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(818) 766-6767
12840 Riverside Drive, #100
Studio City CA 91607

Teeth Whitening

What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening is one of the simplest and least expensive cosmetic dental procedures available today yet provides a beautiful improvement to any smile. Just by brightening discolorations that result from coffee, wine, tobacco, age, or acidic foods, patients can take years off of their appearance and dramatically improve their look. Dr. Sands offers very effective methods for teeth whitening at her Studio City practice, including in-office whitening and at-home whitening kits. Teeth whitening is also an important part of Dr. Sands’ comprehensive smile makeover program, which uses multiple different types of cosmetic dentistry to achieve a radiant and lasting smile.

How does teeth whitening work?

If time isn’t on your side, and you need a bright and beautiful smile in time for your next job interview, audition, or important date, Dr. Sands offers in-office teeth whitening using Opalescence® BOOST for instant results in about an hour. If you’re a good candidate for other smile makeover services, such as porcelain veneers or Invisalign®, Dr. Sands can discuss these steps with you at this time, as well.

After the teeth are isolated, a whitening gel containing 40 percent hydrogen peroxide is applied to the teeth. After each 15- to 20-minute session, your teeth will be cleaned so that Dr. Jamie Sands can closely monitor the progression of brightness.

Patients usually receive three 15- to 20-minute sessions that occur in just one office visit. The Opalescence® BOOST in-office whitening does not use a laser, which can lessens sensitivity. As a result of this process, patients can brighten their teeth up to eight shades whiter.

Dr. Sands also offers her patients the convenience of whitening their teeth at home with Opalescence® trays. Dr. Sands custom makes each tray to perfectly fit her patient’s teeth. The trays are thin, form-fitting, and comfortable to wear.

By applying the bleaching gel inside the custom-made trays and wearing them at night or during the day, you can achieve excellent whitening results in as little as two weeks. Depending on the severity of the stains, Dr. Sands may recommend an extended treatment time.

The advantages of teeth whitening include:

Simple and
painless procedure

Whitening the teeth is a simple and pain-free process that can be accomplished through just three 15-to-20 minute sessions in a single appointment with Dr. Sands.

Quick
results

Patients can begin to see results from teeth whitening after about one hour of treatment with Dr. Sands.

At home
option

For busy patients who can’t visit the office, Dr. Sands offers at-home teeth whitening kits that can show results in as little as two weeks.

Before

After

See More Before & After

FAQ

How does the in-office procedure work?
As the hydrogen peroxide in the teeth whitening gel is activated, oxygen enters the enamel and dentin of the tooth to bleach the surface and remove the stain molecules within the tooth.
How long does the in-office procedure take?
In-office teeth whitening takes between 60 to 90 minutes to complete. The first 15 to 20 minutes of preparation are followed by three to four 15- to 20-minute applications of a special gel. The number of applications will depend on the level of brightness the patient wants to achieve.
How white will my teeth get?
Although we cannot tell exactly how many shades whiter your teeth will be after your teeth whitening, your teeth will be dramatically whiter. Whitening works best on yellow stains caused by smoking, coffee, and tea. The darker your teeth are prior to whitening, the better and more dramatic your whitening results will be.
Are there any side effects to teeth whitening?
Side effects with teeth whitening are rare and minor. Some patients may experience minor sensitivity or discomfort during treatment. Patients may experience a tingling sensation after the procedure, which will always subside.
How long will teeth whitening results last?
Your teeth will always appear whiter than they were prior to treatment, especially if you floss and brush twice daily to maintain your results. On average, teeth whitening lasts between six months to five years, although, according to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, some studies have reported teeth whitening results lasting up to ten years. In addition, avoiding things that can stain your teeth, such as smoking, coffee, tea, and red wine, can help preserve your teeth-whitening results.

Dr. Sands can help you improve your smile through teeth whitening today. Get started by contacting her Studio City office to learn more.

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