Teeth Whitening Dentist in Bay Area, San Jose, CA

Over time you may notice your teeth becoming discolored and not as white as they used to be. This is common and is caused by several factors, some of which are:

• Food and Drink. Food and drinks commonly known to cause staining are, among others, coffee, tea, red wine, tomato-based sauces, and beetroot. The deep colors are caused by pigments called chromogens that adhere to the enamel, and over time cause the teeth to look discolored.

• Tobacco. Tar and nicotine are two of the thousands of chemicals contained in tobacco and are responsible for causing stubborn stains on teeth. Tar has a naturally dark color. Nicotine is colorless, but when mixed with oxygen turns into a yellowish surface-staining substance.

• Age. Over time, the enamel (the outer shell of the teeth) wears down. When this happens the yellowish softer area underneath (called dentin) begins to show through giving the tooth a darker appearance.

• Trauma. A tooth may change color if it has been injured as a damaged tooth will react by creating more of the darker-colored dentin.

• Medications. Some antihistamines, antipsychotics, and high blood pressure medications can cause the teeth to darken. Young children exposed to certain antibiotics either in the womb or as a baby may find that their teeth become discolored later in life. Chemotherapy and head and neck radiation are also known to darken teeth.

Teeth whitening works by essentially bleaching the enamel. Tooth whitening products contain either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide that work by fragmenting the stain, making the color less concentrated and resulting in brighter teeth.

It is important to note, however, that whitening is not suitable for all types of discoloration. Only natural teeth can be bleached. Whitening will not work on caps, veneers, crowns, or fillings and will also not correct discoloration caused by an injury to the tooth, or medication.

Yellow teeth will probably bleach well whereas brown teeth or those with gray tones may not respond as well, if at all.

Before deciding on a tooth whitening treatment, first, check with your dentist. They will decide whether or not you are a good candidate (bearing in mind the exclusions above) and can then discuss the various options, which are as follows:

• Stain Removal Toothpaste. Look for whitening toothpastes that have been given the ADA Seal of Acceptance for stain removal (it will be on the package). These toothpastes have additional polishing agents that are safe for your teeth and are effective in removing surface stains.

• In-Office Bleaching. This procedure, called chairside bleaching, usually requires only one office visit. The dentist uses either a protective gel or a rubber shield to protect the gums and then applies bleach to the teeth.

• At-Home Bleaching from Your Dentist. This is an option for whitening in your own home and at your own pace. Your dentist will provide you with a custom-made tray and bleaching solution and will give you instructions on how to use them. This option can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.

• Over-the-Counter Bleaching Products. There are many different over-the-counter products nowadays that offer teeth whitening solutions. The bleaching agent in these products is weaker than those used by the dentist and, as with the stain removal toothpastes, it is advised to look for one with the ADA Seal of Acceptance, which indicates that it has been tested for safety and efficacy.

The US national average for professional, in-office teeth whitening is currently between $600 and $700 per visit and is the most expensive option available, although the costs can vary considerably depending on the product and procedure used. Other treatments are cheaper but it’s important to remember that, as teeth whitening is considered a cosmetic procedure, it will not be covered by health insurance plans. So, if you are considering getting your teeth whitened call Selective Dental today and let us help you find the best fit for you, and your wallet!

If you have questions or concerns regarding teeth whitening, or any other cosmetic procedure, contact Selective Dental today! We offer a wide variety of dental services, contact us or request an appointment online. We serve patients from all over Santa Clara County CA: San Jose, Milpitas, Santa Clara, Campbell, Sunnyvale, Cupertino, Saratoga, Los Gatos, and BEYOND!