Teeth whitening in Corona, CA

Teeth Whitening in Corona, CA

How Does Teeth Whitening Work?

Teeth whitening works by breaking down the chemical bonds that hold onto stains in the tooth. This is done by the use of a whitening agent that contains hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which breaks down into hydrogen peroxide. 

The peroxide penetrates through the tooth enamel and the oxygen molecules react with staining molecules deeper in the tooth, which effectively removes not only surface stains, but also deep, intrinsic stains. In high concentrations that are found at the dental office, peroxide can effectively bleach the teeth and produce a shade up to 10 times lighter in a single session. If you're interested in brightening your smile, call (951) 444-7010 to contact your dentist in Corona and schedule an appointment today! 

Benefits of Teeth Whitening

- Take-home whitening reduces tooth sensitivity
- In-office whitening is very fast
- Cost-effective
- Minimally invasive
- Results can last for up to 3 years with proper care
- Cheaper, less invasive, & more convenient alternative to veneers & crowns
- Increases confidenceImproves your overall smile
- Can improve your mental health
- Safe administration of whitening gel
- Protection of your soft tissues

teeth whitening in Corona, CA
Teeth Whitening Treatment in Corona, CA

How Do I Care for My Whitened Teeth?

It’s important to care for your teeth by brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice a day for 2-3 minutes. Floss at least once a day between all of your teeth and attend checkups and cleanings twice a year.

This will ensure that surface stains and plaque buildup which can cause discoloration are kept to a minimum. You should also monitor your diet to avoid foods and drinks that will stain your teeth. Smoking and tobacco products should be completely avoided. Staining foods & drinks that you should keep to a minimum include:

- Coffee & tea
- Wine
- Balsamic vinegar
- Soy sauce
- Dark sauces
- Highly pigmented fruits

Can Teeth Whitening Cause Sensitivity?

Yes, tooth sensitivity is a common side effect following teeth whitening. However, not all patients experience it. The reason sensitivity occurs is because of the process used to whiten your teeth with a peroxide-based whitening product. 

The peroxide temporarily strips your enamel of minerals, known as demineralization. This makes the teeth more porous, enabling the whitening agent to work its way through the deeper layers of the teeth to bleach away intrinsic stains. 

This process, however, also exposes the microtubules of dentin in your teeth which are connected to your tooth’s roots. The tooth roots are responsible for sensation and when demineralized, they are hypersensitive, causing your teeth to be more responsive than normal to extreme temperatures. 

This side effect is more common and pronounced after in-office whitening treatment because it uses a higher concentration of peroxide. Since take-home whitening is done more gradually at a lower concentration of peroxide, this doesn’t cause severe sensitivity or in some cases, any sensitivity at all. 

If you’re worried about tooth sensitivity, you should try take-home whitening or avoid extremely hot and cold foods and drinks. Using fluoride products can help to remineralize your enamel and you can also use a desensitizing gel or toothpaste for sensitive teeth which will give you relief. Your teeth will naturally remineralize within a few days and the sensitivity will subside.

teeth whitening in Corona, CA
Teeth Whitening Treatment in Corona, CA

Can Teeth Whitening Damage Teeth?

Teeth whitening can damage teeth from over-whitening or improper use of the whitening product. Always follow the directions when using take-home whitening. You shouldn’t leave the whitening product on for too long and you shouldn’t whiten your teeth too frequently. 

This is one of the biggest issues with over-the-counter whitening trays. They’re prone to misuse and many of them are not ADA-approved. When you come to the dentist to get your teeth whitened, you can be sure that we’re using reputable and clinically tested ingredients that are approved by the ADA and FDA. 

We, as highly experienced, skilled, and trained certified dentists, apply the whitening agent carefully and properly while protecting your soft tissues. We take precise impressions of your teeth so that the same can be done with take-home whitening. 

How the Teeth Whitening Process Works

At Corona Smile Shoppe, the teeth whitening process starts with a consultation with Dr. Martinez, who will carefully assess your teeth and rule out any oral health problems. Then, after discussing your cosmetic goals, how fast you want to whiten your teeth, and assessing the severity of your discoloration, he will formulate a treatment plan that fits your needs. 

If you are receiving in-office whitening, then this can be done in a single appointment. First, your soft tissues are shielded from the whitening agent with a cheek protractor and protective gel. Then, the whitening product is applied to each tooth and then exposed to UV light. Light activation speeds up the chemical reaction process so that the teeth whiten rapidly. After about an hour, the whitening gel is rinsed out and you will leave the office with visibly brighter teeth.

If you would rather whiten your teeth at home, we will need you to come into the office for a quick 15-minute impression-taking appointment. Physical impressions taken of your teeth will be sent to a dental lab that will fabricate tailor-made whitening trays for you to wear. 

After a few weeks, your whitening trays should be ready at our office for you to pick up. We will also provide you with written instructions and the whitening product that will be applied to your trays. 

Follow the instructions given to you by Dr. Martinez on how long to wear the trays each day. These trays need to be worn for 1 to 2 weeks to achieve the same results as in-office whitening.

teeth whitening in Corona, CA

Schedule Your Consultation Today!

Are you interested in teeth whitening but not sure which treatment is right for you? Contact us at Corona Smile Shoppe today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Juan Martinez.