Teeth Whitening Near Me, San Francisco & Orinda CA

Tooth whitening provides you with a way to improve the color of your teeth and ultimately enhance your smile. There are many reasons why you may need to consider whitening your teeth, including natural discoloration from aging and stains caused by using tobacco products, some types of antibiotics, and colored foods and drinks like red wine, coffee, and tea.

What to expect

If you want to get rid of the stains and discoloration on your teeth, it’s best if you consult your dentist to design a personalized treatment plan. A treatment that worked well for a family member or colleague may not necessarily yield the best results for your case. This is because each treatment is designed based on the current shade of teeth and the desired outcome.

Professional teeth whitening is the most common bleaching method, and is usually accomplished using hydrogen peroxide or another bleaching agent. The dental team will first put some gel or a rubber shield to protect your gums before applying the bleaching agent on your teeth using some trays that fit snugly like a mouthguard. Leaving the trays on will cause the active ingredient to break down and oxygen to penetrate tooth enamel and change the shade of your teeth. A laser may be used to speed up the breakdown for faster results.

Keeping your teeth white

After your whitening treatment, the effects can last for a long period of time if you practice proper oral hygiene like brushing your teeth twice a day and scheduling dental visits for professional cleaning every six months or as recommended by your dentist. Avoiding colored and/or sugary foods and drinks, as well as stopping smoking can also help to prevent staining and discoloration.

Please visit your dentist to learn more about teeth whitening options that may work for you.