Professional Teeth Whitening: A Whiter, Brighter Smile
Are you self-conscious about your smile due to yellow or stained teeth? At Gentle Family Dentistry, located in Bakersfield, CA, we offer professional teeth whitening services to help you achieve a brighter, more confident smile. Our experienced Bakersfield cosmetic dentist, Dr. Jonathan Garger, provides two methods of teeth whitening: ZOOM! in-office teeth whitening and take-home whitening trays. Learn why you should visit Gentle Family Dentistry for your next teeth whitening appointment.
What is Professional Teeth Whitening?
Professional teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that uses specialized techniques and materials to whiten teeth and remove stains and discoloration. There are two main methods of professional teeth whitening at Gentle Family Dentistry:
- ZOOM! in-office professional teeth whitening is an accelerated tooth whitening system that whitens teeth in one sitting with a minimum of tooth sensitivity.
- Take-home whitening trays are custom-made to fit your teeth and are filled with a whitening gel that you apply at home. Both methods are safe and effective ways to achieve a brighter, more confident smile.
Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening
There are several benefits of professional teeth whitening treatments, including:
- Improved Appearance: Professional teeth whitening can remove stains and discoloration, providing a brighter and more youthful appearance.
- Boosted Confidence: A brighter smile can boost your confidence and self-esteem, allowing you to smile more freely and comfortably.
- Safe and Effective: Professional teeth whitening options provide safer and more effective ways to whiten teeth, with minimal risk of side effects or complications.
- Customizable: Professional teeth whitening can be customized to meet your specific needs and preferences, providing a personalized treatment plan.
ZOOM! In-Office Teeth Whitening Procedure
Initial Consultation
Before deciding whether ZOOM! in-office teeth whitening is right for you, Dr. Garger, your cosmetic dentist will conduct a comprehensive examination of your teeth and gums to ensure proper health, as well as talk with you about your oral hygiene and lifestyle habits to determine if you will benefit from whitening. This will help you and Dr. Garger agree on the whitening product or technique that’s best for you.
Preparation
The complete procedure takes less than one hour, but a regular teeth cleaning is recommended before the actual ZOOM! teeth whitening session. The procedure begins with a short preparation to cover the lips and gums, leaving the teeth exposed.
Tooth Whitening Process
During the procedure, a special whitening gel is applied to the teeth, and a special light is used to activate the gel. The gel and light work together to break down stains and discoloration, leaving teeth up to 10 shades whiter in just one hour. The dentist or dental assistant then applies the ZOOM! hydrogen peroxide whitening gel, which works together with the ZOOM! light to penetrate the teeth and break down stains and discoloration.
Teeth Whitening Aftercare
After the procedure, you may experience some tooth sensitivity, which should subside within a few days. Your dentist may recommend a fluoride treatment to help alleviate sensitivity. To maintain the results of your ZOOM! teeth whitening, avoid consuming staining agents such as coffee, tea, and red wine, and maintain good oral hygiene practices.
Take-Home Whitening Trays
Consultation
During your consultation and evaluation, your dentist will note existing dental work, such as crowns and veneers, which will not respond to conventional whitening agents. They’ll prescribe the best whitening kit for your teeth, and answer any questions you may have.
At-Home Tooth Whitening Preparation
Your dentist will take images and impressions of your teeth to create your customized whitening trays. make you a customized tray that fits perfectly to your teeth and gum.
At-Home Tooth Whitening Process
The trays are worn for a specified amount of time each day, typically for a few weeks, until the desired level of whitening is achieved. The whitening gel is applied to the tray, which is then inserted into the mouth and worn for the recommended amount of time.
At-Home Tooth Whitening Aftercare
After the procedure, you may experience some tooth sensitivity, which should subside within a few days. Dr. Garger may recommend a fluoride treatment to help alleviate sensitivity. To maintain the results of your take-home whitening trays, avoid consuming staining agents such as coffee, tea, and red wine, and maintain good oral hygiene practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
The duration of teeth whitening results typically ranges from six months to two years. Factors influencing longevity include personal oral hygiene practices and lifestyle choices.
Yes, professional teeth whitening is a safe and widely practiced dental procedure with a proven track record in the field of dentistry. As long as the procedure is carried out by a professional who understands your level of oral health, your whitening procedure should be safe and effective.
No, when performed by a qualified cosmetic dentist, teeth whitening is a non-destructive procedure that preserves the integrity of your teeth. Certain non-professional teeth whitening methods can damage your teeth and lead to serious dental health issues.
Teeth whitening costs can vary depending on the chosen method and the extent of treatment required, offering a range of pricing options to suit individual preferences and needs. However, the exact cost of your treatment will be discussed between you and your cosmetic dentist.
For the Smile You Want Choose Professional Teeth Whitening
At Gentle Family Dentistry, we are dedicated to helping you safely achieve a brighter, more confident smile. Contact us at (661) 861-8000 or fill out and submit the online contact form below to schedule an appointment.
Discover how ZOOM! in-office teeth whitening and take-home whitening trays can enhance your smile. We proudly serve Bakersfield, CA, and the surrounding areas, including Gosford, Alameda, and Lakeview. Take the first step towards a brighter smile today!