Professional Teeth Whitening in Oakland, CA
Coffee, tea, red wine and tobacco dull even well-cared-for teeth. Professional whitening uses a stronger, properly controlled gel than anything sold over the counter, and because a dentist checks your teeth first, it is done safely.
A Brighter Smile Without Damaging Your Enamel
Whitening works by letting a peroxide gel break down the stain molecules that have soaked into the enamel over the years. It does not strip or thin the tooth. What it does need is supervision, because gum irritation and patchy results are what happen when a strong gel is used without a proper fit or a prior examination.
Before we whiten anything we check for decay, gum inflammation and exposed roots. Whitening over an untreated cavity is uncomfortable and pointless, so we fix the basics first, then brighten.
- In-office whitening for a fast, noticeable change
- Custom-fitted take-home trays for gradual whitening
- Desensitising treatment for sensitive teeth
- Shade recorded before and after so the change is measurable
- Advice on keeping the result for as long as possible
Why Have It Done at the Dental Office
Stronger, Safer Gel
Professional gels work faster than supermarket strips, and because the trays are moulded to your teeth the gel stays where it belongs instead of burning the gums.
Even, Predictable Results
A dentist can tell you in advance which stains will lift and which will not, so you are not disappointed after spending money on a result that was never possible.
Your Teeth Get Checked First
Whitening a tooth with a crack, a leaking filling or gum recession can be painful. A quick examination avoids that and often catches other problems early.
How Whitening Works With Us
Examination & Shade Record
We check the teeth and gums, note the current shade, and discuss realistically how much lighter your teeth can go.
Clean First
Any surface staining and tartar is removed. Sometimes a good cleaning alone makes a bigger difference than people expect.
Whitening Applied
Either an in-office session with a protective barrier over the gums, or custom trays with gel to wear at home for a set number of nights.
Review & Aftercare
We compare the new shade with the original and give you advice on food, drink and touch-ups so the result lasts as long as possible.
What Whitening Can and Cannot Do
Honesty matters more than a sales pitch here. Whitening lightens natural tooth enamel. It does not change the colour of crowns, veneers, bridges or white fillings, so if you have restorations at the front of your mouth they may need replacing afterwards to match.
Deep internal discolouration, for example in a tooth that has had a root canal or from certain antibiotics taken in childhood, responds differently and may need internal whitening or a veneer instead. We will tell you this before you commit, not after.
- Excellent on coffee, tea, wine and tobacco staining
- No effect on crowns, veneers or white fillings
- Results vary with your natural enamel colour
- Sensitivity is common but usually temporary
- Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Best maintained with regular cleanings
Teeth Whitening Questions
How long do the results last?
Will whitening make my teeth sensitive?
Is in-office or take-home whitening better?
Are over-the-counter whitening strips safe?
Can I whiten if I have crowns or veneers?
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Ready for a Brighter Smile?
Book a whitening consultation at our Oakland office. We will tell you honestly how much lighter your teeth can realistically go, and what it will cost.