Discover Your Teeth Whitening Options in Manhattan Beach, CA | Bright White Smile

Teeth Whitening Options in Manhattan Beach

With the new year comes new resolutions. For many people, brighter, whiter teeth are at the top of their self-improvement list. If your pearly whites have lost some of their luster over time, you may be looking into teeth whitening procedures. Manhattan Beach in sunny Southern California is home to many great cosmetic dental practices offering professional whitening treatments. Read on to learn about the teeth whitening options available in Manhattan Beach.

Why Consider Teeth Whitening?

Over time, your teeth can become stained or discolored from food and drinks like coffee, tea, red wine, and sodas. The enamel on your teeth can also become worn down due to aging. This natural wear and tear causes your teeth to appear more yellow. Additionally, certain medications can cause tooth discoloration. Teeth whitening is a fast way to reverse stains and yellowing for a brighter, whiter smile.

Whiter teeth provide an instant boost to your appearance and self-confidence. They make you look younger and healthier. With dazzling white teeth, you'll be ready for photos at any special occasion. A bright, beautiful smile sends positive signals to others in social situations and at work. In addition, white teeth are healthier. They are easier to keep clean and cavity-free.

Professional In-Office Whitening

For immediate and dramatic teeth whitening results, professional in-office whitening is hard to beat. During this procedure, your Manhattan Beach cosmetic dentist will first cover your gums with a protective gel. They will then apply a high-concentration whitening gel directly to your teeth. As the gel sits on your teeth, the active whitening ingredient (usually hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide) penetrates the enamel to lift stains. Under dental supervision, the process takes 30 to 90 minutes.

Professional whitening treatments brighten teeth up to eight shades whiter. You'll see full results immediately after your appointment. Sensitivity and gum irritation are possible temporary side effects. However, your dentist will take precautions to minimize discomfort. One or more in-office sessions may be recommended, depending on the current shade of your teeth.

Custom-Fit Whitening Trays

For longer-lasting whitening of hard-to-reach teeth, custom-fit whitening trays may be prescribed by your Manhattan Beach dentist. This involves making dental impressions of your teeth to create custom-made, plastic whitening trays. Your trays fit precisely over your teeth and are filled with a lower-concentration whitening gel. Wear the trays for a prescribed amount of time at home each day over the course of your treatment.

The convenience of at-home whitening makes this a popular option. Each session wears for 30 minutes to a few hours. Treatments are continued until you reach your desired whiteness. Occasionally refilling the trays with gel will maintain your bright smile. This gradual whitening method causes less sensitivity compared to in-office treatments. However, results take longer to see.

Whitening Toothpastes

Over-the-counter whitening toothpastes and powders contain mild abrasives and chemical polishers to buff away surface stains from your teeth. Look for toothpastes with added hydrogen peroxide or baking soda. Brushing with a whitening toothpaste can safely brighten your teeth a shade or two.

For the most noticeable results, pair your whitening toothpaste with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Brush gently at least twice per day. Concentrate the bristles along your gumline where staining most often occurs. Let the paste sit on your teeth for a minute before spitting and rinsing.

Other Whitening Products

Whitening rinses, gels, pens, strips, and trays you find at pharmacies and grocery stores can also lift some surface stains. Products like whitening gums and mints will also temporarily whiten teeth as you chew them. Look for oxidizing agents like hydrogen peroxide when shopping over-the-counter. Use these products intermittently along with daily brushing to maintain a bright smile.

How To Choose the Best Whitening Method

Visit a Manhattan Beach cosmetic dentist for an exam before starting any teeth whitening treatment. Your dentist will check for cavities and other problems that could cause pain or irritation during whitening. Be sure to discuss your medical history, as some conditions and medications can affect whitening.

Talk with your dentist about the degree of staining on your teeth and your goals for whitening. Request their professional opinion on which option would work best. For severely discolored teeth, dramatic whitening is needed. Moderately stained teeth can benefit from occasional in-office treatments plus at-home maintenance. Minor stains can likely be removed using over-the-counter products.

Your dentist will also take into account your budget, time commitment, and tolerance to side effects like sensitivity. In-office visits tend to be more expensive. The level of sensitivity caused by professional-strength whitening may be uncomfortable for some. Custom trays allow for gradual whitening but require wearing the trays daily at home.

Keeping Your Teeth White

While teeth whitening produces immediate stunning results, the effects are not permanent. Without touch-ups and proper maintenance, your teeth will eventually revert back to their former shade. Sipping dark beverages and eating staining foods will also encourage renewed discoloration.

Schedule periodic professional whitening appointments based on your dentist's recommendation. Use custom trays or over-the-counter whitening products to maintain your bright smile between visits. Also, cut back on staining foods and beverages. Quit smoking if you use tobacco products. The healthier your overall habits, the longer your dazzling white smile will last.

The Takeaway

Teeth whitening is a simple procedure that can give you the brighter smile you've always wanted. Manhattan Beach offers many excellent cosmetic dental offices that provide both dramatic in-office whitening and gradual at-home whitening options. Custom trays, whitening toothpastes, and other over-the-counter products further help maintain your new brilliant smile.

Consult Manhattan Beach cosmetic dentists like those at Ocean View Dental for a whitening exam and treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and desired results. Achieve your healthiest, most radiant smile just in time for the new year.

FAQs

What is the cost of professional teeth whitening in Manhattan Beach?

The cost of professional teeth whitening varies depending on the specific procedure, number of sessions needed, and dentist performing it. Generally, in-office whitening costs $500-$1000 per visit. Custom-fitted whitening trays cost $400-$800. Touch-up sessions and take-home whitening gels are addition costs.

How long do teeth whitening results last?

With proper maintenance, professional whitening results can last from 1-3 years. However, results vary based on your habits. Drinking staining beverages, smoking, and eating foods that discolor teeth will shorten the duration of whitening.

Is teeth whitening safe for my enamel?

When performed properly by a dentist, teeth whitening is generally safe for enamel. Your dentist will monitor the procedure closely. The whitening gels used contain regulated levels of peroxide that will not damage enamel.

Which is better, in-office or at-home whitening?

In-office whitening performed by your dentist provides the fastest, most dramatic results in 1-2 visits. Custom-fitted trays worn at home provide gradual whitening over the course of treatment. Your dentist can recommend the best option based on your goals.

Can teeth whitening worsen tooth sensitivity?

Some people do experience temporary tooth sensitivity from professional whitening. Sensitivity typically resolves within 1-2 days after treatment. Communicate any discomfort to your dentist so they can adjust the treatment to prevent sensitivity.