Teeth Whitening in San Leandro, CA

Teeth whitening is a quick, non-invasive cosmetic dental treatment that can improve the appearance of your smile.

What Causes Teeth To Become Yellow Or Stained?

There are many things that can affect the color of your teeth, including what you eat and drink and your genetic makeup. But the most common cause is aging. As you get older, the enamel on your teeth thins out, giving more of the yellowish dentin beneath it a chance to show through. And as you continue to age, more staining tends to occur. Plus, certain foods, lifestyle habits, and medications can also contribute to staining. Learn more by reading our article on teeth whitening and the causes of tooth discoloration.

Teeth Whitening Treatment

The process of whitening the teeth involves using a bleaching agent; usually hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, to remove stains on the enamel and in the dentin layer of the tooth. The stains are usually a result of aging or consumption of staining agents such as coffee, red wine, tea, soda, etc. Before beginning the whitening process, your dentist will perform an oral exam to determine if your teeth are healthy enough for the treatment. If they are not, you could be referred to a general dentist for treatment before receiving a recommendation for professional teeth whitening.

Professional Teeth Whitening Vs. Over-The-Counter Products

There are two types of teeth whitening treatments available - professional teeth whitening and over-the-counter products.

Many patients try to brighten their smiles with whitening toothpaste, mouth rinses, and at-home kits. However, these products won’t give you the same results as professional teeth whitening. Most drugstore products only remove surface stains from coffee, wine, and tobacco, so they won’t offer the drastic results that come with in-office treatment.

In-office whitening treatments can brighten your smile up to eight shades in just one appointment. Plus, you get to keep the trays so you can touch up your teeth in the future. You won’t get that level of flexibility with an over-the-counter product.

During the in-office whitening treatment, the bleaching agent is applied directly to the teeth. No light is required. This process can be repeated up to 4 sessions for the maximum effect. Professional at-home whitening kits may be prescribed by the dentist as well and can be used in-between office visits to keep your smile looking amazing. 

At-home teeth whitening products use a lower concentration of the bleach than professional procedures. Therefore, patients using these products may notice that their teeth become significantly whiter after only a few treatments compared to one treatment in a professional setting. 

To learn more about dental procedures, book an appointment with our dentist in San Leandro, CA, by calling us at (510) 587-9400 or visiting us at 145 E 14th St #100, San Leandro, CA. We will be happy to guide you further.