Cosmetic dentistry refers to all of the dental treatments that are meant to improve your appearance and give you a perfect smile. This includes procedures like teeth whitening, smile makeovers, porcelain veneers, etc. Many cosmetic treatments also address common complaints related to misaligned teeth to give you a straighter, more pleasing smile as well. Professional teeth whitening procedures use a stronger whitening gel to whiten teeth. These procedures are performed in-office and under a dentist’s supervision.

Preparing For Teeth Whitening in San Mateo

To prepare for teeth whitening, your dentist in San Mateo will first clean your teeth to remove any plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth. They’ll also give you a protective barrier to cover your gums to protect them from the bleaching agent.

This barrier is called a retractor or cheek retractor. The retractor has a hole in the middle that fits over your incisors. Your dentist may tighten the retractor around the back of your teeth to keep them in place during the procedure. If you’re getting in-office whitening treatment, the dentist in San Mateo is likely to apply a protective gel to your gums before applying the retractor.

Once you’re ready, they’ll apply the whitening product to the surfaces of your teeth and leave it in place for a set amount of time. Sometimes these treatments are repeated several times. After the process is complete, they may apply a fluoride treatment to help protect their teeth from sensitivity.

After Teeth Whitening in San Mateo

Once the session is complete, your dentist in San Mateo may notice some sensitivity or tooth sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures. These symptoms should subside on their own within a few days. To keep your new smile bright and vibrant, avoid staining foods and drinks for at least two weeks after your appointment. This includes coffee, tobacco products, and berries. If you experience any pain or discomfort after your smile makeover, contact your dentist in San Mateo immediately. Remember that teeth whitening is not a permanent solution and requires ongoing maintenance to keep your teeth white for a long time. Touch-up treatments can be performed every few months to maintain your results.

At-Home Teeth Whitening in San Mateo

Your dentist in San Mateo will be given a set of custom-made whitening trays that fit your teeth perfectly and are made of smooth, comfortable plastic that won’t irritate your cheeks or gums. Simply fill the trays with the prescription-strength whitening gel we provide you until each tray is filled to the brim, and then wear your trays for the time recommended by your dentist in San Mateo. Some people choose to wear the bleaching trays overnight, while others only wear them for a few hours each day; your dentist can help you determine the right schedule for you. Once your prescribed treatment time is up, you will simply rinse the trays out and pop them back in for your next session. Each tray can be used only once, so be sure to keep it in a safe place where it will not get lost.

If you are interested in finding out how teeth whitening can help you achieve the smile of your dreams, call Dr. Dizik’s office to schedule your consultation today. Call (650) 348-5424 to book an appointment, or visit us at 720 N El Camino Real, San Mateo, CA 94401.