Dull, discolored, or stained teeth can affect your confidence. Dr. 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 to achieve a whiter, brighter smile.
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.
As a top cosmetic dentist in the area, 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.
Choose Teeth Whitening in Los Altos, CA
Professional teeth whitening offers several advantages over over-the-counter teeth whitening treatments. First, you will achieve results with a process that you fully control. Second, you are doing so with a treatment that will safely and effectively whiten your smile. This way, you save time, money, and energy to utilize in other areas of your life. Additionally, home teeth whitening offers these key benefits:
- Cost-effective solution for enhancing your smile
- Achieve results on your own time
- Your personal cosmetic goals will create your treatment plan
- Effects are long-lasting
Certain 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. Ultimately, patients can achieve the smile of their dreams through personalized treatment planning, effective treatment, and excellent patient care. These qualities are what Dr. Schweifler and our dental care team take great pride in providing.
What To Expect During The Teeth Whitening Process
Each cosmetic dentistry treatment begins with a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Schweifler. During this time, he will check the teeth for signs of dysfunction. Creating a beautiful smile is simple, but creating a healthy smile takes time. It is important to perform teeth whitening on a structurally healthy smile, so if you need any treatment before your teeth whitening, Dr. Schweifler will coordinate your care.
If teeth whitening is right for you, treatment will begin with taking impressions of your teeth. With the impressions of your teeth, we create custom bleaching trays that fit only your measurements. Once we fabricate your trays, you will revisit our office. Once there, Dr. Schweifler will explain all aspects of your care.
You must follow your teeth whitening kit instructions to achieve your desired results. Patients can gradually whiten their teeth in the comfort of their homes, on their own time.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Teeth whitening is the most popular cosmetic dental treatment. Learn more by reading the answers to these commonly asked questions.
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 teeth sensitivity permanent after teeth whitening?
No, sensitivity after your teeth whitening procedure is not permanent. This is a temporary symptom of the bleaching product and should go away within 24 to 48 hours. You can alleviate sensitivity after your treatment by using toothpaste for sensitive teeth, taking an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory, and avoiding hot and cold foods.
What is the difference between teeth whitening and teeth bleaching?
It is important to know that teeth whitening is not the same as 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.
What are alternatives to traditional teeth whitening?
You might have a discolored tooth or two and can’t justify getting a complete teeth whitening treatment. In this case, we can recommend two services more focused on troubled teeth than all of your teeth. These services are porcelain veneers and tooth bonding. Both treatments can whiten a single tooth to match your other white teeth. Give us a call for more options and to schedule a dental exam.
How long do I need to be careful after teeth whitening?
The first 48 hours after teeth whitening treatment are crucial. Whitening works by opening up pores in the teeth, and these remain vulnerable for this amount of time. During this period, avoiding staining foods and beverages like coffee, strawberries, and red wine is especially important.