Teeth Whitening

Consider teeth whitening treatment if your smile isn’t as bright as it used to be. At Livewell Dental in Santa Ana, California, James Sung, DDS, and the team provide in-office teeth whitening to teenagers and adults. One outpatient procedure can transform your smile and eliminate years of tooth discoloration. To request a teeth whitening consultation, call the office today or book online.

What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening removes stains from the surfaces of your teeth. There are many different types of teeth whitening treatment available, but most use hydrogen peroxide gel as their main ingredient. When applied to your teeth, hydrogen peroxide oxidizes the molecules inside your tooth enamel, making your smile appear whiter. 

Why do teeth change color?

Everyone has tooth discoloration because of the aging process. Everyone has tooth discoloration because of the aging process. Routine activities, such as biting and chewing, can cause your enamel to wear down, making the yellow dentin beneath more visible. 

Other factors that cause tooth discoloration include:

• Using tobacco
• Drinking beverages like coffee, soda, or red wine
• Taking certain prescription medications
• Poor oral hygiene

You might also have stained or discolored teeth because of oral trauma, like a blow to the mouth.

What does teeth whitening treatment involve?

At Livewell Dental, the team performs in-office teeth whitening treatment. One appointment can remove years of discoloration, making your smile up to eight shades lighter.*

First, your provider completes an oral exam and orders a series of digital X-rays. If your teeth and gums are healthy, you qualify for teeth whitening treatment.

Your provider covers your gums and tongue with a protective sheet and carefully applies the hydrogen peroxide gel to the surfaces of your teeth. After the solution sits for about 30 minutes, your Livewell Dental provider points a laser light at your teeth. The laser triggers a whitening reaction that cuts through the stains and discoloration.

Your Livewell Dental provider repeats the same steps two or three more times until you’re happy with the results.

Do the results of teeth whitening last forever?

The results of teeth whitening often last four to six months*, but you can extend them by committing to good oral hygiene. The team at Livewell Dental recommends brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing regularly, and visiting the office every six months for an oral exam and preventive teeth cleaning.

Is teeth whitening safe?

Teeth whitening is safe and usually well-tolerated. In the first 24-48 hours after treatment, it’s normal to experience some increased tooth and gum sensitivity. Taking an over-the-counter pain medication should provide relief, but if your symptoms continue, contact the team right away.

Call Livewell Dental today to request a teeth whitening consultation or click the online booking feature.

*Individual results may vary.