Teeth Whitening Questions

Modesto, Manteca, Ceres, Turlock, Salida, Ripon, California Dentist

 

How many ways are there to whiten teeth?

Teeth whitening has come a long way, and there are now several distinctly different ways to get whiter teeth. In-office tooth whitening usually succeeds in getting your teeth several shades whiter in one visit. Take-home kits are not as effective as in-office tooth whitening, but they can brighten your teeth by several shades. Over-the-counter kits are least effective. The results are not as precise, you will not be able to brighten your teeth as many shades as with professional whitening systems, and you may experience increased tooth sensitivity.

 

For stains resistant to tooth whitening procedures, our Modesto cosmetic dentists may recommend porcelain veneers.

 

What is an in-office teeth whitening procedure like?

The in-office teeth whitening procedure at Sierra Dental Care is done in one visit that takes less than 90 minutes. A gel tray is made that will fit your teeth perfectly. We apply a protective material to your gums to prevent contact with the whitening gel. Once the custom-fit gel trays have been placed over your teeth, a special light is used to accelerate the bleaching action. About every twenty minutes, we check the progress of the whitening. Once your teeth have reached the desired brightness, we remove the trays and gel. You are now ready to show off your new smile.

 

What is the difference between in-office and take-home tooth whitening kits?

You can achieve excellent results with both in-office and take-home tooth whitening kits. However, if you prefer to achieve your results gradually in the comfort of your own home, you may want to consider using the take-home system. The bleaching gel is not as strong as the gel used in our office, so it will prevent burning your gums and soft tissue. You will wear the trays one or two hours a day for up to two weeks, so there is a considerable time investment on your part.

 

The in-office whitening bleaching gel is stronger, but we take great care to protect your gums and soft tissue from irritation or discomfort. Since the process takes less than 90 minutes, you’ll see a whiter, brighter smile much sooner than with a take-home tooth whitening kit.

 

What is the difference between porcelain veneers and Lumineers?

Both porcelain veneers and Lumineers are types of veneers sometimes used as a teeth-whitening treatment. Porcelain veneers and Lumineers are good choices for people whose teeth have stains which are resistant to tooth whitening systems. Both can be tinted to a wide range of white shades.

 

Porcelain veneers are almost twice the thickness of Lumineers, so they require our dentists to remove a thicker layer of your natural enamel to ensure a proper fit. The thickness of the veneer has the advantage of a more translucent appearance that looks completely natural. Porcelain veneers are a permanent treatment because of the amount of tooth enamel that is removed.

 

Lumineers are so thin that only a very minimal amount of enamel is removed from your tooth. Lumineers are very strong and though less translucent than porcelain veneers, usually look as natural as your own teeth. 

 

If you would like to learn more about your teeth whitening options, please contact the experienced cosmetic dentists at Sierra Dental Care today. We serve tooth whitening patients in Modesto, Ceres, Manteca, Ripon, Salida and Turlock, California.