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Teeth Whitening

Teeth Whitening

If you're looking to brighten your smile and boost your confidence, teeth whitening may be a great option. At Sierra Oaks Dental in Sacramento, California, Peter Kim, DDS, and his team offer a range of teeth whitening treatments to help you achieve a beautiful, radiant smile. Teeth whitening is a safe, effective, and fast treatment that can enhance your smile in minutes. Call the office to learn more about professional whitening or schedule an appointment online today.

What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that involves lightening the shade of your teeth to enhance their overall appearance. This fast, effective treatment removes discoloration and stains caused by aging, certain foods and drinks, smoking, poor oral hygiene, and other factors that can change the color of your teeth. 

Teeth whitening is non-invasive and more affordable than permanent procedures, such as crowns and veneers. At Sierra Oaks Dental, the team offers BIOLASE Epic™ laser, ZOOM!®, and Boost™ teeth whitening. The team works with you to identify your needs and aesthetic goals before recommending the appropriate whitening treatment.

How does teeth whitening work?

At Sierra Oaks Dental, teeth whitening works by using a bleaching agent that contains 45% hydrogen peroxide. This solution contains volatile oxygen molecules that react with stains to break them down. Once the solution damages these compounds, they’re easier to remove. As a result, the teeth become lighter and brighter. 

There are two main types of teeth whitening: in-office whitening and at-home whitening. In-office whitening involves applying a high-concentration bleaching agent to the teeth at Sierra Oaks Dental, while at-home whitening involves using a custom-fitted tray and a lower-concentration bleaching agent at home.

In-office treatments are fast and deliver immediate results, while at-home treatments can take several weeks to lighten your teeth.

Who should consider teeth whitening?

Anybody with stained or discolored teeth can benefit from teeth whitening. Many factors can contribute to a yellow or lackluster smile, such as:

  • Certain foods and drinks (tea, coffee, soy sauce, or similar staining foods)
  • Poor oral hygiene
  • Tobacco use
  • Trauma
  • Aging
  • Teeth grinding

As you age, the hard enamel that protects your teeth starts to break down. This natural wear-and-tear can expose the darker dentin beneath your enamel for a yellower appearance.

What can I expect from teeth whitening?

The process of teeth whitening depends on the type you choose. The treatment typically requires no preparation. After cleaning your teeth, the team places a barrier over your gums and lips. Next, they apply a whitening solution that they activate with an LED light or the BIOLASE™ laser. 

Teeth whitening usually takes one hour or less and can brighten your smile by up to six to eight shades*.

Call Sierra Oaks Dental to learn more about teeth whitening or schedule an appointment online today. 


*Individual results may vary