Professional Teeth Whitening Treatment For Your Brightest Smile
You can’t go wrong by investing in your smile. A bold, bright smile will put you front and center everywhere you go. Smiling is a universal language; when your smile is beautiful and white, you can easily flaunt it. If your smile is lacking luster, professional teeth whitening from Mid-Valley Dental Care in Northridge, California, is sure to bring out its beauty.
How long do the results of professional whitening treatments last?
The results of professional in-office whitening treatments can last anywhere from six months to two years, depending on your lifestyle habits. Factors such as your diet, tobacco use, and oral hygiene can impact the longevity of your brightened smile. After whitening, it’s essential to avoid stain-causing foods like coffee, tea, berries, and tobacco. Regular touch-ups and maintaining good oral hygiene can prolong the effects.
Can professional whitening treatments help with intrinsic stains?
Professional in-office whitening treatments are highly effective for surface-level stains, but their ability to address intrinsic stains—those deeper within the tooth—can be limited. Intrinsic stains, often caused by medication use, trauma, or aging, may require specialized treatments like internal bleaching or veneers. During a consultation, Dr. Lau will evaluate the nature of your stains to determine the best approach. If intrinsic stains are a concern, combining whitening with other cosmetic treatments can achieve the desired result, restoring the natural brightness of your smile.
Are there any risks of tooth sensitivity after in-office whitening?
While tooth sensitivity is a common concern with teeth whitening, professional in-office treatments tend to minimize this risk by using specialized, lower-concentration whitening agents and protective measures. To reduce discomfort, Dr. Lau can apply desensitizing agents before and after the procedure. If you experience sensitivity, it’s typically temporary and subsides within a few days. Patients with pre-existing sensitivity should inform Dr. Lau.
Can professional teeth whitening be done on dental work like crowns or fillings?
Professional whitening treatments work only on natural tooth enamel, meaning they do not lighten materials like crowns, fillings, or veneers. As a result, any dental work may remain its original color after treatment. If you have significant restorations and want a uniform appearance, Dr. Lau may suggest replacing old dental work to match your newly whitened teeth.
How often should I get professional teeth whitening treatments?
The frequency of professional whitening treatments depends on your goals and oral habits. For most patients, in-office whitening is a one-time treatment that provides long-lasting results. However, some may opt for occasional touch-ups to maintain a brighter smile. Dr. Lau may recommend touch-up treatments once every 6-12 months, depending on how well you care for your teeth post-treatment. More frequent visits may be necessary if you consume foods and drinks that cause staining.
Will in-office whitening treatments work for all shades of teeth?
While professional whitening treatments are highly effective, they may not achieve the same degree of whitening for everyone. Individuals with severely discolored or stained teeth, such as intrinsic stains or grayish tones, may experience more gradual results. In such cases, Dr. Lau may suggest alternative treatments, such as veneers or bonding, to achieve the desired brightness level.
How can I maintain the results of professional teeth whitening at home?
Dr. Lau may recommend at-home whitening kits or touch-up products to maintain your professional whitening results. These can be used periodically to prevent stains from accumulating and help keep your teeth bright. Additionally, practicing good oral hygiene by brushing with whitening toothpaste, flossing regularly, and scheduling routine dental cleanings will help preserve your results. Avoiding stain-causing foods and beverages like coffee, red wine, and tobacco will also prolong the longevity of your bright smile.
Teeth Whitening
