Teeth Whitening

Teeth Whitening at the Los Angeles Center for Dentistry

Drs Linda and Tom Nguyen are highly trained in providing Cosmetic Dentistry – creating beautiful white smiles.

Over time our teeth tend to become discolored or stained. Whether this is from smoking, coffee, or any other foods, a beautiful smile could be closer than you think. We offer a safe, inexpensive solution to an unsightly smile. Whitening your teeth is a very simple procedure that can be completed in relatively short period of time

Bleaching Options

There are three methods used to attain whiter teeth:

1. Take-Home Trays (Not Customized)
2. Take-Home Trays (Customized)
3. In-Office Instant Whitening

Procedures

Take-Home Trays (Not Customized)

A mint, melon, or peach flavored kit is given for the patient to use at home under the doctor’s supervision. The trays are worn 30-60 minutes per day for results in 5-10 days. The trays are used until the kit is completed or the patient comes to a shade that he or she finds satisfactory.

Take-Home Trays (Customized)

The first step in this whitening process is impressions. We will take full impressions of your upper and lower teeth. These impressions will be made into custom bleaching trays. The trays will fit onto your teeth perfectly so there is a small possibility of gum damage from the bleaching solution.

The second step is to place the bleaching solution in the trays and wear them for a few hours a day. Within 7-10 days, you will see a significant improvement in the color of your teeth. Your smile will look brighter and younger. We will document before and after shades so that you will be able to compare the amazing transformation.

Bleaching only works on natural teeth and may not be effective in all cases. We will inform you as to the potential whitening for your specific situation.

In-Office Whitening

The first step in this whitening process is isolation. All of the soft tissue surrounding the teeth are isolated with cotton and removable acrylic and covered with protective cream or jelly to protect the soft tissue from any potential contact with the whitening agent.

The second step involves placing the whitening agent on the teeth to allow the active ingredient to take its course. Bleaching of this type occurs over three 15-20 minute intervals where the whitening gel is removed and a fresh coat is placed for the next interval.

Whitening results are noticeable after the first 15-20 minutes of application of the whitening gel.

Frequently Asked Questions about Tooth Whitening

How Does Bleaching Work?

The whitening process is possible due to the ability of the active ingredients, carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide, to freely pass through the enamel and dentin and to permeate all parts of the tooth. These peroxides breakdown into oxygen radicals, which migrate between the enamel prisms, breaking down any colored molecules that result in tooth discoloration. The structure of the tooth is not altered; the internal tooth color is simply made lighter.

How Long Does Bleaching Last?

Bleaching results are very stable, but depending on the patient’s nutrition and lifestyle habits, the procedure may need to be redone periodically.

Will Bleaching Cause Tooth Sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity is a reasonably common side effect of bleaching. If sensitivity occurs, it is transient and disappears after the completion of bleaching. Dr. Sylla offers a pre and post -whitening protocol that helps to decrease the occurrence of tooth sensitivity.

Will Bleaching Weaken the Enamel?

No. The active agents simply break the bonds that create color in the teeth. The enamel maintains its proper structure and function.