A beautiful set of pearly whites is known to significantly boost self-confidence and allow you to face the world with renewed assurance — and now, recent studies prove that having a bright and radiant smile can turn back the clock and make you look younger.
While at-home whitening products are often advertised as miracle solutions, they frequently fall short of their promises and leave users with lackluster or inconsistent results. Professional teeth whitening treatments, however, use advanced techniques and high-quality whitening agents for more consistent, dramatic, and longer-lasting results.
Continue reading to learn how professional teeth whitening treatments work and where to find the best cosmetic dentist in Los Gatos.
What Causes Teeth Discoloration?
Teeth discoloration occurs for many reasons — the most common being frequently dark-colored beverages like coffee, tea, and red wine. Another common reason for teeth staining is improper oral hygiene. Additional, less common reasons for teeth staining include:
- Smoking or using tobacco products
- Aging, which naturally yellows teeth over time
- Certain medications, such as tetracycline antibiotics
- Excessive fluoride exposure during tooth development — causing a condition called fluorosis
- Dental trauma or injury
- Medical conditions affecting tooth enamel, such as enamel hypoplasia
- Frequently consuming highly pigmented foods like berries or tomato sauce
- Grinding teeth, causing micro-cracks that collect stains
Teeth staining is typically classified into two categories:
- Intrinsic Discoloration: A type of discoloration that originates from within the tooth. This type of discoloration often results from developmental issues, certain medications, or trauma to the tooth.
- Extrinsic Discoloration: This type of discoloration occurs on the outer surface of the tooth and is typically caused by lifestyle factors and dietary habits.
Both types of discoloration can contribute to a less-than-ideal smile, impacting one's confidence and overall appearance; however, intrinsic discoloration is more challenging to treat because it affects the internal structures of the tooth. Extrinsic discoloration, on the other hand, is addressed more easily and can often be treated quickly.
Is Professional Teeth Whitening Better Than At-Home Whitening Treatments?
Professional teeth whitening is a superior option to at-home treatments thanks to its comprehensive approach and expert execution. This procedure is often used by itself or in conjunction with other cosmetic dental procedures in smile makeovers.
The benefits of professional teeth whitening include the following:
- A more thorough whitening thanks to higher-concentration whitening agents and specialized techniques that can penetrate deeper into the tooth structure.
- Consistent results thanks to trained dental professionals with expertise in cosmetic dentistry and the use of custom-fitted trays for precise application.
- A more natural-looking white smile without streaks or uneven patches that sometimes occurs with home-whitening treatments.
- Faster results thanks to a higher concentration of whitening agents and advanced techniques, such as light or laser activation.
- Longer-lasting results thanks to professional-grade whitening agents that penetrate deeper into the tooth structure, providing more thorough and durable results.
Professional teeth whitening also helps improve your overall oral health when combined with a comprehensive dental check-up that addresses any dental issues, such as cavities or gum disease.
What to Expect During a Professional Teeth Whitening Treatment in Los Gatos
Professional teeth whitening treatments begin with a thorough examination of your teeth and gums. This allows your dentist to identify and address any underlying issues that might affect the whitening process. They may also recommend dental treatment for any potential dental problems. Then, personalized whitening agents are formulated to give you the fastest and brightest results.
Your treatment will likely start with a deep cleaning of your teeth to remove surface stains, plaque, and tartar. This includes scaling and planing techniques that clean hard-to-reach areas between the teeth and along the gum line.
During your bleaching treatment, dentists trained in cosmetic dentistry will take protective measures to minimize sensitivity and safeguard your gums from any potential damage.
The final step in professional teeth whitening is maintenance, which is important for prolonging the results. Your dentist will provide specific instructions on how to care for your newly whitened teeth, including recommendations to:
- Use fluoridated toothpaste for enamel health and prevention of cavities
- Brush your teeth regularly, at least twice daily
- Brush after consuming foods or drinks that can stain the surface of the teeth
- Avoid using other teeth whitening options, as using multiple bleaching agents can damage the teeth
Your dentist may also fabricate custom-made trays to use at home with maintenance doses of the whitening agent.
Where to Find the Best Cosmetic Dentist in Los Gatos
If you’re ready to turn back the hands of time with a bright smile, the cosmetic dentistry experts at Smiles Los Gatos are here to help with their extensive expertise and soothing environment.
At Smiles Los Gatos, our team embraces a holistic philosophy that views your dental care as an integral part of your overall health and not just a series of isolated treatments. This is why we work alongside primary care physicians in our community to go beyond traditional dentistry and offer a patient-centric experience that prioritizes your comfort and whole-body wellness.
Ready to experience our patient-first approach and get a beautiful smile with premier teeth whitening from the best cosmetic dentists in Los Gatos?