Teeth Whitening in California

One of the most common reasons people visit a cosmetic dentist is teeth whitening. Most people want to have the brightest and whitest smile possible. Having a winning smile not only instills self-confidence, it helps when trying to create first impression for job interviews or when dating. Your smile is the first thing about you that people notice and <a onClick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/article_exit_link');" href=http://www.drpaulcoleman.com/tooth-whitening.html>teeth whitening</a> by a skilled cosmetic dentist can make your smile memorable.

Everybody's teeth are different and come in different shades of white. When a dentist fits you with a crown or <a onClick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/article_exit_link');" href=http://www.drpaulcoleman.com/porcelain-veneers.html>porcelain veneers</a>, the color of the crown is carefully matched to the surrounding teeth so that it does not stand out. With <a onClick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/article_exit_link');" href=http://www.drpaulcoleman.com/faq-whitening.html>tooth whitening treatments</a>, all of your teeth can be brought up several shades of brightness.

Causes of Dingy Teeth

Teeth take a beating every day and come in contact with numerous agents that can dull and dim teeth over time. Even certain medications can cause teeth to discolor. Some of the main causes for dingy teeth include:

• Coffee
• Tobacco
• Red berry drinks
• Tetracycline
• Tooth trauma
• Metal fillings
• Poor dental hygiene

Genetic disposition is also a factor for many people who have less than desirable coloring of their teeth.

Home Teeth Whitening Options

Take-home whitening options prescribed by the dentist are more powerful and effective than ones you buy in the store. The active whitening ingredient is either 16% carbimide peroxide, compared with 10% hydrogen peroxide, which is available over the counter.

With the prescription option, a gel containing the active ingredients is applied to a tray that fits over your teeth for around two to three hours a day, or overnight. The tray is applied over two to four weeks until the desired affect is obtained.

Over the counter whiteners are available, but they are less effective because of the concentration. This process uses strips of plastic coated with the carbimide peroxide and left on for approximately one hour. Although you do not need a prescription for this method, you will not get the same results either.

Tooth whitening toothpastes by themselves are not very effective to whiten or brighten your teeth. Also known as dentifrice, they can give other whiting treatments an assist when used regularly.

Zoom! In Office Whitening

In office whitening is the most effective and long lasting. When compared with take home trays prescribed by the dentist, Zoom! In office whitening has the following benefits.

• 45 minutes compared to two weeks of treatment
• Eight to ten shades of improvement compared to six for trays
• Immediate results

The whitening effects are enhanced with the use of a gas plasma light, or LED (light emitting diode). The in office procedure takes about an hour. After applying the gel to the teeth, the whitening agent is activated using short bursts of the powerful light. The entire procedure takes approximately 45 minutes and results are immediate and long lasting.