Teeth Whitening in Lodi, CA

Teeth whitening is an effective way to lighten the shade of your teeth. When performed by a dentist, it is safe and has been studied extensively. At TLC Dental Care, our dentist will use a solution containing peroxide to bleach your teeth. The active ingredient breaks down into oxygen and water on the surface of your tooth enamel, and this reaction is what whitens your teeth. 

Many dentists offer both in-office and take-home kits for patients who desire a brighter smile. Patients may undergo one treatment method or both simultaneously to achieve optimal results. In-office treatment is faster but has a higher cost than at-home methods. Take-home kits are also effective but may take weeks to complete the desired shade.

The Causes Of Tooth Discoloration

Teeth naturally become stained or discolored over time. This can occur from drinking coffee, tea, soda, red wine, and other dark-colored foods and beverages - and smoking. Over time, these substances can build up and lead to discoloration in the outer layer of the teeth. Many over-the-counter whitening products can address these stains, but professional whitening is often much more effective at removing surface stains. This is because these products contain higher levels of bleaching agents than those found in most store-bought toothpaste. In addition to being more effective, professional whitening protects teeth and gums. Store-bought whiteners often contain abrasive ingredients that can wear down your enamel and cause permanent damage to your teeth. Professional whitening is different because it is customized to your smile's unique shade and shape. A professional treatment will also use a protective gel or shield to help prevent the gums from getting irritated during the procedure. 

The Procedure For Teeth Whitening

During a whitening procedure, your dentist will apply bleach to the teeth to whiten them and remove any discoloration. The bleach will be activated with a special light to help penetrate the enamel, break up stains, and remove debris from your teeth. Your dentist may also apply a desensitizing agent before your whitening treatment. This can make your teeth more sensitive to the bleaching solution but help them work better on removing stains.

The Benefits Of Teeth Whitening

Whitening your teeth can improve the appearance of your smile and make you feel more confident about speaking, smiling, or laughing in front of others. It can also help remove stains from coffee, wine, tea, berries, and other dark-colored foods and drinks. Whether your teeth are stained or discolored, whitening treatments can help restore your teeth's natural whiteness and color.

In-office whitening treatments are administered under the care of a trained dentist to ensure safety and reduce side effects such as increased tooth sensitivity. To learn more about teeth whitening, contact TLC Dental Care at 1101 West Tokay Street Suite 1, Lodi, CA 95240, or call (209) 334-2821.