Professional Teeth Whitening in Murrieta, CA

What are the professional teeth whitening options?

Professional whitening comes in two main forms: bleaching done in the dental office, and dentist-supplied gel you use at home with custom-fitted trays.

In-office whitening is usually done in one visit. The ADA notes that your gums are protected before the bleaching gel is applied.

At-home whitening from your dentist uses trays made to fit your teeth. The ADA says this slower approach can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, and some people prefer working at their own pace.

If you’re looking into teeth whitening in Murrieta, either option starts with a conversation about your goals and a look at your teeth and gums.

Professional vs. store-bought whitening: what’s the difference?

The biggest differences are strength, fit and supervision. Professional gel is stronger and is applied in the office or in trays shaped to your teeth, while store-bought products are weaker and one-size-fits-all.

Over-the-counter strips and kits use a weaker bleaching agent than professional products, and the ADA notes they may take significantly longer to reach similar results.

If you buy a product, look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance, which means it has been tested to be safe and effective when used as directed. Whitening toothpaste is a different tool: it removes surface stains but doesn’t change the natural color of your teeth.

Which teeth cannot be whitened?

Whitening only works on natural teeth, so crowns, veneers, fillings and bonding won’t change color, according to the ADA.

Some stains also resist bleaching. The ADA says yellow teeth usually respond well, brown teeth may respond less, and gray-toned teeth may not bleach at all. Discoloration from certain medicines or a tooth injury may not respond either.

Stains deep inside the tooth can be hard to reach from the outside. For those, Cleveland Clinic points to options such as bonding, porcelain veneers or dental crowns.

If you have front fillings or crowns, plan ahead. Whitening first, then matching any new tooth-colored fillings or crowns to your new shade, helps everything blend.

Why does the fit of whitening trays matter?

Trays that fit well keep the whitening gel on your teeth and off your gums.

The ADA explains that gum irritation from whitening is typically caused by poor-fitting trays or by gel and protective barriers that aren’t applied properly. Trays made in the dental office are shaped to fit comfortably and limit contact between the gel and your gums.

One-size trays from a kit can leave gaps that let gel leak onto the gums. That gel can irritate the tissue, and gel sitting on your gums isn’t doing its job on your teeth.

Does teeth whitening cause sensitivity?

It can. Temporary tooth sensitivity and gum irritation are the most common side effects of whitening, according to the ADA.

The ADA notes that mild to moderate sensitivity can affect up to two-thirds of people who whiten. It happens when peroxide reaches the dentin under the enamel and irritates the tooth’s nerve, and it’s usually temporary.

If your teeth feel sensitive, you can pause and try again later. Cleveland Clinic also suggests taking a break or using a milder product, and talking with your dentist.

Already have sensitive teeth? Mention it before you start, so your dentist can look for the cause first.

Is teeth whitening safe?

Whitening is generally considered safe when it’s used as directed, especially with a dentist’s guidance, but it isn’t the right choice for every mouth.

The ADA encourages people to consult a licensed dentist to decide whether whitening fits them. A clinical exam, with X-rays when needed, can find problems that should be treated first.

Cleveland Clinic says gum disease and cavities should be handled before bleaching, and that brown or gray discoloration can signal problems whitening won’t fix. A cleaning and exam is a sensible first step.

How long does teeth whitening last?

Results typically last from about six months to three years, according to Cleveland Clinic, depending on the method and your habits.

Coffee, tea, red wine and tobacco are major causes of staining, so how often you have them makes a real difference. A few habits help your results last longer:

• Brush twice a day for two minutes and clean between your teeth once a day.
• Drink water or rinse after coffee, tea, cola or red wine.
• Avoid smoking and other tobacco.
• Keep up with regular cleanings and exams, which help manage plaque and surface stains.
• Use a whitening toothpaste with the ADA Seal to help remove new surface stains.

Can 60-year-old teeth be whitened?

Often, yes. Teeth that have yellowed with age usually respond well to bleaching.

As enamel thins over the years, more of the yellower dentin underneath shows through, the ADA explains. Cleveland Clinic notes that bleaching works well on teeth that have yellowed with age or from food and drink stains.

If you have crowns, fillings or a bridge, those won’t change color. An exam helps you know what to expect and whether any of that work should be updated afterward to match your brighter teeth.

Questions & answers

Common questions