Teeth Whitening Options from a Cosmetic Dentist in El Dorado Hills

People receive teeth whitening treatment for different reasons. It could be in preparation for a big event – perhaps a job interview or wedding – driven by the need to make an impression. A cosmetic dentist in El Dorado Hills can provide you with different options for teeth whitening depending on your preferences.

Teeth whitening options

The following are the options provided by a cosmetic dentist to make the teeth whiter:

In-office procedure

According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, in-office whitening provides the fastest and most effective teeth whitening. The dentist will begin the procedure by applying a gel on the gums before using the bleaching agent (concentrated hydrogen peroxide). The strength of the bleaching agent may cause irritation without base-layer protection. After putting the bleach on the front teeth, the dentist will beam a special light on the bleach to boost and shorten the whitening effect. In about an hour, the teeth will be between eight to ten shades whiter.

At-home teeth whitening

The cosmetic dentist can provide a take-home whitening kit for people who cannot wait in the office. The method involves using custom trays, which means the dentist will need to take impressions of the teeth. To use, the patient will put some bleaching gel into the trays according to the dentist’s suggestion and wear the trays for a few hours daily for a week or two.

Over-the-counter products

For convenience and cost factors, the dentist may suggest getting teeth whitening strips, paint-on tooth gel, brushes and pens from the drug store. This is not advisable for people who want quick results because these methods take longer and the results are not as remarkable as other teeth whitening treatments. Also, it is crucial to note that the concentration of the bleach in the products sold over the counter is lower than those supplied by the dental office.

Teeth whitening toothpaste

Some kinds of toothpaste have a special formulation containing two percent hydrogen for teeth whitening, but the results may take about a week to become noticeable and up to a month to get significant improvement in tooth color. It is often recommended for maintaining the teeth’s appearance after undergoing quicker in-office treatment. Such toothpaste also offers additional benefits of fluoride to guard against cavities.

Tips to note before undergoing teeth whitening

To get the best results from a teeth whitening procedure, patients must be aware of the following points before undergoing bleaching treatment:

The cosmetic dentist needs to examine the patient’s oral cavity to ensure there is no tooth decay, gum disease or tooth sensitivity before performing the procedure. Bleaching agents have no negative impact on previous crowns and fillings, but they can not lighten them too. Prosthetic restorations do not respond to teeth whitening agents. Avoid teeth-staining food and drinks and cease smoking or chewing tobacco products after treatment.

Final note

With advancements in techniques and technology, teeth whitening is faster, safer and more effective than ever before. If you need quick teeth whitening or other options, contact the cosmetic dentist to know which option would be the most suitable for your condition.

Request an appointment here: https://dexterdds.com or call Scott Dexter, DDS at (916) 233-0910 for an appointment in our El Dorado Hills office.

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