Brighten Your Smile with Petaluma Teeth Whitening
Everyone wants a bright, white, and shining smile. Most patients can achieve dramatically whiter teeth with safe, affordable teeth whitening. Every patient has different needs, so we give you options when it comes to achieving a dazzling smile.
Over-the-Counter Whiteners
For relatively young patients with slightly yellow teeth, I often recommend an over-the-counter product, like Crest Professional Strength Whitestrips. This product is safe and typically effective for patients in their teens or twenties. It is important to stick to major brands like Crest, Colgate, or Rembrandt, as store-purchased teeth whitening products are NOT regulated by the FDA, and some lesser-known brands may damage your teeth. Please don’t buy an internet product.
In-office Bleaching with Zoom! Teeth Whitening
Zoom! offers a fast, easy way to achieve a smile up to eight shades brighter in a single office visit. This extremely popular whitening method uses specially formulated bleaching gel activated by a halogen light to lift stains and discolorations. Relax and watch your favorite show while Zoom! safely and gently reveals your brightest smile. If you decide that you want an even whiter tooth shade following treatment with Zoom!, we’ll give you a customized kit to continue whitening at home. During the week or two following in-office bleaching, teeth are hyper-responsive to a little more whitening with the trays. Typically, one or two hours at home is all it takes to achieve your desired tooth color. Zoom! Teeth Whitening costs a little over $500.
Take-Home Bleaching
We’ll use a model of your smile to create custom-made bleaching trays for use with our professional-strength gel. These trays keep the gel sealed against the teeth for maximum effectiveness and no leakage to irritate sensitive tissues. Wear the trays for about an hour a day and typically for 10 to 14 days on average. You’ll see progress daily. Keep using the trays until you achieve your desired result. Take-home bleaching provides a cost-effective way to whiten teeth. It has been around for almost 20 years and costs a little over $300.
Patients can also touch up their smile as needed with the take-home kit. Oftentimes, using it about an hour a year is all that is needed to maintain a brilliant smile.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Does Teeth Whitening Hurt?
When it comes to dental procedures of any kind, many patient worry that their treatment is going to be painful. Fortunately, we will always do everything we can to make you feel as comfortable as possible while in the dental chair. Because professional teeth whitening is entirely custom, you are significantly less likely to experience sensitivity. If your teeth are more prone to being sensitive, don’t hesitate to let us know. By spacing out your treatments, avoiding hot and cold beverages, and using specialty toothpaste, you can avoid this unpleasant sensation.
Am I a Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
If you struggle to feel confident when showing off your smile due to stubborn stains and pigmented discoloration, you likely make a good candidate for teeth whitening. The best way to find out is to schedule a consultation with us. This way, we can examine your smile and learn more about your goals. If your teeth and gums are in healthy shape, we can start working on your treatment plan. If you have a dental issue, like gum disease or tooth decay, these will need to be treated ahead of time.
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Treatment Take?
Professional teeth whitening treatments are not only more effective, but they are also faster. An in-office whitening treatment can lighten your smile up to 8 shades in a single visit! Take-home teeth whitening can gradually whiten your teeth over a couple of weeks. If you are struggling with more pigmented discoloration, you may need additional treatments to achieve your goals. If you have a big event coming up, don’t hesitate to let us know so we can schedule you accordingly.
Is Teeth Whitening Permanent?
The results of teeth whitening treatment are not permanent. Typically, the effects will last anywhere from a couple of months to a few years depending on how well you care for them. To prolong your results, you should implement a solid at-home oral hygiene routine, attend your six-month dental checkups and cleanings, and avoid poor dental habits, like smoking. Touch-up treatments are also available to help keep your teeth beautiful and bright!
Is Teeth Whitening Covered by Dental Insurance?
Teeth whitening is not considered medically necessary, so it is not covered by dental insurance. However, this doesn’t always mean that you will be left completely on your own, with third-party financing companies, like CareCredit, you can split the cost of your treatment into manageable monthly installments with little to no interest. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us to learn more about your financial options.