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Common Questions: Teeth Whitening Treatment Near Me, Bakersfield CA

teeth whitening

If you want to get your teeth whitened, it’s important that you research the right dentist and dental practice. The procedure is safe and effective when done by an experienced dentist during the first visit and supervised by a dentist for subsequent treatments. Yet, before you get your tooth whitening procedure done, it is important that you visit a dentist for an examination and diagnosis to ensure you are a good candidate.

Here are some questions to help you choose the right dentist: 

Can teeth cleaning and polishing make my teeth whiter without bleaching?

Professional teeth-cleaning and polishing is done to remove tartar that’s caused by drinks like tea and red wine, tobacco products, foods, and more. However, this will not change the color of stained or yellowing teeth. Teeth cleaning can help you remove deep stains and discoloration that won’t go away with routine cleaning and polishing.

What is in-office teeth whitening?

The dentist applies a bleaching product (usually hydrogen peroxide) on the surface of your teeth using trays that fit snugly on your teeth. The tray sits in place for a short period of time to break down the agent, resulting in an oxygen compound that penetrates tooth enamel.

Will I achieve the results I want?

Yes. Most cases of tooth whitening are successful. That said, the treatments work differently depending on the extent of discoloration or staining at the start of the procedure. Your dentist will discuss your treatment plan with you and inform you of the best ways to whiten your teeth, as well as any difficulties that may arise, and what the expected results are.

Can teeth whitening be done outside a dentist’s office?

It’s recommended that you consult a dentist to design your bleaching plan that can then be done in the office or at home with a customized teeth whitening kit. The best dentists will lay out your options, the expected time(s) for improvement, and the duration of treatment if you want to undergo dental whitening.

In which situations might tooth whitening be unsuccessful?

Tooth whitening only helps to improve the shade of your natural teeth. This means that it may not be successful when used on unhealthy teeth, teeth with exposed roots, or teeth that have been restored with fillings, crowns, veneers, or have received root treatments. 

Please consult your dentist to discuss your bleaching plan and the expected results of your teeth whitening treatment.

Help Whiten Your Teeth with These In-Office Options, Bakersfield CA

teeth whitening

People can tell a lot from the shade of your teeth, including your age, state of oral health, and even your good and bad habits. And since everyone wants to look young and well groomed, teeth whitening has become one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in dentistry.

The advancements in tooth care have made the treatment more comfortable, predictable, long-lasting and affordable for all people. Although there are many effective ways to whiten your teeth, they vary depending on the treatment time and frequency, type of stain that can be removed, and the level of whitening that can be achieved.

There are many different teeth whitening methods available:

Professionally applied bleaching treatment:

With in office tooth whitening, the dentist applies a low concentration of bleach to the surface of your teeth using trays that fit snugly around your top and bottom teeth. After the in-office treatment, your dentist may give you some hydrogen peroxide gel and custom-made trays to continue your treatment at home for a specific period of time to maximize the teeth bleaching results

Dentist-prescribed treatment:

Your dentist will provide you with a home whitening kit containing trays and granules that have been tailor-made for your teeth. Whitening at home is a gradual process, but starts to show color payoff in two weeks or so.

Which option is the best?

It’s best to consult a dentist for a thorough examination of your teeth so your treatment can be tailored to your unique needs. During your first appointment for professional teeth cleaning, your dentist will examine your teeth carefully, review your oral health history, and then determine whether bleaching is right for you.

Please visit your dentist today to discuss your teeth whitening goals and smile concerns.

Professional Teeth Whitening Treatment Near Me, Bakersfield CA

teeth whitening

Your smile may gradually lose its sparkle regardless of how thorough your oral hygiene routine is. Although daily brushing and flossing as well as scheduling professional teeth cleanings can help prevent stains, age-related factors such as taking medications, smoking, drinking wine or tea can lead to yellow or brown teeth.

Tooth whitening provides a way to improve your teeth’s color and enhance your smile. You should discuss your desired outcome and current tooth shade with a dentist to design a personalized treatment plan.Professional teeth whitening is often the preferred method for many people, and it’s accomplished using hydrogen peroxide or a similar agent.

The treatment is performed by a dentist during the first appointment, and then under one’s supervision for subsequent treatments to ensure safety and effectiveness of the treatment.

The procedure involves:

  • Placing a rubber shield or some gel to protect your gums
  • Applying the bleaching agent on your teeth using some trays that fit snugly like a mouthguard
  • Leaving the trays on to activate the bleaching ingredient and break it down into oxygen that penetrates tooth enamel to change the shade of your teeth
  • A laser may be used to speed up the breakdown for faster results. This requires application of a higher concentration of the bleaching agent without using the trays, and then using laser technology to activate it. This improves the color of your teeth by 5-6 shades.

After your whitening treatment, the effects can last for longer if you practice proper oral hygiene. Please visit your dentist to learn more about teeth whitening options that may work for you.

What to Expect with Teeth Whitening in Bakersfield CA

teeth whitening

Your smile is your most distinct feature when interacting with people. But over time with aging, the use of tobacco products, drinking colored beverages like wine and coffee, using some spices, taking antibiotics like tetracycline, consuming excess fluoride in water, and other factors can cause your teeth to discolor or darken, affecting the appearance of your smile. Fortunately, patients above the age of 10 years can consider the different methods of teeth whitening for their permanent teeth.

Your dentist will determine whether your teeth are healthy enough to have a successful whitening procedure. There are some stains, such as those caused by tooth developmental conditions or medications that cannot be completely removed with whitening. Any dental restorations, including fillings and crowns, also do not respond to bleaching. To create uniformity in your smile, your dentist can recommend several alternatives or complementary teeth whitening options. 

When is Whitening Not Advisable?

If your tooth enamel is damaged and you are already sensitive to cold and hot foods and drinks, then bleaching or any other whitening procedure may aggravate your sensitivity. That said, there are lower strength whitening treatments that can be recommended to people with worn/eroded enamel or tooth sensitivity. The treatments can also be used less frequently to reduce sensitivity. In addition, your dentist can recommend a way to reduce sensitivity after the whitening procedure. 

Keep in mind that, there are many different whitening options for different teeth requirements, including those with very thin enamel. It is essential that you follow your dentist’s instructions for your specific treatment. 

Final Note 

Although teeth whitening leaves your teeth looking impeccably white, the longevity of the results will depend on your diet and habits. The amount of time that you can enjoy your sparkling smile depends on multiple factors. If you drink tea, coffee, wine, or use tobacco products, your teeth will stain again sooner, and you will need more subsequent whitening procedures.  

Please contact your dentist in Bakersfield CA to discuss ways to improve your smile with teeth whitening.

Cost of Teeth Whitening in Bakersfield CA

teeth whitening

Nothing gives you a more confident smile than having impeccable white teeth. Whiter teeth are often associated with beauty, good health, and high self-esteem. They stand out and everyone is drawn to you, which is good for your professional and social life. This fact is why so many find the cost of teeth whitening worth the expense for a  brighter smile.

There are different whitening treatments whose effectiveness depends on the cause of the discoloration and the type of whitening system. During your appointment, the dentist will perform a thorough dental examination to determine the condition of your teeth and oral tissues, and identify the source of the discoloration. Before any treatment, the dentist will professionally clean your teeth using specialized tools to remove the plaque and tartar that may interfere with the whitening process. Afterward, your teeth whitening treatment can continue. 

Is Professional Whitening Worth It?

Considering that teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure, it’s usually not covered by dental insurance. So if you’re planning to schedule the procedure, then you will likely need to pay out-of-pocket. 

The cost of bleaching depends on several factors, including:

  • Type of whitening treatment and sessions 
  • The extent of tooth discoloration 
  • Dentist skill and expertise 
  • Location of dental practice 
  • Additional procedures before whitening 
  • Number of follow-up visits 

In addition to the cost of treatment, you should also consider the maintenance needed to keep your smile impeccably white. Even with great results following teeth whitening, the changes tend to fade over time, with the whitening effect lasting about one year. So to maintain your white, dazzling smile for as long as possible, you should avoid stain-causing foods and drinks, or at least rinse your mouth with water after eating and drinking. You should also consider stopping smoking, and scheduling follow-up whitening treatments every 6 to 12 months.

Schedule Your Appointment Today 

With affordable teeth whitening options and flexible payment plans, you can get the smile of your dreams today. Please visit your dentist in Bakersfield CA today for a consultation and to plan your teeth whitening treatment. 

Teeth Whitening Near Me, Bakersfield CA 93301

dental cleanings

The aging process, your diet, and other lifestyle choices can discolor your teeth over time. Whiter teeth are associated with beauty, success, and good health. They also draw attention away from other features, giving you a more youthful and vibrant appearance. Teeth whitening provides a fast and cost-effective way to get the smile of your dreams. It involves removing stains and discoloration to brighten your teeth and improve their appearance. 

Why Do Your Teeth Change Color?

There are many reasons why few people have impeccably white teeth, including:

  • Age – tooth enamel is naturally white, but it thins over time due to normal wear, allowing the yellowish dentin to show 
  • Fluorosis – teeth darkening due to excessive fluoride consumption 
  • Food and drink – tea, coffee, red wine, and other food items contain intense color pigments known as chromogens that bond to tooth enamel, causing discoloration 
  • Tobacco use – chewing and smoking tobacco exposes you to two chemicals responsible for creating stubborn stains: nicotine and tar
  • Illness – early tooth decay or illness during tooth development can also cause spots on your teeth 
  • Medications – tooth discoloration can be a side effect of taking certain medication, like antihistamines and antipsychotics. Fetuses and babies may also be at risk of tooth discoloration of the adult teeth if exposed to antibiotics like doxycycline and tetracycline. 
  • Calculus – accumulated plaque can also reduce the sparkle of your teeth 

Any of these reasons can lead you to find a Bakersfield dentist near you for teeth whitening. 

Final Note 

Please keep in mind that teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure that may help to improve your self-confidence, but to maintain the results for as long as possible, you must be prepared to uphold your dental hygiene by brushing and flossing properly, avoiding smoking, avoiding colored drinks that stain your teeth, drinking plenty of water, and getting professional cleaning twice a year.