Teeth Whitening Woodland Hills

What You Need to Know About Brightening Your Smile

Yellow teeth happen to the best of us. Whether you can’t live without your morning coffee, crave a glass of red wine in the evening, or load up your morning oatmeal with berries each day, the evidence is bound to show up on your teeth eventually. There are other things that can stain your teeth, as well. For example, smoking is a major culprit in causing significant stains on your teeth, in addition to all of the other impacts it has. In some cases, stains on your teeth can be left behind from childhood exposure to excessive amounts of fluoride or to certain medications, such as tetracycline.

When you’re worried about the appearance of your teeth, the concern can creep into every part of your life. At work, you may feel hesitant to get up and present in a meeting or approach a new potential client at a networking event. In your social life, you may hide when it’s time for group selfies or hang in the background when your friends are meeting new people. Fortunately, you don’t have to let your lack of confidence in your smile run your life anymore. If your complaint about your teeth is discoloration, there are many options for teeth whitening that can help you say goodbye to those stains and hello to a new you. Teeth whitening is safe, non-invasive, and fast, but the results are dramatic. Keep reading to find out more.

How does it work?

Teeth whitening works by removing surface stains from your teeth and brightening the appearance of your enamel. Although this process can be done to a minimal degree using whitening toothpastes at home—which rely on a small amount of whitening chemicals plus small, abrasive pieces to disrupt the stains on your teeth—the most effective method for whitening teeth is bleaching.

Bleaching usually involves a hydrogen peroxide-based gel solution that is applied to the teeth. The bleaching agent removes the stains and brightens your teeth several shades. Over-the-counter whitening treatments use bleaching to whiten your teeth, but the treatments offered by your dentist provide much faster and more noticeable results. Your dentist can provide in-office treatment like Zoom teeth whitening, which can whiten your teeth in just 45 minutes, or custom-fitted trays to use at home with a professional-grade whitening treatment to get results in a few weeks.

Is it painful or do I need anesthesia to get fitted for whitening treatment?

One of the great things about teeth whitening is that it is a non-invasive treatment. It doesn’t involve any kind of drilling or cutting, so it is not painful and there is no need for anesthesia. One potential source of discomfort that is associated with teeth whitening is increased sensitivity. The bleaching agent can cause some irritation along your gums as well as increased sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. If you already experience sensitivity, it could be exacerbated while you are undergoing whitening treatments, but this symptom is completely temporary and will stop once the whitening process is over. Whitening services performed by your dentist are less likely to cause sensitivity, since they are tailored to your specific needs.

Can I use nitrous oxide or be sedated when getting this procedure?

Nitrous oxide and sedation are great ways for patients who avoid the dentist because of anxiety to get the care that they need. They are also helpful in allowing patients to have multiple treatments in a single appointment. When teeth whitening is performed at home, there is no need for nitrous oxide or sedation, since you will be in the comfort of your home and completely in control of the process. If you are having an in-office treatment or are worried about getting your teeth molded to create your at-home trays, discuss your concerns with your dentist. Although these procedures are very fast, making sedation potentially impractical, your dentist will help you come up with a plan that puts your comfort first.

Does insurance cover teeth whitening? How much is it with insurance?

Since teeth whitening is a cosmetic treatment, it usually is not covered by insurance. However, your dentist can help you understand the cost and your payment options so that you can get the treatment you want, regardless of your insurance plan. Frequently, it is possible to make arrangements for a payment plan that works for your budget.

How much is teeth whitening service without insurance?

The cost for teeth whitening varies widely, depending on the method that you choose. The best way to find out what your whitening treatment will cost is to schedule a consultation Dr. Zadeh, so you can make a treatment plan. With this plan, you can find out the costs for your specific case. If you want a quick quote without any hassles, simply chat online with our front office and they can give you an estimate right away.

How do I care for my teeth after whitening?

After whitening, taking steps to reduce staining will help you preserve your results. Try using a straw when you’re drinking anything that could stain your teeth, including your morning coffee. Reducing your consumption of foods and drinks that stain your teeth will also help. If you smoke, quit. Smoking causes stains rapidly, so your results will be significantly diminished. Of course, you should maintain a good oral hygiene routine, including seeing your dentist for professional cleanings twice per year.

Experience whiter teeth and feel better about your smile with teeth whitening by Pearl Zadeh DDS. We offer many cosmetic dentistry treatments to help you look and feel your best. Make an appointment with our dentist in Woodland Hills by calling (818) 716-6722.