The Santa Monica, CA Teeth Whitening Dentist Tells You What You Should Expect from Treatment

Written by Dr. Follette on Jul 10, 2018

After a teeth whitening treatment, patients leave our office feeling proud of their sparkling smile and amazed at the immediate difference it makes to their appearance.

But occasionally a patient’s expectations may not match the results achieved. There can be several reasons for this. Quite often the results of professional teeth whitening with the Santa Monica, CA teeth whitening dentist are not fully apparent until several days after the procedure.

Everyone also has different expectations, and this can make a big difference in how satisfied they are. No matter what you expect from treatment, it’s important to remember that every patient starts with a different set of issues based on heredity and their dental history. Here are some basics to keep in mind before undergoing professional teeth whitening by your dentist.

Choosing the Right White

A handheld shade guide is used to measure the level of whitening that you can expect. If you have a specific outcome in mind, ask to see a shade guide so that the Santa Monica, CA teeth whitening dentist understands your expectations and can discuss any potential issues with obtaining the shade you desire.

Types of Stains on Teeth

Staining of teeth is intrinsic, extrinsic, or both. Intrinsic staining is usually a result of trauma, aging, too much tetracycline (a common antibiotic), or excessive use of fluoride. These stains are harder to eliminate and may require an in-office treatment followed by at home whitening.

Extrinsic stains result from certain foods, beverages, and normal wear. In the case of extrinsic stains, bleaching is usually very effective.

How Much Whitening is Too Much?

Some people believe that tooth whitening will cause their teeth to become too white. They are worried that the result will be unnatural. In reality, patients can usually expect a difference of two to seven shades with in-office whitening. Bleaching can produce wonderful results, but it can only reveal the natural whiteness of your tooth enamel.

Please Call for An Appointment

If you would like to learn more about reviving your smile with professional teeth whitening please call our office for an appointment. We will be happy to take the time to sit down with you to explain exactly what you can expect.