A bright, confident smile can transform your entire appearance. Oak Dental’s teeth whitening services are designed to help you achieve a brighter and more youthful look by effectively addressing tooth discoloration, tooth stains, and other issues that may dim your smile.
Why Choose Oaks Dental for Teeth Whitening?
At Oaks Dental, we offer advanced treatments like Philips Zoom teeth whitening and customized tooth whitening treatments using carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide gels that are both effective and gentle on your tooth enamel. Unlike over-the-counter options, our in-clinic whitening sessions allow dental experts to customize your treatment to address your specific concerns, manage tooth sensitivity, and maximize your results. With a commitment to precision, comfort, and safety, we ensure every visit is seamless, stress-free, and tailored to you.
What is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening, also known as dental bleaching, is a cosmetic procedure designed to lighten the color of your teeth by removing extrinsic stains and reducing the appearance of intrinsic stains. Using carefully selected whitening gels containing hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, our team can target discoloration beneath your tooth’s surface and restore your teeth’s natural radiance. This procedure is safe, effective, and one of the most popular methods for achieving a brighter and more youthful appearance. into more serious issues like tooth loss or damage to the alveolar bone and jawbone.
What Causes Teeth to Become Discolored or Stained?
Tooth discoloration can result from various factors, including lifestyle factors such as coffee, tea, wine, tobacco, and certain foods that lead to extrinsic tooth stains. Intrinsic stains are often caused by genetic factors, antibiotics like tetracycline, silver fillings, or trauma affecting the tooth enamel. Aging also plays a role, as the enamel thins over time, revealing the yellowish dentin underneath.
Types of Tooth Stains
There are several two main types of stains. Extrinsic tooth stains vary in severity and are usually superficial, forming on the outer layer of the tooth due to food, drinks, and smoking. Meanwhile, intrinsic stains are the result of deeper discoloration, originating within the tooth enamel and dentin, often caused by trauma, medications, or systemic conditions. Our whitening treatments target both types of stains using carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide formulations, ensuring comprehensive stain removal.
Can Certain Medications or Medical Conditions Cause Teeth to Darken?
Certain antibiotics, like tetracycline, and medications used for high blood pressure, antipsychotics, or chemotherapy can cause intrinsic stains. Genetic disorders such as dentinogenesis imperfecta or amelogenesis imperfecta can also lead to tooth discoloration. Additionally, some dental restorations, such as silver fillings, may cause a grayish hue over time. Our dental experts understand these factors and design a customized tooth whitening treatment to safely and effectively address such challenges.
Teeth Whitening Options: Methods Available
Our options include in-clinic teeth whitening treatments like Philips Zoom teeth whitening, which uses professional-strength bleaching gel combined with advanced light technology to significantly whiten teeth in a single session. For those who prefer the convenience of at-home whitening, we offer whitening trays with gels that are gentle yet powerful, allowing you to whiten your teeth over a few days or weeks. Our dental experts will help you choose the best method based on your goals, lifestyle, and oral health needs.
Difference Between Professional Whitening and Over-the-Counter Products
While over-the-counter products offer limited concentrations of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, our in-office treatments use professional-strength bleaching gels that deliver faster, more dramatic results. Moreover, our customized tooth whitening treatments are carefully administered by dental professionals, ensuring safety and efficacy. Over-the-counter kits often lack customization, leading to uneven results and a higher risk of tooth sensitivity. At Oaks Dental, we manage these risks with desensitizing gel and expert care, ensuring a safer, more effective whitening experience.
How Does the Whitening Process Work?
During in-clinic sessions, we apply a professional-strength bleaching gel (containing hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide) to the teeth and activate it using specialized light systems like Philips Zoom. This combination penetrates beneath your tooth’s surface to break down stains and lighten your teeth several shades in just one visit. For at-home whitening, we create whitening trays that fit precisely over your teeth, allowing you to apply whitening gels safely and comfortably at home under our guidance.
Is Teeth Whitening Safe for Everyone?
Individuals with severe tooth sensitivity, gingival issues, or certain genetic disorders may require alternative approaches. Pregnant or breastfeeding women are generally advised to postpone whitening treatments. That’s why our dental experts assess your oral health, medical history, and goals before recommending a customized treatment that’s both safe and effective.
How Long Do the Results Typically Last?
The longevity of your results depends on lifestyle habits, such as avoiding foods and drinks that stain (coffee, tea, red wine), maintaining regular dental cleanings, and following good oral hygiene practices. Periodic teeth whitening sessions can help maintain your brighter and more youthful smile over time.
Is Whitening Safe for Sensitive Teeth?
While temporary tooth sensitivity is a common side effect of teeth whitening, we manage this with desensitizing gel and customized treatment plans that protect the tooth enamel. Our gels that are gentle and the expertise of our team ensure that even those with sensitive teeth can achieve excellent whitening results without discomfort.
What Foods and Drinks Should I Avoid After Whitening?
After a teeth whitening session, it’s essential to avoid foods and drinks known for causing stains, such as coffee, tea, red wine, dark berries, and colored sauces. Tobacco products should also be avoided, as they contribute significantly to extrinsic tooth stains. Our team will provide a comprehensive list of recommendations to help preserve your brighter and more youthful smile for as long as possible.
Call Us to Solve All Your Doubts
At Oaks Dental, we offer premium teeth whitening treatments for stunning results, whether you want a bold change or a gentle refresh. Our experts will support you throughout the process. Ready for a brighter, younger smile? Call (818) 431-2000 to book your consultation and get a personalized, safe, and effective whitening plan.