Professional Teeth Whitening in Bakersfield, CA

Let Your Smile Shine with Teeth Whitening at Gentle Family Dentistry

Do you struggle with the appearance of yellow teeth? Are you looking to get rid of noticeable tooth stains? A beautiful smile can drastically improve your self-confidence and self-esteem. However, heavy discoloration or stains on your teeth can cause embarrassment and reduce the attractiveness of your smile. Luckily, professional teeth whitening is an effective cosmetic dentistry solution that can bring back the whiteness of teeth.

If you’re ready to achieve those smile goals, contact our cosmetic dentist in Bakersfield, Dr. Jonathan Garger, by calling 661-664-9900.

What Is Professional Teeth Whitening?

Professional teeth whitening is a dental procedure that brightens the color of your teeth. It uses a powerful bleaching agent that removes stains and discoloration from teeth. Unlike over-the-counter teeth whitening products, professional teeth whitening procedures are performed under the supervision of a dentist and are proven to be more effective.

There are two main types of professional teeth whitening methods that dentists typically offer:

• In-Office Whitening: This is a chairside procedure where our dentist applies a strong bleaching gel to the teeth and may use a special light or laser to enhance the whitening process. The entire procedure usually takes about an hour, and patients will usually see results right away.
• Take-Home Whitening Kits: Dentists may provide custom-fitted trays and a professional-grade whitening gel for patients to use at home. These kits allow individuals to whiten their teeth at their own pace, following the dentist’s instructions.

Over-the-counter teeth whitening products, such as whitening toothpastes, whitening strips, or a teeth whitening pen, don’t offer the same results as professional treatments. They can also cause harm to your teeth.

Teeth Whitening Benefits

Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental procedure that allows patients to experience benefits!

Improved Appearance

The most obvious benefit is a brighter, whiter smile. Teeth whitening effectively removes stains and discoloration, enhancing the overall appearance of your teeth and making you feel more confident when you flash those pearly whites.

Youthful Image

Whiter teeth are often associated with youthfulness. By eliminating stains and yellowing, teeth whitening can contribute to a more youthful and vibrant appearance and also improve your self-esteem.

Minimized Stains

Teeth whitening procedures effectively target and remove stains caused by various factors, such as coffee, tea, red wine, tobacco, and certain foods. This can help maintain a cleaner, healthier-looking smile.

Non-Invasive Treatment

Teeth whitening is a non-invasive, non-surgical cosmetic dental procedure. Unlike other dental treatments, it typically doesn’t involve needles, drills, or major dental work.

Customization

Teeth whitening can be customized to meet individual preferences and needs. Whether through professional in-office treatments or at-home kits, individuals can choose the level of whitening that suits them best.

The Teeth Whitening Treatment Process

When you visit our Bakersfield dental office for teeth whitening treatments, you can expect the following to happen during the tooth whitening process:

1. Initial Consultation: You’ll meet with our Bakersfield dentist to assess the current condition of your teeth, discuss your oral health history, and determine if you’re a suitable candidate for teeth whitening.
2. Teeth Cleaning: The first step in the actual treatment is to clean your teeth thoroughly. This involves removing any plaque, tartar, and surface stains. This cleaning ensures that the whitening agent can penetrate the teeth more effectively.
3. Protection: We’ll place a barrier (often a rubber dam or protective gel) around the gums to shield them.
4. Whitening Agent Application: A high-concentration peroxide gel is then applied to the teeth. This whitening gel is much stronger than the ones available in over-the-counter whitening products, such as teeth whitening strips.
5. Activation: Some whitening systems use a special light or laser to activate the peroxide gel and enhance its bleaching effect.
6. Rinse: After the desired shade is achieved, or once the maximum time has been reached, our dentist will rinse off the gel.

Maintaining Your Teeth Whitening Results

After your professional teeth whitening treatment, you’ll want to take extra care of your teeth to ensure long-lasting results. Our cosmetic dentist may recommend:

• Avoid staining foods and beverages
• Avoid acidic foods and drinks
• No smoking
• Brush gently
• Rinse with water after meals
• Limit alcohol consumption
• Use a straw
• Consider touch-up whitening treatments
• Maintain good oral hygiene
• Schedule regular dental visits

Who Isn’t a Candidate for Teeth Whitening?

When it comes to determining if teeth whitening is best for you, visit Gentle Family Dentistry. Our Bakersfield dentist will evaluate your oral health and the cause of your tooth discoloration. Some people may not be suitable for professional teeth whitening, such as those who have:

• Tooth sensitivity or sensitive gums
• Tooth decay or gum disease
• Tooth-colored fillings, crowns, or veneers
• Allergies to the bleaching agent used in the procedure

Types of Teeth Whitening

With various teeth whitening options available today, patients often have the pleasure of choosing a teeth whitening solution that will work best for their goals.

In-Office Teeth Whitening

There are various brands of in-office teeth whitening that a dentist may offer, such as:

• Zoom Whitening (by Philips): This brand uses a special light to activate a hydrogen peroxide gel, whitening teeth in about 45 minutes.
• Opalescence Boost: It uses a chemically activated formula, meaning it doesn’t need light for activation.
• LaserSmile (by Biolase): Uses a laser to activate the whitening gel.

Take-Home Teeth Whitening Kits

• Opalescence PF Take-Home Whitening Kit: Features customized teeth whitening trays and a range of concentration options.
• DayWhite and NiteWhite (by Philips) Whitening Kit: Take-home systems that provide options for both daytime and overnight wear.

Deep Bleaching

The KöR Whitening Deep Bleaching System is known for its ability to whiten even tetracycline-stained teeth.

Internal Tooth Bleaching

For teeth that have undergone a root canal and are discolored from the inside, a dentist can perform internal bleaching. The dentist places whitening agents inside the tooth and seals it. After a few days, the tooth is checked, and the process might be repeated or finalized with a permanent restoration.

The Cost of Teeth Whitening

On average, patients can expect to spend between $500 and $1,000 on professional teeth whitening services. Various factors will affect the cost of your teeth whitening treatment, including:

• Your location
• Type of teeth whitening method used
• Your dentist’s experience
• The duration and number of sessions needed
• Additional procedures

In most cases, dental insurance won’t cover the costs of teeth whitening treatments, as they’re considered elective procedures. We always recommend reaching out to your insurance provider to learn more about your plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Smile Freely with Newfound Confidence, Thanks to Teeth Whitening!

Are you ready for a brighter smile? Don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with our dentist in Bakersfield to discuss your teeth whitening options. Contact our dentist today for your professional whitening treatment consultation by calling 661-664-9900.