/assets/images/provider/photos/2736987.jpeg)
Is your smile ready for summer? It’s the season when we all want to look our best, and there’s nothing more attractive than a healthy, white smile. However, discoloration can creep up despite thorough brushing and flossing.
Professional teeth whitening is the fastest and easiest way to boost your confidence with a whiter, brighter smile. It’s one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures in the United States, with over 37 million Americans using teeth whiteners in 2020.
At Volterra Dental Comprehensive and Aesthetic Dentistry, Richard Blackburn DMD offers a range of in-office teeth whitening services, including the Philips Zoom! laser whitening system. We can also supply you with custom whitening trays for at-home follow-up to extend the life of your whitening session.
Tooth stains: what causes them?
Tooth stains and discoloration occur for a variety of reasons. Some of these are avoidable, such as poor oral hygiene or tobacco use. Other stains, such as age, genetics, or disease, can't be prevented. Food and drink are also a factor.
There are two types of tooth stains: intrinsic and extrinsic stains. Extrinsic stains are superficial discoloration on the outer surface of your teeth or enamel. Intrinsic stains affect the dentin, the layer of tissue below the enamel.
Extrinsic or external stains are typically caused by exposure to tobacco or certain foods and beverages. Poor oral hygiene can also lead to this type of staining, among other dental issues. Tooth-staining foods and beverages include:
- Coffee & black tea
- Red wine
- Cola and dark sodas
- Tomato-based products
- Beets
- Dark-colored berries (blueberries, blackberries, cherries) and products made with them
Intrinsic stains are often caused by unavoidable factors such as age, dental trauma, or certain medications. Based on the type of discoloration you have, Dr. Blackburn can determine which type of whitening treatment is best for you.
The advantages of clinical-strength treatments
While over-the-counter teeth whitening systems are readily available, they are less effective than professional-grade whitening treatments. In our office, we’re able to safely use stronger bleaching agents to provide you with dramatic results.
The Philips Zoom system uses a laser-activated gel to break down stains and remove discoloration. We apply the gel to your teeth, and a blue LED light activates its whitening properties.
If you’re looking for a quick fix for a dull smile, Zoom in-office whitening is the way to go. Our skilled professionals can lift your teeth up to eight shades in a single treatment of an hour or less.
For a more gradual approach to a brighter smile, we also offer take-home whitening trays by Opalescence®. This chemically-activated gel treatment penetrates deep into your enamel to remove stains and whiten teeth.
We custom-fit your trays to your mouth so you can comfortably whiten your smile from home with professional-grade products. Treatment time depends on how much staining is present and your desired level of whiteness.
While even professional whitening treatments can’t offer permanent results, with proper care, your whitened teeth can last up to a year. During your visit, we’ll review how to maintain your new smile between treatments.
To find out if you’re a candidate for professional teeth whitening, book a consultation with Dr. Richard Blackburn at Volterra Dental Comprehensive and Aesthetic Dentistry. Call our office in Los Alamitos, California, or make an appointment online today.