Professional Teeth Whitening: 6 Steps to a Dazzling Smile

Ready to start the day with a bright, healthy smile? Well, maybe not, if your teeth are dull or discolored by age, smoking, or stain-causing foods and drinks. Professional teeth whitening offers a solution to these issues, restoring your smile’s radiant appearance. At Los Gatos Creek Dental in Los Gatos, California, we offer healthy teeth whitening options that will have your smile looking its best again in no time!

Dr. Thomas Bill outlines six steps to a dazzling smile with professional in-office teeth whitening:

1. Consultation

A consultation with your dentist will help determine the best whitening method for you. We offer both in-office and at-home whitening treatment using a custom tooth whitening kit. If you want “instant” whitening for an upcoming event, an in-office procedure is best as you’ll get stunning results in one dental visit. We’ll also assess your oral health during your visit to ensure your teeth are healthy enough for this cosmetic dental treatment.

2. Dental Cleaning

A thorough dental cleaning is a must before teeth whitening to remove plaque, tartar, and surface stains from your teeth’s enamel. These substances impair the whitening process by preventing the whitening gel from penetrating your tooth enamel evenly. A professional cleaning will ensure you get the most from your whitening procedure.

3. Prep Your Teeth

If you have sensitive teeth, brushing with a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth for several days or a week before teeth whitening can help minimize sensitivity during or after your procedure. On the day of your procedure, we’ll place a special covering over your gums to protect them from chemicals in the whitening agent.   

4. Application of Whitening Gel

Dr. Thomas will carefully apply a peroxide-based gel over the surface of your teeth, covering all areas evenly. If needed, we’ll activate the gel with a special light to speed up the whitening process. The gel penetrates deep into the enamel and dentin of your teeth to break down stains and lighten their appearance. This process is repeated two or three times at 15-minute intervals until your teeth are stain-free.

5. Application of Desensitizing Agent

After your treatment, we’ll apply fluoride or a desensitizing paste to reduce the sensitivity it may cause. This is due to whitening agents penetrating deep inside your tooth and coming into contact with nerves.  

6. Aftercare Tips

Dental whitening produces noticeable, long-term results that can last a year or two, with good oral care. Good oral hygiene habits and routine dental cleanings are a must to keep your teeth looking their best in the long term. Regular touch-ups from a home whitening kit can also help your results last longer. Quitting smoking and minimizing your intake of stain-causing foods and drinks are additional steps you can take to maintain your smile’s dazzling appearance. 

Professional Teeth Whitening Near Me

To schedule an in-office whitening treatment at Los Gatos Creek Dental in Los Gatos, CA, feel free to contact Dr. Thomas Bill at (408) 335-4466. 

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