Teeth Whitening – What is it?
Coffee, tea, and wine are a trio many of us love! But they do cause teeth to stain and appear darker over time. Professional Dental whitening is a process that lightens the color of teeth. It involves the application of a whitening agent to the teeth, typically a form of peroxide, which penetrates the tooth’s surface and targets the pigmented molecules responsible for discoloration. As the agent breaks down the stains, the teeth appear visibly whiter and brighter. This treatment is commonly administered through custom-fitted trays or in-office procedures supervised by dental professionals.
Over-the-counter toothpaste that claims to whiten your teeth may remove some minor surface staining but does not penetrate enamel effectively. Instead, the added abrasiveness in whitening toothpaste can lead to sensitivity, premature wear of enamel, and abrasion of exposed root surfaces.
Take-Home Whitening with Custom Trays
Dr. Darien Ephram believes that contact time is one of the keys to successful teeth whitening. The more time the peroxide has in contact with your teeth, the better chance you will see your desired effect. To achieve this, Dr. Ephram uses and recommends products that are safe and gentle on your teeth and have added ingredients to help counteract sensitivity.
Professional in-office whitening
In-office professional teeth whitening serves as an excellent complement to take-home whitening kits. It provides an initial boost, rapidly lifting stubborn stains and significantly improving tooth color. However, relying solely on in-office whitening may not always lead to the desired long-term effects. Take-home whitening kits, used in conjunction, help maintain and enhance the results over time, allowing for a more gradual and sustained whitening process.
This combination approach ensures both immediate and lasting improvements in achieving a brighter, more radiant smile. Dr. Darien Ephram of Laurel Canyon Dental in Valley Village, California, offers both in-office and take-home whitening solutions.
How do I care for my smile after teeth whitening?
Just as you would any other day! We encourage patients to brush their teeth as directed with fluoride-based or hydroxyapatite-based toothpaste, floss at least once a day, and see our team of professionals twice a year for a cleaning and evaluation. A professional hygiene visit is one of the surest ways to quickly lift stains and give a shade boost to your teeth.
Request an appointment at our office today to discuss this and other cosmetic dentistry options!
If you are interested in learning more about how teeth whitening in Valley Village, California, can help improve the appearance of your smile, please contact Laurel Canyon Dental today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Darien Ephram.
His office is at 12156 Riverside Drive and can be reached by calling (818) 509-3055. We look forward to helping you achieve a brighter and whiter smile with our professional whitening solutions!
At a young age our teeth are healthy white. But overtime the enamel coating the tooth is so slowly worn down. Causing our teeth to become stained and yellow, which is why teeth whitening is become increasingly popular today. There are a few methods for whitening. They include at home and in office. With in office treatments, you will see faster results, receive the safest treatment for bleaching the teeth, and yield the whitest smile. So, don’t settle for teeth that have become stained from years of coffee drinking, tobacco use, or just aging. Ask your dentist about whitening options that may be right you.
