium phosphate, the tooth enamel is designed to protect the tooth from bacteria and the effects of chewing, gnashing, trauma, and acid attacks caused by sugar. Over time, however, tooth enamel wears down and allows the yellowish color of dentin – the tooth’s core material – to show.

A darker–than–white tooth color can be caused by variety of factors. There is a direct correlation of age and tooth color. Over the years, tooth color is darkened by stain accumulation and regular wear and tear. Eating, drinking, and smoking habits also heavily affect tooth color. Regular consumption of wine, soda, coffee, tea, and other dark-colored food and beverages can cause stains to develop on the surface of the teeth.

Tooth whitening Los Angeles is the process of removing stains and debris that have accumulated on one’s teeth over time, which offers the possibility of restoring the tooth’s original surface color. There are a number of whitening options available to consumers today, all of which rely on differing peroxide concentration and have varying application and result times. Tooth whitening, however, is not a permanent solution and will require "touch–ups" from time to time.

In-office whitening provides the quickest way to whiter teeth. This method of tooth whitening Los Angeles involves the application of a highly-concentrated hydrogen peroxide gel directly onto the teeth, tailored to a particular patient. This process may also be used in combination with heat, a special light, and laser. Treatment time is usually around one hour, and several sessions are needed to achieve the best results.

Other methods are also available, like over-the-counter whitening strips and gels to home whitening kits. Dentists nowadays often provide tooth whitening Los Angeles kits that offer the same results over a longer period of time. The main advantage of these methods of whitening teeth is their lower cost. However, some who use this technique might not be a good candidate for teeth whitening. It is always best to consult a professional first to make sure you are doing it correctly.