Ukiah Teeth Whitening Dentist

There’s a simple solution that brings back your brilliant smile in Mendocino County. It’s an appointment with Ukiah's own Dr. Nicholas Khoury for teeth whitening. Almost everyone wants a beautiful smile. Flashing those pearly whites is easier when you are confident your teeth look good. Why hide a cheerful grin because your teeth are not as white as you’d like them to be? Here are some of the things to know about whitening your teeth.

Primary Contributing Factors to Teeth Discoloration

There are several reasons teeth change color instead of staying clean and white. Tobacco, red wine, coffee, and tea are four common things that discolor teeth. Actually, it can happen with any colored drink or food. The staining power is strong enough to go through any tooth’s enamel and dentin. Some antibiotics taken by pregnant women can cause fetal tooth discoloration. They also affect the color of developing teeth when taken by a young child. The color of your teeth is usually improved by teeth whitening.

We Recommend Cleaning Before Whitening

You can choose to have teeth whitening done at home or in a dental office. Dr. Khoury recommends a thorough cleaning before the process. It removes mineral deposits (tartar), surface stain, and plaque. It is easier for the whitening material to enter clean teeth that are barrier-free. Make sure your teeth are clean if you’re using a take-home kit. Brush and floss your teeth before inserting the gel-filled trays.

How It Works

Whitening is achieved with a form of hydrogen peroxide in a variety of concentrations. Bleaching removes internal stains by penetrating the enamel and dentin of each tooth. Oxygen molecules are released as the material breaks down. The molecules bind to the stain without affecting tooth structure. Dr. Khoury will discuss the best way to get faster, whiter results. He'll also discuss the benefits and drawbacks of in-office and at-home teeth whitening systems.

How Long Does Teeth Whitening Take?

In-office teeth whitening delivers the quickest results. Special lights help the hydrogen peroxide quickly penetrate the surface of the tooth. It’s quicker for us to handle the utensils and products involved. Special materials protect your gums, lips, and tongue from the whitening gels. We can use higher concentrations of the gels and make sure teeth surfaces are covered evenly. The result is faster, more even whitening.

Crowns and fillings aren’t changed by the treatment. Current restorations can be redone so they match the newer, lighter color of your teeth.

Each in-office whitening session takes about an hour. Relax in the reclined dental chair while your teeth get at least six shades whiter. We’ll provide a custom tray and whitening gel for you to use at home when touch-up is needed.

The take-home whitening system is a less expensive way to whiten your teeth. It’s convenient because you set the time you’re ready to use it. The drawback is that it takes longer to get the desired results. You’ll have one or two office visits before the process starts. A custom whitening tray is fabricated especially for you based on Dr. Khoury’s measurements and pictures of your teeth, gums, and jaws. You’ll be shown how to use them when they are ready.

Add the recommended whitening gel to the trays. Put the trays on your teeth and let them stay on for 15 minutes twice a day. The custom fit of the trays lets only your teeth come into contact with the gel. Take-home whitening is slower than in-office. Most patients notice their teeth getting lighter by the third or fourth day. Over-the-counter gel has less whitening material to protect your gums from burning. If your teeth are sensitive, you may want to change your session to once a day or every other day.

Is Teeth Whitening Safe?

Children twelve or under and nursing or pregnant women should not have their teeth whitened. Other than that, it’s a harmless process when it is properly done. Dentists recognize its value in safely delivering a beautiful smile.

Diet and tobacco use cause fade-back. Ask about our low-cost take-home touch up kit. You can brighten your teeth back a few times during the year, fifteen minutes at a time.

How bright can your smile be? Find out by calling Ukiah family dentist Nicholas Khoury at (707) 703-1667.