From bleaching gels to dental veneers in Los Angeles, people dissatisfied with their discolored teeth have many options that create whiter smiles. Our teeth can become discolored for a number of reasons, including natural aging. Smoking or drinking coffee and tea can lead to stained teeth. Certain medications, such as the antibiotic tetracycline, can also cause more severe discoloration.

The most common, and more traditional, tooth whitening procedure is still the custom tray bleaching method. The patient's mouth is custom fitted for a tray, which is worn for up to two hours daily with a bleaching gel. The number of days or weeks a person wears the tray depends on how much bleaching their teeth may need to achieve the desired results. More than one office visit is usually necessary with this method.

Newer technologies created faster and more effective whitening methods such as laser teeth whitening in Los Angeles. The teeth are first covered with a bleaching gel and then exposed to a laser light source for up to two hours. Laser light exposure makes the bleach penetrate the teeth more quickly and effectively. Although more expensive than custom tray bleaching, laser whitening is completed in just one office visit, and can whiten darker discoloration.

Whitening with Dental Veneers in Los Angeles

Although other whitening methods are effective for mild to moderate teeth darkening, they may not be effective enough for severe discoloration issues. With severely discolored teeth, cosmetic dentists often recommend dental veneers in Los Angeles that cover the tooth's surface. Some patients who want newly shaped teeth and whitening will also choose dental veneers in Los Angeles. Veneers are more expensive, but do not stain, and last up to 15 years.