A simple Google search in Richmond, CA will tell you there is TONS of information out there on teeth whitening. And alot of it is outdated by several years. The truth is, developments in teeth whitening technology make leaps and bounds every year. So if you are thinking about whitening your teeth, and looking online for help, finding the right method for you can be quite a confusing journey. Many informational posts are outdate. But here we have listed the most current data and research we know of for the 2016 year in regards to teeth whitening techniques and practices. We have designed this page to help you make the best, most informed, chocies possible when it comes to how you choose to whiten your teeth.
What is teeth whitening?
Well, teeth whitening is pretty straight forward it’s simply making your teeth a whiter shade. Teeth over time get stained with everything we eat and drink (and especially by smoking!). And some people don’t like the coloration of their teeth, so they decide to whiten them. And teeth whitening can be done through the use of over the counter kits or through the more effective method of having your teeth professionally whitened by a dentist. There is a BIG difference between whitening your teeth at home with over the counter kits, and going to see a dentist to whiten your teeth.
What is the difference between going to the dentist office to whiten my teeth and whitening my teeth at home?
Well, the main difference here is quality and time. Going to see a dentist to whiten your teeth (also called “in-office-whitening”) will allow you to see much stronger results in a much quicker amount of time. You just can’t get your teeth as white from at home kits that you can when you go to get your teeth whitened by a dentist. And whitening your teeth at home could take months just to see very slight results, and the quality of results definitely varies when using in-home remedies. You will see much more noticeable results in a much shorter amount of time when visiting a dentist to have your teeth professionally whitened.
Do all dentist use the same procedures for teeth whitening?
No. Dentist often choose which method they have found to be most successful.
Our dental office has found the most successful teeth whitening is done through the use of take-home-trays. Through this teeth whitening process, the dentist while begin by taking impressions of your upper and lower teeth. Those impressions are then used by your dentist to make a custom mouth piece (also called a ‘take-home-tray’) that will be used by you at home. When at home, you will be given an especially powerful whitening gel that you will pour into the ‘tray’ and then insert the ‘tray’ over your teeth while you sleep at night. Our patients only keep the process up for only 5 days. It is extremely important to use only your custom made mouth piece for the whitening procedure because it will allow for the maximum amount of contact between your teeth and the whitening gel that should be touching your teeth as much as possible.
There is also another procedure for teeth whitening that can be conducted in a dental office, but we have found it to be less effective, more costly, and more time consuming. That procedure uses whitening gels and specialized lighting done only in the dental office. When you come into the dentist’s office, the dentist will first cover your gum tissue with a protective gel to prevent any damage or irritation to your gums. Then your dentist will cover your teeth with a whitening gel that contains hydrogen peroxide as well as other whitening agents. Your dentist will then activate and enhance the power of the gel by using a specialized light which allows for a stronger whitening process. You might need to return to your dentist several times for several different whitening sessions. Each session can last up to two hours. However, we do not conduct this method because we have found it to be far less effective and far more time consuming, than our take-home-trays
How much time will it take for a dentist to whiten my teeth?
When you come to our dental office for your teeth whitening, we will begin by making the mold or ‘tray’ that will be used for your whitening. During this visit you will likely spend thirty to ninety minutes in our office. We will take impressions of your teeth, then we will begin to make the molds that you will take home with you. The making of the mold (also called a tray) takes several hours so you will be asked to return at a later time to come pick up your mold. Once your molds are complete, we will have you schedule a return visit to see your dentist again and they will instruct you on how to use your mold and gel at home. It will take up to five nights of use for the whitening process to complete, but you will begin to see results as early as the first morning when you wake up. Once your five days are up, you will then reschedule a visit to your dentist so they can monitor effectiveness, analyze and possible gum tissue irritation, suggest proper maintenance, and answer any remaining questions you might have.
Is there any procedure that can make teeth whitening permanent?
No. There is no form of permanent teeth whitening on the market. If you buy the over the counter whitening products, these last for a very short amount of time and require weekly upkeep. Often times there are certain kinds of stains these kits will not be able to take care of, which can leave your teeth looking spotted. And no one likes cheetah teeth… over the counter kits can also lead to irritated and possibly damaged gum tissue. Having your teeth professionally whitened by a dentist will last much longer than over the counter solutions, and while no dentist can offer a permanent whitening, the work of a dentist will last MUCH longer than any over-the-counter kits.
Is there affordable teeth whitening in Richmond, CA?
Our dental practice offers the most affordable teeth whitening in the Bay Area. And affordable doesn’t mean cheap. We use the latest technology and most current, powerful, and safe techniques. Teeth whitening with us will cost only about two hundred and fifty dollars. Other dentist charge up to three thousand dollars for the exact same procedure.
Is there anyway for me to schedule to have my teeth whitened in Richmond, California right now?
Absolutely! Click on our button below and get your journey to a brighter whiter smile underway today!