Are you unhappy with discolored or yellow teeth?
Discolored teeth can age the appearance of your smile causing you to feel too self-conscious to smile. Teeth whitening is a quick, effective and safe option for whitening and brightening your smile.
A range of factors can cause discolored teeth and treatment will vary depending on the cause of your tooth stains. Your dentists will perform a thorough oral health checkup prior to whitening your teeth to decide which cosmetic options will yield your ideal results. The dentist performs your personalized solution for whitening your teeth in a single visit to our Claremont, CA dentist office.
Teeth Whitening in Claremont, CA
When it comes to whitening your teeth, professional teeth whitening gels from your dentists are the safest and most effective option. Professional whitening gels are specially designed to reduce the common side effects of teeth whitening.
We use state-of-the-art whitening gels that protect the soft tissues from damage and the teeth from added sensitivity. In about 30-60 minutes professional whitening gels can take years off of the look of your smile. Patients enjoy immediate results and enjoy a fresher, younger-looking smile.
Laser Teeth Whitening
For patients who have hypersensitive teeth, laser whitening may be an ideal solution for brightening and whitening the teeth. Laser dentistry can gently remove years of stains from the surface of the teeth improving the overall appearance of the smile. Patients enjoy immediate results with minimal risk of added tooth sensitivity. Learn more about laser teeth whitening, see How Laser Teeth Whitening Works.
Alternative Cosmetic Solutions for Discolored Teeth
For patients who have tooth discoloration caused by trauma or the use of medications, cosmetic dentistry corrects the discoloration. Dental veneers, tooth bonding, or a dental crown can be used to address permanent tooth discoloration. Cosmetic dental restorations are custom-designed and bonded to the affected tooth providing natural, seamless options for whitening your smile.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are thin ceramic shells that the cosmetic dentist will bond to the front of the tooth. They are custom-created to fit over each tooth to hide yellow teeth, stains, and any discoloration. You can learn more about the difference between teeth whitening and veneers by visiting Teeth Whitening vs. Porcelain Veneers.
Porcelain veneers are very popular because they are less invasive than dental crowns. However, they are permanent and will cost more unlike dental bonding. In addition to whitening teeth, dental veneers can improve the shape, size, and alignment of teeth. They are durable and stain resistant and will last for many years with proper care. To learn more about the porcelain veneer process, see Porcelain Veneers.
Tooth Bonding
Dental bonding is a cosmetic dental treatment where your dentist will place a resin material on a tooth, then mold it by hand into the proper shape. The dentist will then cure it under a special light. The composite resin is color-matched to blend in your natural, surrounding teeth. It can hide stains, discolorations, and yellow teeth.
If your teeth resist professional teeth whitening, tooth bonding is an effective treatment method to whiten your smile. However, dental bonding is not permanent, as stain-resistant, or as durable as porcelain veneers or dental crowns. Tooth bonding is more affordable and can give you whiter smile quickly, though. To learn more about the dental bonding process, see Tooth Bonding.
Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a custom-fitted “cap” that your dentist will cement to a tooth. The crown will mimic the tooth in shape, size, strength, and look. Your dentist may suggest using a dental crown to address a stained or discolored tooth when the staining is very severe or if the tooth has other defects.
A dental crown is a permanent solution like porcelain veneers. However, it will completely encase the tooth to the gum line instead of just covering the front part. It is more durable and stain-resistant than dental bonding. If you care for your tooth crown, it can last for many years. To learn more about the dental crown process, see Dental Crown.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dentistry treatment. If you have a question about tooth whitening, see if we have addressed here in our frequently asked questions section. Contact our office for further help and guidance.
Is teeth whitening safe for my gums?
Yes. Today’s modern teeth whitening technology is safer than ever before. Professional teeth whitening at the dentist is the best and safest way to brighten your smile. Dr. Steve Fountain and his team only use the safest materials and tested products. It does not compare to over-the-counter whitening products.
Does teeth whitening make my teeth more sensitive?
No, not permanently. Some patients initially experience sensitive teeth immediately after treatment, but this sensation goes away within a few hours to days. There is no permanent tooth sensitivity after teeth whitening at the dentist.
Does insurance pay for teeth whitening?
No. The cost of teeth whitening treatments is not covered by dental insurance plans. Since this cosmetic treatment is not necessary for good oral health, insurance providers choose not to cover it. Although, we do provide financing options so that anyone can afford great dental care.
How long does teeth whitening last?
Professional tooth whitening treatments can last between 2 to 3 years if properly maintained, or as little as 6 months if you smoke and eat foods that stain teeth. Teeth whitening is not a permanent fix to discolored teeth. Your results will highly depend on how well you take care of your teeth.
Why do teeth stain?
Your teeth will naturally get dark as you age and the enamel that covers your teeth gradually thins. That process will expose the yellow dentin under the enamel, causing your teeth to appear dull and yellow. Genetics and certain drugs also play a role the color of your teeth leaving many people helpless with their stained or yellow teeth. However, the most prevalent causes of tooth staining, yellowing, and dullness are the staining things we consume, lack of proper oral hygiene, and smoking.
Gum Bleaching in Claremont, CA
Some patients are unhappy with the appearance of dark-colored or splotchy gums. The hyper-pigmentation of the gums can detract from an otherwise healthy and beautiful smile. Dark brown or black spots on the gums are generally genetic and present no immediate health risk. They’re a cosmetic dental concern.
Gum bleaching patients often are amazed that such a simple treatment can make such a significant difference in their lives. After a single treatment that takes less than an hour, gum bleaching can remove or reduce the appearance of dark blotches and create pleasant-looking pink gums. Many patients tell me that after their treatment, they are more pleased with their appearance and feel more attractive.
How can I treat dark gums?
At Claremont Dental Institute we use laser dentistry to depigment the gums. The laser gently removes excess melanin from the gums creating a healthy, pink gum line. The laser treatment is minimally invasive, removing only the basal gum layer and promoting the natural regrowth of healthy, pink gum tissue.
Request a Consultation for Teeth Whitening in Claremont, CA
Claremont Dental Institute provides personalized cosmetic consultations and tailored treatment plans to address tooth discoloration. We welcome new patients from the greater Claremont area, including San Dimas, La Verne, Pomona, La Verne, Rancho Cucamonga, and Upland California.
To learn more about whitening your discolored teeth contact our office at (909) 675-0450 or request your consultation using our online form.