Teeth Whitening

Everyone knows that if you have an attractive smile, you feel more confident.  But if your teeth are stained, how can you fix that so you look your best?  At Rosa Dental here in Midtown Sacramento teeth whitening is the #1 requested and performed cosmetic dental procedure.

Tooth whitening is a procedure that lightens teeth and helps to remove stains and discoloration.

A thin coating forms on your teeth throughout the day which attracts stains.  The tooth’s enamel contains pores that hold stains.  Cavities need to be treated before teeth are whitened because the whitening solution can penetrate decay and reach inner areas of the tooth, which can cause sensitivity.

Receding gums can cause roots to become exposed.  Whitening will not work on exposed tooth roots, because roots do not have an enamel layer.  Whitening also does not work on tooth restorations such as crowns or veneers.

At-Home Whitening:

We can prepare a clear, custom-made bleaching tray for you to take home, along with a professional whitening solution.  Just line your tray with the solution and wear them as directed.  You will see best results within two weeks.

Over-the-Counter Whitening:

These products are not as effective as our in-office treatment, but ask us which would work best for you.

After Whitening:

No matter what system you use to whiten your teeth, after you are treated, avoid tobacco and eating foods that stain, since recently-whitened teeth are more likely to absorb stains.  Whitening also can lead to increased sensitivity.  These side effects, though, pass eventually.