Advanced Cosmetic and General Dentistry Blog

Thanks to the beautiful enamel of natural teeth, most of us begin with white teeth as babies. Over the years, chewing, trauma and acids formed from decomposing food particles wear down the enamel and cause a yellowish tint to our teeth. This is the dentin layer showing through as enamel becomes thinner. Eventually, the teeth take on a dull, lifeless appearance.

Tooth whitening restores that brilliant white appearance that suggests inner health and vitality.

At Smiles By Sands, advanced Zoom! tooth whitening can help rejuvenate your smile and make it sparkle. Your journey begins with a thorough examination and in about an hour Zoom! Tooth whitening can lighten your teeth by many shades.

Teeth whitening with Zoom! is very safe, but some people experience a temporary increase in sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, pressure and touch. If you experience any sensitivity, a desensitizing gel can be applied.

Individuals most likely to experience sensitivity include those with:
• Gum recession
• Significant cracks
• Leakage from faulty restorations

Whitening sensitivity lasts only a day or two for most people, and using a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth may help. To learn more, please contact Smiles By Sands.

Tooth whitening is a popular dental procedure today. Having a brilliant white smile helps one look younger, more healthy and more attractive, so it is no wonder tooth whitening is highly sought-after, from over-the-counter products to in-office laser whitening.

Adults of all ages enjoy the benefits of tooth whitening, but what is the ideal age to begin whitening teeth? A child’s deciduous teeth, or baby teeth, are usually quite white. As the child grows, the teeth become darker because of changes in tooth mineral structure. Adult habits such as drinking wine or coffee, smoking or chewing tobacco cause darker staining.

During the sensitive developmental stages from baby teeth to permanent adult teeth, tooth whitening is not advised. Under the age of 16, the pulp chamber containing the tooth’s nerve is enlarged. Tooth whitening can cause too much sensitivity in a child’s teeth and gum irritation is another potential side effect of teeth whitening. The minimum age to begin tooth whitening is 16 years of age, when the teeth have matured.

Individuals who already have sensitive teeth and gums prior to tooth whitening, or any individual who may be allergic to peroxide, the whitening agent used in tooth whitening, should consult with a qualified cosmetic dentist like Dr. Jamie Sands or Dr. Jason Sands of Smiles By Sands in Studio City, California.

If you would like to know more about tooth whitening please contact our cosmetic dentistry office.