Teeth Whitening San Francisco

Perfect, white teeth are often seen as a sign of health and beauty, so it’s no wonder that teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures. With so many choices available, including in-office or at-home options, it can be hard to know which method is right for you.

If you are searching for teeth whitening in San Francisco or laser teeth whitening San Francisco, we are here for you. At Young Dental SF Group, we understand that everyone’s smile is different. And we also know that one size does not fit all when it comes to whitening your teeth. We offer various teeth whitening options to help you achieve the beautiful, white smile you’ve always wanted. Call (415) 392-8611 or complete the online booking form to schedule an appointment.

Tooth Enamel Explained

Before we get into the different types of teeth whitening, let’s take a quick look at tooth enamel and why it becomes stained in the first place. Tooth enamel is the outermost layer of your teeth, and it’s what gives them their white color. It is composed of tiny crystalline rods and is meant to shield teeth from the harmful effects of chewing, trauma, and acids from sugar and other foods. 

Over time, tiny cracks develop as the enamel is worn away. This causes the tooth to become more transparent and the yellow color of the dentin to show through. The tiny cracks eventually fill up with stains and debris, resulting in a dull appearance. As a result, the teeth eventually develop a dull, lackluster appearance.

What Is Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening is a process that uses bleaching products to remove stains and discoloration from teeth, making them appear brighter and whiter. The two main types of bleaching products are hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. These work by penetrating the tooth enamel and breaking up the stains into smaller pieces, which are then washed away.

Several teeth whitening methods are available, from at-home kits to professional treatments. The type of treatment you choose will depend on your budget, how much time you have, and your personal preference. 

Opalescence for a Brighter Smile

At our dental clinic, we offer Opalescence teeth whitening treatments. Opalescence is a professional-strength teeth whitening system used in-office, or that can be used in the comfort of your own home. Opalescence contains a higher concentration of bleaching agents than over-the-counter whiteners, so it’s more effective at removing stains and discoloration. Talk to us about the range of Opalescence teeth whitening options we carry to help you get the brightest, healthiest smile possible. We will ensure that your teeth whitening treatment is perfect for you and your budget.

Opalescence Procedure

The Opalescence system uses a tray and gel combination to brighten teeth. 

The treatment is straightforward and takes about an hour. You’ll need to schedule two appointments: one for a consultation and the other for the treatment. At your first appointment, your dentist will take a dental impression of your teeth. They will use this to make a custom-fit tray.

After your initial consultation, you will return for a second appointment where your dentist will apply the whitening gel to your teeth. They will then use a special light that speeds up the bleaching process; results are visible after just one session!

We also offer the Opal Go whitening system that gives you the convenience of a tray ready for you to use at home. This UltraFit tray can be used for any smile and is simple to use. 

Main Causes of Staining

While many factors can contribute to teeth staining, there are four main culprits:

• Age. As time passes, teeth get darker because of wear, damage, and staining accumulations. Teens and young adults will probably see immediate, dramatic improvements after using whitening products. 
• Food and drinks. Over time, red wine, coffee, tea, cola, and other brightly colored drinks and foods stain the teeth. Acidic foods and beverages like citrus fruits and vinegar also break down tooth enamel. Because of this, as the enamel erodes, more of the yellow-colored dentin is revealed.
• Tobacco use. The nicotine and tars from smoking or chewing tobacco permanently stain teeth. 
• Genetics. You may be predisposed to having yellow teeth due to the transparency and thinness of your teeth. As we age, these genetic traits become more pronounced.

Extrinsic and Intrinsic Staining

Teeth can be stained extrinsically when the staining is on the tooth’s surface or intrinsically when the staining is inside the tooth. 

• Extrinsic staining is usually caused by food, drinks, tobacco use, and aging. These stains can often be removed with teeth whitening products and procedures. 
• Intrinsic staining is usually caused by medications, certain dental procedures, and trauma to the teeth. These stains are more difficult to remove and may require more treatment. If this is unsuccessful, veneers may be the only way to achieve the desired result.

How to Prevent Stains

While staining and yellowing teeth are part of the natural aging process, there are a few things you can do to slow it:

• The best way to prevent stains is to avoid the foods and drinks that cause them in the first place. If you can’t give up your morning coffee or nightly glass of wine, try using a straw to drink them. This will help to avoid contact with your teeth. 
• You should also brush your teeth regularly and floss to remove any food or drink particles that may be stuck between your teeth. Be sure to use toothpaste that contains fluoride to help protect your teeth from cavities. 
• If you smoke, quitting is the best thing you can do for your teeth and overall health. If you can’t quit, try to cut back on the number of cigarettes you smoke each day. 
• Regular dental checkups and cleanings are essential for keeping your teeth healthy and white. Your dentist can remove any build-up on your teeth and give you tips on how to keep them looking their best.

Whitening Teeth San Francisco

At Young Dental SF Group, we want you to have the best possible smile. That’s why we offer a variety of teeth whitening procedures to help you achieve the look you desire. Come in to talk to our staff about the best teeth whitening option for you. Our in-office procedures use the latest technology to give you whiter teeth in just one visit. For the best teeth whitening in San Francisco, visit us or our partner practice at Post Street Dental for the results you can trust. Call (415) 392-8611 to schedule an appointment or complete the online booking form. We are located at 490 Post Street, Suite 830, San Francisco, CA.

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