Many patients have said, “I would like to have my teeth whitened. However, there are so many products and ads for whiteners that it is hard to decide which is best. What do you recommend?”
Yes, there are various over-the-counter products, but they give the least predictable results and may cause permanent tooth damage. Many of these products have abrasive substances that can actually wear away your tooth’s enamel, therefore, don’t use them.
Bleaching agents actually change the color of your teeth, but are only effective on certain types of stains. For example, bleaching agents have a difficult time removing brownish or grayish stains. These products are also not as effective on pitted or badly discolored teeth, or on restorations such as crowns, bridges, bonding and tooth-colored fillings (porcelain veneers or dental bonding may be more appropriate in this case).
Professional bleaching performed by our office is considered to be the most effective and safest method. Done properly, tooth whitening can last as long as five years depending on your diet, tobacco and coffee habits.
Proper professional whitening techniques get really great results in just over an hour in our office. Just choose a CD from our vast music selection, and relax for about an hour. A special gel is placed on your teeth and a soft halogen light is placed near your mouth. When the procedure is done, your teeth are six to 10 shades lighter! This process may come with a set of custom trays so that you can maintain the whiteness of your teeth indefinitely. We recommend, once your teeth have been processed, that you use the custom trays once a month to maintain their whiteness.
For more information, please call Dr. Sun at 661-799-8800, visit the website www.DrSunDDS.com , or go to her dental office at 23450 Lyons Avenue, Suite B, Newhall.