Achieve a Brighter, Whiter Smile with Tooth Whitening in San Francisco
Do you wish your teeth were several shades whiter? Are you curious about tooth whitening but unsure where to start? With so many teeth whitening options available in San Francisco, it can be confusing to choose the right one. This guide covers the most effective tooth whitening methods, costs, procedures, and FAQs to help you brighten your smile in San Francisco.
Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening
Stained, discolored teeth can make you feel self-conscious about smiling openly. Fortunately, today's advanced tooth whitening procedures can safely and effectively whiten teeth by up to eight shades or more. Professional whitening offers advantages over DIY whitening, including:
- Broader range of peroxide-based whitening gels not available OTC
- Custom-fitted whitening trays for optimal results
- In-office power whitening for instant whitening
- Reduced sensitivity risks with expert application
With professional tooth whitening in San Francisco, you can safely achieve whiter teeth without harming tooth enamel or gums when performed by an experienced dentist.
Types of Professional Whitening
San Francisco dentists offer three main methods of professional tooth whitening:
Custom Take-Home Whitening Trays
Whitening gels get applied via personalized plastic trays worn over the teeth for a few hours daily or overnight. This gradual method usually takes 1-2 weeks to see final results of up to eight shades brighter.
In-Office Power Whitening
A higher-concentration peroxide gel gets applied directly to teeth. Then a specialized light activates and accelerates the whitening process, lightening teeth dramatically in just one 60-90 minute visit.
Whitening Toothpastes & Rinses
Over-the-counter toothpastes and mouth rinses contain mild abrasives and whiteners to safely but gently lift superficial stains with regular use over time.
Primary Causes of Tooth Discoloration
To better understand the tooth whitening process, it helps to first look at what leads to tooth discoloration. Common causes include:
- Food and Drink Staining from coffee, tea, wine, soda and more
- Smoking stains
- Medications like tetracycline
- Trauma causes greyish discoloration inside the tooth
- Aging as enamel thins and dentin shows through
- Genetic conditions like dentinogenesis imperfecta
Professional whitening can lighten many external and internal tooth discolorations for a brighter smile.
Professional Tooth Whitening Options in San Francisco
With so many dentists to choose from in the San Francisco area, how do you select the best solution for your teeth whitening needs? Here is an overview of tooth whitening solutions from top-rated local dentistry practices:
Pacific Dental Services
This national network includes many SF area Pacific Dental offices providing Opalescence Boost in-office power whitening. It can permanently whiten teeth up to nine shades in one visit. They also offer custom Opalescence take-home trays.
Uptown Alameda Dental
Dr. Mario Aburto and his Oakland team offer Zoom! in-office whitening for dramatic results safely in one visit. They also provide custom whitening trays with professional-grade bleach gels for convenient at-home whitening.
Civic Center Dental
This downtown San Francisco dental clinic offers Philips Zoom power whitening for fast, long-lasting smile whitening results. Multiple sessions may be needed for maximum brightness. They also provide take-home whitening trays.
Silverstein Dental
Their Pacific Heights office provides proprietary Brilliant White custom take-home whitening trays designed for patient comfort and ease of use. In one to two weeks, you gain a brighter smile that lasts.
Compare service menus and reviews to choose the ideal teeth whitening method and dentist for your needs and budget.
What to Expect with Professional Tooth Whitening
Wondering what the process involves for professional teeth whitening through a San Francisco dentist? Here is a general idea of what to expect:
Consultation
Set an appointment with your chosen dentist to discuss which tooth whitening choice best suits your dental health, timeline, budget, and goals. They assess your tooth sensitivity, discoloration levels, and oral health.
Impressions & Fitting
For custom take-home whitening trays, your dentist makes impressions of your teeth to create accurate plastic trays. At a follow-up visit, you ensure proper tray fit before receiving whitening gel kits.
Whitening Process
With power whitening, higher peroxide gels get applied directly to teeth then activated by light to accelerate whitening. For take-home trays, you apply the gels daily yourself as directed for gradual whitening.
Maintaining Results
Following any professional whitening, avoid stain-causing foods and drinks for some time afterwards. Use recommended home care products to maintain your beautiful brightened smile!
Cost of Professional Tooth Whitening in San Francisco
On average, you can expect to spend around $400-650 for professional tooth whitening through San Francisco area dentists. However, exact costs vary between methods and dental offices. Heres a pricing breakdown:
- Custom take-home whitening trays: $300-$500
- In-office power whitening: $400-$650 per treatment
- Whitening toothpastes: $6-$12
During consultations, ask your dentist for their exact fees per tooth whitening procedure to budget accordingly.
FAQs About San Francisco Tooth Whitening
Still feeling unsure about the best option for your teeth whitening goals? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Does insurance cover tooth whitening in San Francisco?
Unfortunately most dental insurance excludes tooth whitening as an elective cosmetic procedure. But some plans provide limited discounts. Check with your specific provider.
Is professional whitening bad for teeth?
When properly performed by an expert dentist, modern professional tooth whitening with peroxide gels has been demonstrated safe for teeth and gums. However, some sensitivity or irritation may occur.
How long do whitening results last?
On average, professional tooth whitening results can last from 1-3 years. But results vary based on your habits. Following your dentists maintenance guidance helps sustain a whiter smile.
Can whitening work on dental implants or crowns?
Tooth whitening only affects natural tooth structure. So it will not whiten artificial materials like dental crowns, veneers, fillings or implants. These may need replacement to match newly whitened natural teeth.
Discuss your top questions and concerns about tooth whitening in San Francisco with a dentist to decide your best options for achieving a brighter, more confident smile.
FAQs
What are the main kinds of professional teeth whitening in San Francisco?
Top San Francisco dentists offer custom-fitted take-home whitening trays, in-office power whitening, and whitening toothpastes/rinses to safely brighten smiles by up to 9 shades when professionally managed.
What causes teeth to become discolored?
Factors like food and drinks, smoking, medications, trauma, genetics, and aging can all stain or discolor tooth enamel over time, making it appear more dull and yellowed.
Is in-office power whitening painful?
Zoom and other professional power whitening treatments should not be painful with the numbing gels applied. But you may experience some mild tooth sensitivity or gum irritation afterward.
How much does custom teeth whitening in San Francisco cost?
On average, San Francisco patients pay around $400-$650 for professional custom teeth whitening procedures like fitted take-home trays or in-office light treatments to boost their smile's brightness.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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