Do you hide your smile in photos because your teeth look dull or stained? You are not alone. Many Los Altos patients want a brighter smile but are not sure where to start. Los Altos cosmetic dentist Dr. Ken Schweifler and our team believe that every patient should be confident in their smile. While some patients can naturally achieve a bright smile, others may need an extra boost with professional cosmetic dentistry.
Dr. Schweifler dedicates countless hours to staying up to date on the current advancements in dentistry. He is the ideal partner in your journey to a beautiful smile. He will perform a full dental exam to determine if you are an ideal candidate for an at-home teeth whitening procedure.
Located near the Los Altos Civic Center and Rancho Shopping Center, we are proud to serve families from Los Altos, Mountain View, Palo Alto, and the surrounding South Bay communities.
Professional Whitening vs. Store-Bought Whitening Products
While many patients opt for over-the-counter teeth whitening solutions, these products often offer ineffective results. Patients end up spending time and money on barely noticeable results. Sometimes, these store-bought solutions can irritate the gums and cause tooth sensitivity. Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental service that you should get under the care of an experienced and qualified dental professional.
To safely achieve noticeable results, we offer take-home teeth whitening treatments. Our professional teeth whitening kits allow patients to achieve long-lasting, natural-looking results independently. Throughout a few weeks, patients can gradually whiten their smiles.
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Benefits of Teeth Whitening in Los Altos, CA
Professional teeth whitening offers several advantages over over-the-counter teeth whitening treatments:
- Cost-effective: Better results for your money
- Safe: Performed under professional supervision
- Convenient: Whiten on your own schedule with take-home kits
- Personalized: Your cosmetic goals create your treatment plan
- Long-lasting: Results that stay brighter longer
What To Expect During The Teeth Whitening Process
Every cosmetic treatment begins with a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Schweifler. During this time, he will check your teeth for signs of decay, gum disease, or other issues. Creating a beautiful smile is simple, but creating a healthy smile takes time. It is important to whiten only healthy teeth.
If teeth whitening is right for you, Dr. Schweifler will take impressions of your teeth. We use these impressions to create custom bleaching trays that fit only your mouth. Once your trays are ready, you will return to our office. Dr. Schweifler will explain exactly how to use your whitening kit.
You must follow the instructions carefully to achieve your desired results. You can whiten your teeth gradually in the comfort of your home, on your own time.
How Can I Treat Deep Tooth Stains?
Some tooth stains are impervious to teeth whitening. So, Dr. Schweifler may recommend another procedure, such as porcelain veneers or dental bonding. These treatments can help you reach your desired smile with permanent results. Veneers are thin shells that we bond to the front of teeth. Bonding uses a malleable tooth-colored material we apply to the tooth.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Learn more by reading the answers to these commonly asked questions about teeth whitening in Los Altos, CA.
How do I keep my teeth white after teeth whitening treatment?
Avoid regularly consuming dark drinks that can stain teeth, like coffee, wine, and soda/soft drinks. Drinking these in moderation will keep your teeth whiter for a longer period of time. Smoking also heavily contributes to tooth staining. Teeth whitening is not a permanent treatment at the dentist or home. Professional teeth whitening can last anywhere from six months to about three years.
Is tooth sensitivity permanent after teeth whitening?
No. Sensitivity is a temporary side effect of the whitening gel. It usually goes away within 24 to 48 hours. You can use toothpaste made for sensitive teeth, take over-the-counter pain relievers, and avoid very hot or cold foods.
What is the difference between teeth whitening and teeth bleaching?
Bleaching typically involves a chemical agent that breaks down the discoloring molecules in tooth enamel. Whitening is a physical process that involves either using abrasive material or lasers to remove stains on teeth.
How long does it take to see teeth whitening results?
It isn’t easy to give an accurate answer as it varies from person to person. The time it takes for teeth whitening results to show will depend on the toothpaste or mouthwash you use and how often you brush your teeth.
The brighter your teeth are, the less time they take to become noticeably whiter. If you have a lot of stains on your teeth, they may take some time before they show any significant color change.
How long do I need to be careful after teeth whitening?
The first 48 hours are the most important. During this time, your teeth are more vulnerable to new stains. Avoid coffee, tea, red wine, berries, tomato sauce, and dark sodas. If you do drink something that could stain, use a straw and rinse your mouth with water afterward.
Schedule a Smile Consultation Today
Are you ready to transform your smile with professional teeth whitening? Dr. Schweifler and our team provide safe whitening treatments customized just for you. Schedule an appointment online or call our Los Altos office at (650) 489-4620 today. Your dream smile is just an appointment away.