Santa Monica Family Dentist

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening solutions are for those who have stained, dull or discolored teeth. The main causes of stained teeth are genetics, antibiotics, tobacco and certain foods. As we age, our teeth darken as well.

Your dentist will explore different whitening options to achieve your desired results. Your dentist will evaluate your smile and ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy enough for whitening.

There are a variety of options when looking to brighten your teeth:

Take Home Teeth Whitening Treatment
Custom-fitted whitening trays can be purchased from your dental office. With this procedure, it can take about a month to achieve the desired effect, which depends on the needs of your smile. If you choose this option, you will receive trays that are customized to fit your teeth to avoid any irritation to your gums.

This at-home option is ultimately healthier for your teeth rather than the over-the-counter teeth whitening solutions. Your dentist can evaluate your teeth and recommend the best solution for you.

In-Office Teeth Whitening Treatment
Your dentist will apply a bleaching agent to your teeth, and a laser is directed at the coated teeth to expedite the process. This is achieved in a single session and you will see the desired results immediately. This is the preferred whitening method because even though stronger agents are applied, the rest of the mouth and gum is protected from these materials.

Both options are very effective for whitening your teeth. If you prefer to brighten your smile in the comfort of your own home, then whitening trays may be more appealing to you. However, you might want to consider having the procedure done at your dental office for quicker results.