Teeth Whitening Rancho Bernardo

How Can I Make My Teeth Whitening Results Last?

Depending on how well you take care of your teeth after the procedure, the results from your teeth whitening can last anywhere from a few months to a few years. The best thing you can do to extend the lifespan of your results is to implement solid dental hygiene, as well as making regular preventive visits to our office. You can also limit those foods that can contribute to a darker smile, like coffee and wine.

Am I a Candidate for Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening is safe and effective, so most people who are interested in brightening their smile are good candidates for the procedure. The only potential issue is if you’re currently dealing with tooth decay or gum disease, as these problems could potentially create complications for the whitening treatment. In this case, we will usually take the time to deal with your issues before whitening your teeth.

Does Teeth Whitening Work on Dental Crowns?

Teeth whitening is effective because the whitening solution is able to penetrate into the teeth and lift stains. Dental crowns, however, aren’t nearly as porous as your natural teeth. This means that it’s not really possible to use professional whitening to change the color of your dental crown. If you’re unhappy with the way your restoration looks, the only option available to you is usually to replace it entirely.

Is Teeth Whitening Safe?

Teeth whitening is completely safe when performed by a trained professional. We’ll be able to customize the strength of your whitening treatment to your unique needs, and can check to ensure that you aren’t dealing with any oral health problems that could cause complications for treatment.

If you decide, however, to make use of store bough whitening treatments, your safety can’t necessarily be guaranteed. Many of these products aren’t approved by the FDA or ADA, which means that there could be hidden risks associated with their use. If you want whiter teeth, it’s best to see a professional.

What’s the Difference Between Professional and Store-Bought Teeth Whitening?

There are actually a few key differences, starting with the products used. While store-bought options use one-size-fits-all applicators and diluted whitening gels, professional treatments use custom trays as well as high-quality, reliable, and safe whitening gels.

Another noteworthy difference is that professional treatments begin with a consultation, which allows your dentist to assess the health of your teeth, review your dental history, and learn about your smile goals. The same cannot be said for over-the-counter alternatives, which is why they consistently leave patients feeling disappointed.

How Long Does Teeth Whitening Treatment Take?

With our take-home whitening treatments, patients often notice improvements after just one use. That said, it usually takes two weeks to achieve the full results. During that time, it’s important that you avoid doing anything that could hinder your results, like smoking. It’s also important that you implement good habits into your daily routine, like brushing each morning and evening for two full minutes.

Is There Anything I Shouldn’t Eat Following My Teeth Whitening Treatment?

Yes! In an effort to keep your teeth nice and bright, we recommend avoiding dark-colored foods, like blackberries and chocolate. Instead, stick to light-colored foods, like egg whites, bananas, plain yogurt, cottage cheese, and white fish.

Do Teeth Whitening Treatments Hurt?

No, teeth whitening treatments don’t hurt. Take-home solutions are especially comfortable because the stain-lifting process is more gradual than in-office alternatives. With all of that said, if you’re worried about the smile makeover process or you’re prone to dental sensitivity, don’t hesitate to let our cosmetic dentist in San Diego know! That way, they can guide you through what to do to prevent unpleasant symptoms like this, including using a desensitizing toothpaste and sticking to room-temperature water.

Can I Drink Coffee After Whitening My Teeth?

We do not recommend drinking coffee (or any other dark-colored beverages) immediately following your teeth whitening treatment. Even after you do get the green light, you should always use a straw to prevent the liquid from coming in contact with your teeth. Then, when you’re done, rinse your mouth with water and brush your teeth.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Teeth Whitening?

Usually, dental insurance providers don’t cover any elective treatments, including teeth whitening. Fortunately, that’s not the only financial solution available. At our office, we also welcome CareCredit flexible financing, which allows you to space out the cost of your care into smaller, more manageable chunks.