Teeth Whitening at Dentist San Luis Obispo, CA
A brighter, whiter smile can give anyone a boost of confidence. Professionals and consumers alike can agree that teeth whitening at the dentist is preferable. A dentist typically offers more significant results in a quicker fashion, as it utilizes a stronger bleaching solution, heat, and light.
Teeth whitening at the dentist is available at Islay Hill Dentistry Co. in San Luis Obispo and the surrounding area. A dentist can further explain prior to you undergoing any type of treatment. Call Islay Hill Dentistry Co. at (805) 316-4968 to discuss your tooth whitening options today.
Benefits of Teeth Whitening at the Dentist
The most obvious benefit of teeth whitening at the dentist is a whiter, brighter smile. Professional whitening sessions provide more effective and more even results. While over-the-counter whitening kits can help improve light stains, they cannot treat more severe discoloration that a dentist can.
Another benefit of teeth whitening at the dentist is a customized treatment approach. While over-the-counter kits are one size fits all, our team provides customized treatment to fit each patient's preferences and needs. Whitening teeth at home with store-bought products can also cause gum damage and make teeth more sensitive. Our experienced team monitors patients and adjusts treatment concentrations to keep them comfortable and safe throughout the procedure.
“While over-the-counter kits are one size fits all, our team provides customized treatment to fit each patient’s preferences and needs.”
Teeth Whitening Options at the Dentist
Various teeth whitening options are available at the dentist. Our team works with each patient to determine the right treatment for their needs. The two main professional teeth whitening options are tray-based whitening and in-office whitening.
Tray-based whitening involves filling a tray with a whitening gel solution made of a peroxide-bleaching agent. Depending on the degree of discoloration, people will wear the trays for a few hours each day or at night for a few weeks or longer. In-office teeth whitening involved applying the bleaching agent directly to teeth combined with heat, a special light, or a laser. People who are interested in teeth whitening should speak to us about the available treatment options.
“Our team works with each patient to determine the right treatment for their needs.”
At-Home Vs. In-Office Treatment
Though over-the-counter, at-home whitening treatments do deliver noticeable results, if overused or used improperly, they may end up doing more harm than good. The same is true if a person uses a product that exacerbates an existing dental health issue, such as sensitivity or gingivitis. To prevent an adverse outcome, individuals should always consult with a dentist before applying a product.
Moreover, over-the-counter products cannot achieve the drastic results most individuals desire. While many can effectively remove surface stains, most of these products cannot penetrate deep into the tooth. On the other hand, when a person undergoes teeth whitening at the dentist, the dentist will review the patient's dental history and create a solution that addresses their needs. A dentist may also use light or heat in combination with a bleaching solution to speed up results.
“On the other hand, when a person undergoes teeth whitening at the dentist, the dentist will review the patient’s dental history and create a solution that addresses their needs.”
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Teeth Whitening at Dentist in San Luis Obispo, CA
Aftercare Advice
Most patients want to know how to keep their teeth white after the procedure. There are steps one can take to maintain the results. These include avoiding smoking, staining foods and beverages. If consuming these items, following them with water or brushing one's teeth after will help. Some patients use a straw when drinking staining beverages to cut down on discoloration.
Along with keeping up with an oral care routine at home by brushing and flossing regularly, patients should maintain the recommended two dental visits a year. At these visits, dentists can spot dental issues early as well as polish away surface stains before they have a chance to build up. Patients should discuss their desire to maintain their whitening results with a dentist who can offer additional advice. Patients should ask their dentist which toothpaste will best help them maintain results.
“Along with keeping up with an oral care routine at home by brushing and flossing regularly, patients should maintain the recommended two dental visits a year.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What are the benefits of teeth whitening at the dentist?
Q. What are teeth whitening options at the dentist?
Q. What are in-home treatment for teeth whitening?
Q. How does a dentist’s office whitening compare to an over-the-counter whitening?
Q. How can patients maintain their teeth whitening results?
People Also Ask
Q. What is laser teeth whitening?
Q. What restorative methods can help patients improve their smiles?
Q. What are the benefits of dental cosmetics?
Q. What are required home care routines for cosmetic treatments?
In-Home Treatments
People whose gums are in good shape, who have no fillings, and who need just light stain removal may be good candidates for in-home treatment. It is always to consult with a dentist to see if they recommend it. People who decide to pursue at home-treatment should look for the ADA seal on products. The seal shows that products have met certain standards for safety and effectiveness. The ADA keeps a list of these products approved for bleaching.
While in-home treatments are convenient, store-bought kits are not as effective as professional in-home kits. This professional tray-based whitening treatment is a great option for people who want whiter teeth without going to the office. People interested in whitening their teeth should have a consultation with our team to discuss the best, most effective options.
“People whose gums are in good shape, who have no fillings, and who need just light stain removal may be good candidates for in-home treatment.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How does teeth whitening at the dentist work?
A. Before applying a whitening gel to a patient, the dentist will apply a protective gel or guard to the gums to prevent them from becoming discolored. The dentist will then apply the bleaching agent. Once the bleaching agent is applied, the dentist may use heat or light to speed up the whitening process.
Q. Is teeth whitening at the dentist more effective than at-home treatments?
A. Yes, it is. In-office whitening systems use stronger bleaching agents than OTC options. Most at-home options use low-strength bleaching agents that typically contain 3% to 6% hydrogen peroxide. In-office solutions, however, have hydrogen peroxide concentrations of between 15% and 43%.
Q. Is there a cost difference between at-home whitening and teeth whitening at the dentist?
A. OTC whitening solutions are generally the less expensive options. Dentist-supervised treatments and in-office bleaching procedures both typically cost more. However, in-office results last the longest, which can make for savings in the long term.
Q. Is teeth whitening at the dentist safe?
A. Professional treatments at a dentist's office are noticeably more effective. Patients' smiles are usually whiter and stay that way longer. However, patients with healthy teeth and gums and only light tooth staining may benefit from at-home bleaching treatments with the ADA seal. Always talk with your doctor or dentist before whitening at home.
Q. Can anyone be a good candidate for teeth whitening?
A. Much of this depends on why the teeth are discolored and the health of the patient's teeth before the procedure. Teeth whitening is not recommended for pregnant women, those with gum disease, or multiple restorations that do not respond to teeth whitening. Each patient should discuss their unique situation with their dentist to determine if whitening is right for them or if another tooth brightening procedure is a fit.
Scan here to view this page, Teeth Whitening at Dentist, on mobile
Cosmetic Dentistry Terminology
Call Us Today
Teeth whitening at the dentist produces quick and effective results that people can be proud of. Our team at Islay Hill Dentistry Co. can help. Call us today at 805-316-4968 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2025
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2025
About our business and website security
- Islay Hill Dentistry Co. was established in 2019.
- We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: San Luis Obispo County
- We serve patients from the following cities: San Luis Obispo, Arroyo Grande, Atascadero, Pismo Beach and Shell Beach
- CA (License #63695). View License Information and Specifics
- National Provider Identifier Database (1356721807). View NPI Registry Information
- Norton Safe Web. View Details
- Trend Micro Site Safety Center. View Details
Scan here to open directions to Islay Hill Dentistry Co. on mobile
Back to top of Teeth Whitening at Dentist
Related Posts
Is All-on-4 Considered An Invasive Surgery?
All-on-4 surgery replaces all the teeth in a dental arch with fixed dentures. The dentures are held in place by four implants in the jaw. If the person is missing all their teeth, they will need to have four implants in each jaw.Getting a single dental implant is a process that requires one or more…
Welcome To Islay Hill Dentistry Co.
We are committed to providing quality service to residents located In the San Luis Obispo, CA area. Our website has additional information about the following topics: Dentist, Cosmetic Dentist, General Dentist, Family Dentist, Emergency Dentist, Dental Implants, All-on-4 Dental Implants, Implant Supported Dentures, Dentures and Partial Dentures.
Dental Sealant Treatment From Your General Dentist
A general dentist often recommends a dental sealant for patients who want to take extra preventative measures to ensure the health and safety of their teeth. A sealant can be utilized if they feel like your molars and other teeth with deep grooves are at risk of suffering damage. If you consider a dental sealant…
Explore additional topics covered on our website:
Call Us Today
Scan here to call Islay Hill Dentistry Co. on mobile
