Teeth Whitening

If you are interested in a whiter, brighter smile, you will quickly find that there is no shortage of products available in stores and from the internet that all promise that they will turn up the volume on your smile and give you the look you want. But how do you know that the product you choose is right or even safe for you, or that it will do what it claims to do? If you are interested in a safe teeth whitening treatment in Woodland Hills, California, that will produce the results you are looking for, please call Kathy Cosmetic Dentistry at 818-347-1550 to plan your visit with our dentist, Dr. Kathy Daroee.

Your teeth can become discolored by a number of things. Not brushing and flossing can contribute to the problem, as well as tobacco use. Dark-colored foods and drinks are factors, as are highly acidic ones, including white wine. Some types of illnesses and medications and even aging can all darken your smile. Dr. Daroee creates custom dental trays designed from impressions of your teeth. Those trays are then filled with a whitening solution designed to penetrate your tooth enamel, breaking up the stains. For the best results, please follow Dr. Daroee’s instructions on using your whitening trays and to maintain a good oral hygiene routine, along with a balanced diet. You will need to repeat the treatment from time to time and Dr. Daroee will be happy to provide you with any information you need, along with your whitening solution.

Stains and discoloration of your teeth may occur due to a number of factors, including:

• Age
• Use of tobacco products, including smoking
• Illness and medication
• Genetics
• Foods and drinks that stain
• Fluorosis (excessive fluoride consumption)

While there are many over-the-counter whitening options available, professional whitening is more effective, faster and safer. Whitening products purchased at your local supermarket can take weeks to have any effect and may be damaging to your teeth and gums.

Teeth whitening may be appropriate for children and teenagers depending on their age and their dental development. Whitening, along with other cosmetic treatments, is not typically recommended unless there is a problem that needs to be corrected. For example, if your child or teenager has severely discolored teeth due to taking certain medications, whitening may be a good option. But if your child’s mouth is still growing and developing, our dentist may recommend waiting until they are older before providing a treatment.

The results of professional teeth whitening vary from person to person and may last anywhere from six months to three years. You can extend the results of your whitening treatment by practicing good oral hygiene and visiting the dentist regularly for preventive care. Your whitening results will not last as long if you smoke or use other tobacco products or if you frequently consume foods and drinks that stain, such as red wine, tea, coffee, coca cola, and “vibrant” fruits such as blueberries, blackberries and cherries. You may find that you need to periodically receive another whitening treatment to “touch up” your smile.