Teeth Whitening Specialist

What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening, or bleaching, can enhance your smile if your teeth have become discolored over the years. It’s most effective if you have all your natural teeth as the bleach only affects the shade of natural tooth enamel. If you’ve had any restorative work, such as fillings or crowns, you may want to have them replaced to match the new, brighter shade of your teeth after whitening.

Bleaching works best on external stains, such as discolorations that come from drinking coffee, tea, or wine, as well as smoking and eating acidic foods. The effects of whitening are dramatic and can make your teeth several shades whiter. However, the effects of whitening are not permanent, lasting up to three years depending on your habits, so you may want to go see Dr. Arora for a touch-up after your initial treatment.

If your teeth are infected or decayed, teeth whitening might not be appropriate. If that’s the case, Dr. Arora can perform more involved restorative and cosmetic procedures to repair or replace your damaged teeth. However, if you have healthy teeth that are somewhat yellowed, you’re likely a good candidate for teeth whitening.

What are the benefits of dentist-supervised teeth whitening?

While it’s true there are many teeth whitening products commercially available, there are several advantages to going to a dentist like Dr. Arora for teeth whitening. Dr. Arora has access to stronger and more effective whitening agents than you can purchase over the counter, and he can personalize your whitening treatment so you get the best results possible. This simply isn’t possible with one-size-fits-all home whitening kits.

At your first visit, Dr. Arora takes impressions of your teeth, which he then uses to create custom molds that are comfortable and ensure the whitening agent fully covers your teeth.

At your second appointment, he fits you for the molds and gives you instructions on how to use the kit to achieve your desired improvement. This process eliminates the guesswork of using a home whitening kit and makes sure you get the results you want.

Can teeth whitening substitute for dental care?

The effects of tooth whitening are purely cosmetic and absolutely do not substitute for dental care or good hygiene practices. While you may find your teeth look healthier, it’s just as important as ever to brush at least twice a day, floss at least once a day, and come in to see Dr. Arora for regular dental appointments such as cleanings. Doing so also helps your teeth stay brighter for longer.

To find out how teeth whitening can transform your smile, call Dr. Alok Arora, DMD, in Menlo Park, California, or use online booking to schedule an appointment today.