Teeth Whitening Specialist
There’s no shortage of do-it-yourself teeth whitening products on the market, but if you want the best possible results, there’s no substitute for an experienced dentist. At Downtown Dentist SF in the Union Square neighborhood of San Francisco, experienced cosmetic dentist Stefka Petrova, DDS, offers professional whitening treatment customized to fit your needs and goals. To learn more about teeth whitening, schedule an appointment online or over the phone.
Teeth Whitening Q & A
Does teeth whitening work?
For many people, teeth whitening effectively improves the appearance of discolored teeth. To get the full benefits of whitening, it’s important that you have healthy teeth and gums. Whitening can improve discoloration from:
Genetics
Smoking
Certain foods and beverages, including tea, wine, coffee, and berries
Medications
Injuries
Illness
Age-related changes to teeth
Teeth whitening only works on natural teeth surfaces. It doesn’t change the appearance of fillings, crowns, and other restorations.
Keep in mind that teeth whitening is only a cosmetic procedure. Though whiter teeth look healthier, the process doesn’t actually strengthen or repair damaged or infected teeth, and it’s not a substitute for necessary dental work.
The results of whitening can be dramatic if your teeth have a yellowed shade but are otherwise healthy. If you have more serious cosmetic problems, you may need more involved restoration work.
Why is it worth going to a dentist for teeth whitening?
You may wonder if it’s worth going to a dentist for teeth whitening when you can purchase whitening products at the pharmacy. However, there’s a limit to what over-the-counter, one-size-fits-all whitening strips, gels, kits, and toothpaste can do.
Depending on your budget, schedule, and teeth-whitening goals, you may elect to get an in-office procedure or whiten your teeth more gradually using a professional at-home kit. No matter which option you choose, Dr. Petrova can help you get better results than what’s available over-the-counter at the drugstore.
Dr. Petrova has access to stronger bleaching agents than you can buy yourself, and she customizes your treatment to fit your individual needs. When you get at-home whitening kits at Downtown Dentist SF, you receive custom whitening trays designed to perfectly fit your mouth. This ensures you’re comfortable during your teeth whitening procedure and the whitening solution fully covers your teeth.
How long do the results of teeth whitening last?
You can expect the results of your teeth whitening procedure to last for up to three years. You may wish to do occasional touch-up treatments, either at the practice or with an at-home kit, one to three times a year. Your results last longer when you maintain good dental hygiene, don’t smoke, and avoid foods and beverages that can stain teeth.
To learn more about teeth whitening, schedule an appointment with Dr. Petrova online or over the phone.