Professional whitening can lighten stained or yellowed teeth with dentist-supervised gels and custom trays. At our Los Angeles office, we check your teeth and gums first and help you choose between in-office and take-home whitening.
WHY PROFESSIONAL WHITENING
Store-bought strips and kits are made to fit everyone, so the gel may not reach every surface evenly and can irritate the gums. Professional whitening is planned around your teeth: we check for cavities, gum problems, and existing restorations first, then choose a strength and method that suit you.
Whitening works on natural enamel, so results depend on your starting shade and the type of staining. We will tell you what to realistically expect before you begin.
WHITENING OPTIONS
We offer two professional approaches, plus ways to combine and maintain them. The right choice depends on your schedule, your teeth, and how sensitive they are.
A professional-strength gel is applied in our office while your gums are protected. It's often chosen when you want a noticeable change in a single visit, such as before an event.
We make custom trays from a scan of your teeth and provide professional whitening gel to wear at home for a set number of days. Results build gradually, and the trays can be kept for future touch-ups.
Some patients start with an in-office session and then continue with take-home trays to build on the result and maintain it over time.
Food, drinks, and time gradually restain teeth. Occasional touch-ups with your trays can help keep your shade where you want it.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Common causes of staining include coffee, tea, red wine, tobacco, and the natural yellowing of teeth with age. These surface and deeper enamel stains often respond well to whitening. Gray or brown discoloration from certain medications, injury, or a past root canal may respond less, and bonding or veneers may be better options.
Crowns, veneers, bonding, and tooth-colored fillings do not change color with whitening. If any are visible when you smile, we'll talk about whether they may need to be updated afterward to match your new shade.
WHY CHOOSE TRUSTED DENTAL
We plan whitening around your teeth, your sensitivity, and the result you want.
We check for cavities, gum irritation, and worn enamel before whitening, since these can affect comfort and results.
If your teeth tend to be sensitive, we can adjust the approach and recommend desensitizing products to keep treatment comfortable.
Take-home trays are made from a digital scan of your teeth, so the gel stays where it belongs and covers each tooth evenly.
We'll share aftercare tips and touch-up options to help you keep your brighter shade longer.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Answers to common questions about professional teeth whitening at our Los Angeles office.
Coffee, tea, red wine, tobacco, and dark sauces commonly stain enamel, and teeth also tend to darken with age. Some discoloration comes from inside the tooth, such as from certain medications or an old injury. Your dentist can tell you which type you have and how well it may respond to whitening.
Some patients notice temporary sensitivity or gum irritation during or after whitening. It usually fades within a day or two. Using a sensitivity toothpaste, spacing out sessions, or adjusting the gel strength can help.
Results vary by patient, but they often last from several months to a few years. Coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco shorten them, while good brushing, regular cleanings, and occasional touch-ups with your trays help them last longer.
No. Whitening gels lighten natural enamel only, so crowns, veneers, bonding, and tooth-colored fillings stay the same shade. If they are visible, we may suggest whitening first and then updating them to match your new shade.
When used as directed under a dentist's supervision, professional whitening is generally considered safe for healthy enamel. Overusing whitening products can increase sensitivity and gum irritation, which is one reason we check your teeth first and give clear instructions.
In-office whitening is often chosen when you want a noticeable change in one visit. Take-home trays work more gradually but let you whiten on your own schedule and keep the trays for touch-ups. Some patients combine the two.
Whitening gel can irritate cavities, exposed roots, or inflamed gums, so these are usually treated first. An exam also lets us check existing restorations and set realistic expectations for your shade.
Ask about in-office or take-home whitening at our Los Angeles office. We will check your teeth first and help you choose the option that fits your goals and schedule.