If your teeth are not as white as you would like, maybe thanks to a love of coffee, tea or wine, or due to the effects of aging, you could benefit from teeth whitening treatment with Dr. Ashwini Bhave. Teeth whitening treatment lifts stains and improves the color of your teeth so your smile looks whiter, brighter and healthier.
Why Choose a Professional for Teeth Whitening
Have you used drugstore whitening strips or toothpastes but not seen the results you desire? Over-the-counter options are simply not strong enough to penetrate the teeth and remove stains below the surface of the enamel. Certain products, like generic whitening trays and strips, are also prone to slipping, sliding and leaking, causing teeth sensitivity and/or gum irritation. Uneven or patchy results are another common problem with over-the-counter products.
When you trust your teeth whitening treatment to Dr. Bhave, you can expect a totally new experience. Treatment is fast and comfortable, and the results are even and noticeable. Even tough stains look lighter, thanks to professional bleaching agents. Dr. Bhave takes the proper precautions so you do not experience sensitivity or other uncomfortable side effects from whitening treatment. Dr. Bhave also provides the information you need to ensure your results last as long as possible.
Teeth Whitening Procedure Details
In-Office Teeth Whitening
You have several teeth whitening options with Dr. Bhave. If you want fast results, you may opt for a short, in-office whitening treatment. If you prefer to whiten in the comfort of your own home, Dr. Bhave can provide customized trays with a powerful whitening gel.
In-office whitening lifts stains and brightens your smile in as little as one hour. To begin, a protective barrier is placed over your gums to protect them from the whitening gel, and a desensitizing agent is applied to the teeth to reduce discomfort. Then, a powerful whitening gel is applied to your teeth to break up stains and improve the teeth’s overall color. The gel may be activated with a special light and wiped off and reapplied several times throughout the process. You will leave the office with a noticeably whiter and more beautiful smile.
At-Home Teeth Whitening
At-home whitening allows you to treat stains and discoloration at home or while traveling. You will be fitted for custom trays made to fit snugly and comfortably around your teeth. Dr. Bhave selects the whitening gel that will give you the results you want with the least amount of sensitivity. She also provides instructions regarding how to place the gel in the trays and how long to wear the trays. Results can be seen within a few weeks.
Porcelain Veneers as an Alternative to Teeth Whitening
Dr. Bhave offers one more option for improving the color of your teeth. If you have stains or discoloration that do not respond to whitening treatment, or if you are looking for permanently white teeth, she can place beautiful porcelain veneers over the teeth that show when you smile. Veneers can also change the shape of the teeth along with their color for the best aesthetic results.
Your veneers will be completely customized to the unique characteristics of your smile and face. They will blend in with your existing teeth and flatter your hair and eye color. Today’s veneers are stronger and more durable than ever, so you can enjoy your picture-perfect smile for many years.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Is there a difference between bleaching and whitening?
While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulates each of these terms, the FDA actually sets a higher standard for products that advertise “bleaching.” Bleaching products must contain a chemical bleach such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. As a result, the term “whitening” is used more frequently to describe products and treatments because it sounds both gentler and more effective.
The whitening treatment you receive at Bay Area Dental Specialists will involve bleaching, with help from hydrogen peroxide at a 9 to 40 percent concentration. The take-home teeth whitening kits we offer feature carbamide peroxide, which is about one-third the strength that you would receive from a hydrogen peroxide treatment.
What makes teeth lose their sparkle?
As your age increases and your health declines, it is common to notice your teeth become less white. That happens because the protective enamel on the surface of your teeth gradually erodes. Although the different color beneath the enamel is natural to most teeth, it is obviously not the shiny white shade that most people want to present to the world.
For most people, the color beneath the enamel is yellowish, though some people have teeth that look more brown or greenish-gray in color. The precise color is generally determined by genetics, though a diet heavy in sugary and acidic foods can stain your teeth further.
Another genetic consideration that can play a role is the thickness of your teeth. Teeth that are thinner than average tend to lose their shine more quickly, and can also be more difficult to whiten with common treatments.
What causes staining?
Certain foods and drinks that you enjoy can take a toll on the color of your teeth, particularly if you consume them regularly. In addition to dark-colored beverages such as tea, coffee, red wine and cola, vinegar and vegetables that are high in acid can contribute to the erosion of tooth enamel. Smoking is another habit that can severely yellow the teeth.
While the majority of tooth staining is tied to your diet and hygiene, some discoloration can be caused by factors beyond your own control. Ingesting too much fluoride as a young child can cause permanent brown or dark gray stains on the interior of your teeth. Furthermore, if your mother used tetracycline antibiotics while your teeth were developing, that may have caused similar stains to form.
For patients in San Jose, Los Gatos, Campbell and surrounding areas, regular cleanings at Bay Area Dental Specialists will help to prevent your surface stains from becoming permanent blemishes on your dentin. If you are interested in whiter teeth, speak to our experts about whitening solutions — both in-office and at-home — to renew the quality of your smile.
For more information about teeth whitening with Dr. Bhave, please call or email our practice today.