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Recently, several over-the-counter bleaching strips, paint-on gels, and whitening toothpastes have entered the retail marketplace. When choosing a whitening procedure that is best for your smile, seeking professional advice from your dentist through proper dental diagnosis is the best way to achieve the long-lasting results you have always desired. Many stains on your teeth are carious lesions, superficial tobacco or other drink and food stains, stained/failing composites, or advanced calculus accumulation. It is only when these stains are professionally addressed that you can have success in having a whiter smile by any bleaching formulation. Teeth whitening products, which contain peroxides, actually change your natural tooth color anywhere from five to seven, even up to twelve, shades brighter. In-Office Teeth Whitening If you wish to experience significant color change in a short period of time, in-office whitening performed by your dentist is an appropriate solution for your smile enhancement. This is the most popular of dental procedures in the world today. Unlike at-home whitening systems, in-office whitening takes place under carefully monitored conditions which allow for the safe, controlled, pain-free use of a relatively high concentration of bleaching gel, which yields immediate results. Stains that are best removed with in-office whitening are discolorations caused by aging, consumption of certain foods and tobacco use. No other teeth whitening procedure produces faster, safer results than in-office whitening because it is closely monitored and performed by your dentist. Gum and tooth sensitivity are more controllable, as well, due to the thicker peroxide gels and the use of desensitizers during treatment. Custom Take-Home Whitening Trays Many dentists offer the option for professionally dispensed take-home whitening kits. Professionally dispensed trays are much more controlled, easier to use and produce better results than over-the-counter whitening. The whitening trays give the most flexibility to patients and are easy to use for touching up your teeth every few months to maintain a sparkling smile. Whitening trays dispensed by your dentist work similarly to over-the-counter kits, but in order to start the process, your dentist will make a custom mold of your teeth so that the tray is custom-fitted to your mouth. This lessens the likelihood of irritation and maintains contact between the bleaching agent and your gums to a minimum. Teeth whitening results are subjective, varying considerably from person to person. Before beginning your whitening process, consult your cosmetic dentist in Los Angeles for a realistic idea of the results you are likely to achieve and how long it should take to achieve them. Your expectations play a significant role in the teeth whitening process.
If you are interested in brightening your smile, talk to your dentist in Los Angeles to have your teeth evaluated. Not everyone is a good candidate for teeth whitening, but with a proper consultation your Los Angeles dentist can come to an appropriate treatment solution.
Sean Hartmen writes for Dr. Shervin Louie, dentist in Los Angeles. Specializing in a range of cosmetic and family dental services including teeth whitening and veneers, this Los Angeles dentist is qualified to handle every dental need for patients in Los Angeles, Wilshire, Hollywood and other surrounding areas of California.
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