Cosmetic Dentistry in West Covina, CA

An impression is taken to make specialized splints/trays to hold the bleach against the teeth. The material is used each night for about 2 hours, while the number of applications is based on how white the patient wants their teeth. The customary amount of times a patient uses the splints/trays is approximately 6-10 applications, after which significant whitening will occur. In some cases, the change is nothing short of brilliant. For confidence in appearance, whitening technology offers improvements in yellowing, aging, or stained teeth; for very severely stained teeth, crowns or veneers may be more appropriate.

There are many causes. The most common include aging and consumption of staining substances such as coffee, tea, or tobacco. During tooth formation, consumption of tetracycline, certain antibiotics, or excessive fluoride may also cause tooth discoloration. Some existing developmental and environmental conditions may be incapable of becoming whiter or lighter; therefore, prior to any whitening procedure, a thorough examination will be performed to determine the proper course of treatment.

Yes! This is highly recommended. By removing any existing stains, plaque, and calculus from the teeth, the whitening material is significantly more effective. In some instances, the bacterial colonization attached to the teeth may actually neutralize the whitening gel, causing it to be completely ineffective.

Just about anyone can benefit from tooth whitening. However, treatment may not be as effective for some as it is for others. Upon an oral exam, our office can determine if you are a candidate for this procedure.

Yes, research and clinical studies indicate that whitening teeth under the supervision of a dentist is safe. In fact, most dentists consider whitening the safest cosmetic dental procedure available. As with any tooth whitening product, it is not recommended for children under 13 years of age and pregnant or lactating women.

By following some simple post whitening care instructions, your teeth will be lighter than they were before. We recommend flossing, brushing, and rinsing at least twice daily. Occasionally, a touch-up using the At-Home system may be needed, and by all accounts, most patients only touch-up 1-3 times a year. These are professional formula products designed specifically to keep your teeth their brightest. They are available through our office.

Yes! Consulting our office is always the first step to whitening your teeth safely. Over-the-counter tooth whitening strips, brush-on gels, and toothpaste take weeks or months to whiten your teeth; just a few shades and some frankly don’t work at all. Most likely, someone using what is available over-the-counter will become discouraged because they did not get the results they wanted and/or spent too much money on something that didn’t work. Furthermore, most, if not all, of the products available over-the-counter cannot produce a tray/splint that adequately adheres to the teeth and, more importantly, protects the gums. Certain damage, sometimes irreversible and painful, can occur, so be careful.

Most patients report little to no sensitivity, yet some patients experience temporary increased tooth sensitivity. These symptoms disappear within 1-3 days after interruption or completion of the treatment. Basic over-the-counter analgesics such as Tylenol, Advil, or Motrin can be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Patients are encouraged to contact our office if there are any questions or concerns.

The entire in-office time is approximately 90 minutes. The procedure begins with a preparation period followed by one hour of whitening.

The entire office time is about 15 minutes. We then need about 30 minutes to make a patient's custom trays/splints. If a patient can’t wait, we will be happy to send the system to the patient's mailing address or a patient can stop by the office anytime. The take-home gel is designed to be worn for a minimum of two (2) hours per application. Our office will advise you on how long you should wear each application. The number of overall applications is dependent on the patient’s personal idea of what shade looks great.

The main difference between the two systems is that you use the At-Home system in the convenience of your own home over a series of applications. The In-Office system is performed entirely in the office along with the added benefit of the complete At-Home system utilized for touch-ups.