Teeth Whitening Specialist

What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure that removes stains from the surfaces of your teeth, making your smile whiter, brighter, and more cosmetically appealing. It’s one of the most popular treatments in cosmetic dentistry and can significantly improve the appearance of your smile with a procedure that’s quick, easy, and minimally invasive.

Why do I need teeth whitening?

Most people choose to whiten their teeth after they’ve become dull or discolored. Teeth lose their color for several reasons, including:

• Poor oral hygiene
• Consuming too many dark drinks, like tea, coffee, or red wine
• Fluorosis (excessive fluoridation during tooth development)
• Smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco
• Certain medications

The normal wear-and-tear of your teeth over time can also cause your smile to lose its sparkle. As the enamel on the outside of your teeth wears down, it exposes more of your tooth’s inner layer (dentin), which gradually yellows over time.

Am I a candidate for teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening requires healthy gums, so if you have gum disease, Dr. Hernandez will need to treat it before beginning the process of whitening your teeth.

The whitening process also only works on natural tooth enamel, so if you have any restorations (like fillings, crowns, or bridges), you should be prepared to replace them after your whitening so they match the rest of your smile.

How do you whiten my teeth?

Dr. Hernandez offers high-quality at-home whitening kits. Getting set up with your whitening kit takes two visits to the office.

During your first appointment, Dr. Hernandez takes an impression of your mouth with a 3Shape© intraoral scanner. Using that impression, he fabricates a set of smooth, plastic whitening trays that are designed to fit snugly over your teeth.

You come back for a second appointment to pick up your whitening trays and make sure they fit properly. Dr. Hernandez then gives you a professional-strength whitening solution to place in the trays and wear on your teeth for a prescribed amount of time every day. Within a matter of weeks, your teeth will be noticeably whiter, brighter, and more lustrous. 

You might experience some increased sensitivity during your treatment, but that should subside after you’ve finished. Dr. Hernandez can also provide you with a specially formulated toothpaste to reduce sensitivity and minimize any discomfort. 

Call the office or book a visit online to schedule your teeth cleaning with Dr. Hernandez, and start the process of brightening your smile today.