Over time, teeth can become stained or discolored due to common factors such as coffee, tea, red wine, tobacco use, certain medications, or the natural aging process. Brightening your smile with professional teeth whitening can be a proven, safe, and effective cosmetic solution.
To help patients achieve a more radiant smile, cosmetic dentist John Cross, DDS offers a variety of whitening solutions at our Orange County practice. For those seeking rapid, noticeable results, our in-office Zoom!® whitening treatment is a powerful option that can dramatically brighten your teeth in a single visit. We also provide customized take-home kits with professionally fitted trays, designed to deliver even, consistent whitening. These trays can be used on their own or as a follow-up to in-office treatment to help extend your results.
Whether you’re preparing for a special event or simply want to enhance your everyday confidence, our teeth whitening options can help you achieve a noticeably whiter smile with ease.
- Teeth Whitening Candidates
- In-Office Teeth Whitening Treatment Benefits
- Zoom® Teeth Whitening Procedure
- Take-Home Teeth Whitening Trays
- Over-the-Counter Products vs. Professional Teeth Whitening Treatment
- Teeth Whitening Safety
- Teeth Whitening Sensitivity
- Teeth Whitening and Dental Restorations
- Teeth Whitening Cost
Am I a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
Professional teeth whitening can effectively diminish most types and degrees of dental staining and discoloration. Dr. Cross recommends that candidates address any pre-existing dental concerns, such as tooth decay or gum disease, before beginning a professional whitening treatment. Patients with severe stains or discoloration that may not respond well to bleaching may achieve better results with porcelain veneers, which can conceal the color of the tooth with a thin shell of porcelain. During your initial consultation, Dr. Cross will perform an oral exam and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan for meeting your unique needs and goals.
What Are the Benefits of an In-office Teeth Whitening Treatment?
The potential benefits offered by a Zoom® in-office teeth whitening treatment include:
- Remarkable results in just one visit: Usually in one hour, patients see their teeth become several shades whiter—sometimes up to eight shades brighter—after a single session.
- Gentle and non-invasive: No drilling, needles, or extensive prep work are generally required. This process involves a simple application of the whitening gel, which is activated using a special light.
- Stress-free experience: You can relax comfortably in the chair while the whitening gel and light do the work—no active involvement required.
- Tailored treatment: The strength of the whitening gel can be adjusted based on your level of sensitivity and your desired outcome, allowing for a personalized approach.
- Ideal addition to a Smile Makeover: Whitening your teeth can elevate the overall impact of treatments such as Invisalign® or other cosmetic dental procedures by creating a more vibrant, cohesive smile.
What Does the Zoom!® In-Office Teeth Whitening Procedure Involve?
During a Zoom!® in-office tooth whitening treatment, we typically prepare the teeth with a gentle cleaning and cover the surrounding gum tissue and skin for protection. We carefully coat the teeth in a hydrogen peroxide-based gel, and then aim a laser light at the teeth. The laser activates the hydrogen peroxide and helps it to penetrate the surface of the teeth. As the hydrogen peroxide breaks up, oxygen enters the enamel and dentin, breaking up stains and bleaching colored substances. The process usually lasts for about 45 minutes to an hour. Our doctors may recommend and supply the Zoom!® or Nite White® gel kits for an occasional touch up to keep teeth sparkling white.
Take-Home Teeth Whitening Trays
If you’d rather brighten your smile from the comfort of home, we offer a convenient alternative to in-office treatment: customized whitening trays. These trays are uniquely designed to fit your teeth for optimal comfort and effectiveness. Simply apply the professional-grade whitening gel provided, and wear the trays at a time that fits your schedule—day or night.
During your visit, Dr. Cross will guide you through the at-home whitening process, offering personalized instructions to help you achieve safe, consistent results. Whether used alone or to maintain your in-office whitening, these custom trays provide a flexible way to enhance your smile on your own terms.
Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening Products Vs. Professional Teeth Whitening Treatment
While there are over-the-counter whitening products available that can gradually lighten the shade of your teeth, these methods are often less effective and less efficient than professional treatments. The terms used on the labels of over-the-counter products can also be confusing. Products that claim to “whiten” the teeth may only eliminate debris from the tooth’s surface, rather than lightening stains in the enamel. Products that claim “bleaching” properties must contain hydrogen peroxide or another active whitening agent; however, it is important to note that the active bleaching agents used with professional-grade treatments are typically much more powerful due to a higher concentration. This key difference can lead to dramatically whiter and brighter teeth over a much shorter period of time. Patients who choose professional-grade whitening also have the benefit of a dentist’s supervision to help them select a whitening treatment suited to their individual needs.
Is Professional Teeth Whitening Safe?
Under the supervision of an experienced dentist, professional whitening treatments can safely brighten your smile. While it is not uncommon to experience tooth sensitivity during or shortly after treatment, this side effect is typically mild and dissipates quickly.
How Do I Reduce Sensitivity After Teeth Whitening?
Some patients may experience mild to severe tooth sensitivity after a whitening treatment. Dr. Cross often combines teeth whitening with a fluoride treatment for extra protection against tooth sensitivity. While our dental team will do everything possible to minimize this effect and reduce the possibility of discomfort both during and after the treatment, it is important to note that patients who are already prone to tooth sensitivity should make our dentist aware before the whitening treatment is performed. In those cases, we may ultimately recommend staging the whitening sessions over two appointments or reducing the bleaching agents used in the whitening solution.
We also offer strategies for managing post-treatment sensitivity, including:
- Avoiding hot or cold beverages for a short time after whitening
- Using a fluoride mouth rinse prior to your appointment
- Brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Switching to a toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth, like Sensodyne®
With the right precautions and professional guidance, even those with sensitive teeth can enjoy a brighter, more confident smile.
Will Teeth Whitening Change the Shade of My Crowns, Porcelain Veneers, or Fillings?
Professional teeth whitening treatments generally do not alter the color of restorations such as porcelain veneers, dental crowns, or tooth-colored fillings. If you have dental work you are concerned about, your whitening treatment plan can be custom-tailored to accommodate any unique challenges for a healthy, natural-looking smile. Our goal is to help you achieve a balanced, natural-looking smile while preserving the integrity of your dental restorations.
How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost?
Depending upon which method of teeth whitening you choose, the price for your treatment can vary. At the end of your initial consultation, our treatment coordinator will provide you with a quote based upon your customized treatment plan.
For more information about teeth whitening treatments or any of the other cosmetic dentistry options we offer, please contact OC Lifesmiles for a consultation.
