Looking For a Dentist in Oakland? Tooth Whitening Basics 101
Filed Under Oakland Tooth Whitening
Few people would say that they don’t care how their teeth look. We all prefer to present a smiling, self- confident face to the world and bright white teeth are almost a cliché of confidence and good health.
It may surprise you to learn that for many of your friends and neighbors in Oakland, tooth whitening procedures at their dentist office contributed to their smile. But before you rush off and call your next-door neighbor for the name of their dentist, there are a few basic facts about tooth whitening that you should know.
Your teeth naturally darken as you age
Some people naturally have darker teeth than others. And for all of us, the passage of time has an effect on the color of our teeth. Despite this, it’s still possible for most patients to see a meaningful lightening of the shade of their teeth if they’re treated by a dentist with experience in contemporary tooth whitening techniques.
Other factors can also affect the color of your teeth
Regardless of the natural color of your teeth, other factors can also affect their color. Tea, coffee, and cola can all stain teeth, while smoking is almost guaranteed to adversely affect their color. Certain drugs can also change the color of your teeth, even if the drug was taken as a child before the teeth have actually grown in. Happily for Bay Area residents, you’ll find that at most cosmetic dentists in Oakland, tooth whitening procedures are available to minimize these unsightly stains in most cases. (See below for one drug related exception.)
Tooth whitening is not for everyone
There are some people who are advised to avoid tooth whitening treatment, and for others the procedure may be ineffective. Tooth whitening isn’t recommended for:
- Women who are pregnant or nursing
- Children under 13
- Anyone allergic to peroxide (which is present in the bleaching solution used in whitening procedures)
- Patients with sensitive teeth or gums, or receding gums
Treatment will not be successful for smokers who continue to smoke, particularly during the treatment period itself; also, teeth whitening only works on teeth, not fillings, crown, or veneers. Patients whose teeth have been discolored by the drug tetracycline may find that tooth whitening treatments will not be effective. Your dentist will be able to advise you about this problem and recommend alternative treatments.
The cost of in-office tooth whitening can be substantial
It’s obviously difficult to generalize here; every patient is different, every course of treatment has its own difficulties, and every dentist charges different rates. But broadly, in most dental clinics in Oakland tooth whitening done in-office will cost between $700 and $1,000, with unusually challenging situations costing up to $2,000 in rare instances. Particularly for more expensive treatments, cosmetic dentistry financing may be available, but insurance will rarely cover tooth whitening.
There are many dentists offering cosmetic dentistry services in Oakland; tooth whitening has become a popular choice for local residents, and clinics have rushed to fill the demand. Our site is gradually gathering reviews and descriptions of the services offered by local Oakland dentists in order to help you choose the best for your needs
