San Diego, CA dentist provides methods for whitening discolored teeth

If you are located in the San Diego, CA area and want to speak to a professional about obtaining a brighter smile, the dentists at Scripps West Dental can help. Drs. James Tasto, Debbie Kim, Gary Sigafoos, Bita Farhoumand, and Marisa Zarchy are available to provide new and existing patients with viable solutions for enhancing the smile. As part of their cosmetic dentistry services, the team is pleased to offer professional-grade teeth whitening in Mira Mesa. Teeth whitening is a popular aesthetic treatment that is often requested by patients unhappy with the discoloration or staining of their natural tooth enamel.

What are the causes of tooth discoloration?

There are many reasons why a patient might experience tooth discoloration and staining. Below are just a few of the causes that Drs. James Tasto, Debbie Kim, Gary Sigafoos, Bita Farhoumand, and Marisa Zarchy have found:

• Drinking beverages that are known for staining the teeth, including red wines, teas, and coffees
• Undergoing specific treatments such as head and neck radiation as cancer treatment
• Tobacco use, explicitly smoking and chewing tobaccos
• Poor oral hygiene habits, such as not brushing and flossing as recommended
• Taking certain medications, including tetracycline and doxycycline
• The natural process of aging, during which the outer enamel wears and the natural color of the dentin underneath is revealed
• Genetic predisposition for darker or yellowing teeth
• Trauma that had impacted the patient when they were younger while the teeth were developing, which can cause discoloration in the adult teeth

Different teeth whitening options available at Scripps West Dental

At our practice, we are excited to offer solutions for professional teeth whitening in Mira Mesa, including our at-home and in-office whitening treatments. The in-office whitening treatment provides same-day results, sometimes up to eight shades whiter after a single procedure. However, this is the more costly treatment between the two. The at-home whitening treatment starts with the creation of whitening trays using impressions of the patient’s teeth. These trays are sent home with patients along with professional-strength bleaching gels. Patients are advised to wear the trays and gels for a specific period each day to brighten the teeth over several weeks. Take-home whitening kits are also beneficial. They can provide patients with a way to maintain a whiter smile after their initial treatment or after in-office power bleaching treatments.

At-home vs. in-office teeth whitening: which one is best?

The type of whitening right for a patient is decided on by many different factors that need to be considered. Patients who want fast results will often lean towards the in-office teeth whitening services. In contrast, others who want more control over their whitening and more gradual results while also remaining affordable might select the at-home whitening kits. Our team is proud to offer both for patients to choose from and may make a recommendation based on a patient’s budget or lifestyle.

Who is a good candidate for professional teeth whitening?

The best candidates for our at-home and in-office whitening treatments depend significantly on the patient’s current smile. Patients should be free from periodontal disease and tooth decay before considering teeth whitening treatments. Additionally, patients with restorations might not be advised to undergo professional whitening unless they are interested in replacing them. This includes patients with porcelain repairs such as dental bridges, dental veneers, and dental crowns.

Call the team of Scripps West Dental today to learn more about teeth whitening in Mira Mesa

San Diego, CA area patients who are ready for a brighter, whiter smile will want to speak to a professional at our practice to learn about the options available. We are conveniently located at 9420 Mira Mesa Boulevard, Suite D, and can be reached by phone to request an appointment by calling (858) 695-1776.