Cosmetic Dentistry San Diego

Remember, your smile speaks
before you even say a word!

Cosmetic Dentistry In Rancho Bernardo

The past decade, there has been a dramatic interest in cosmetic dentistry. We all realize that having a healthy, bright, beautiful smile enhances our appearance and allows us to smile with confidence. Thanks to the advances in modern cosmetic dentistry, we are able to improve our teeth and smiles with quick, painless and surprisingly affordable treatments.

Cosmetic dental treatments can:

  • Change the size, shape, and alignment of certain teeth.
  • Fill in unattractive spaces between teeth.
  • Improve or correct bites.
  • Lighten or brighten the color of teeth.
  • Repair decayed, broken, cracked, or chipped teeth.
  • Replace missing teeth.
  • Replace old, unattractive dental treatments

 

Cosmetic Dentistry Near You

Teeth Whitening Rancho Bernardo

Teeth whitening (or bleaching) is a simple, non-invasive dental treatment used to change the color of natural tooth enamel and is an ideal way to enhance the beauty of your smile.

Because having whiter teeth has now become the number one aesthetic concern of most patients, there are a number of ways to whiten teeth. The most popular method is using a home teeth whitening kit that will whiten teeth dramatically. Since this only works on natural tooth enamel, it is important to evaluate the replacement of any old fillings, crowns, etc. Replacement of any restorations will be done after bleaching so they will match the newly bleached teeth.

Whitening of Teeth is not permanent.
A touch-up maybe needed every several years, and more often if you smoke, drink coffee,
tea, or wine.

Reasons for teeth whitening:

  • Fluorosis (excessive fluoridation during tooth development).
  • Normal wear of the outer tooth layer.
  • Stained teeth due to medications (tetracycline, etc.).
  • Yellow, brown stained teeth.

What does teeth whitening involve?

This usually requires two visits. At the first appointment, impressions (molds) will be made of your teeth to fabricate custom, clear, plastic, trays.

At your second appointment, you will try on the trays for proper fit, and adjustments will be made if necessary. The trays are worn with special whitening solutions either twice a day for 30 minutes or overnight for a couple of weeks depending on the degree of staining and desired level of whitening. It is normal to experience tooth sensitivity during the time you are whitening your teeth, but it will subside shortly after you have stopped bleaching.

Cosmetic Dentistry San Diego
Cosmetic Dentistry Treatment San Diego

Zoom!® has many advantages over these other treatments, including:

  • All teeth treated simultaneously.
  • Faster treatment times.
  • Longer lasting results.
  • Reduced sensitivity.
  • Removal of stains on crowns, veneers and other restorations.
  • Safe procedure and treatment.
  • Treatments are performed by an experienced professional.

A pearly-white smile is beautiful to look at and can greatly improve self-confidence. Many people are opting for the Zoom!® Chairside Whitening System (Zoom!®) for fast, safe and effective teeth whitening. Zoom!® combines the newest advances in dental technology with proven chemical formulas. This ensures that the bleaching experience is painless, and the results are satisfying.

There are many reasons why teeth become stained or discolored, including tobacco use, and drinking dark liquids such as red wine, coffee, tea and cola. However, the natural aging process and prescription medication use can also cause yellowing and graying.

There are literally hundreds of whitening treatments available in the marketplace, including take-home strips, bleaching toothpaste, and take-home whitening gels. Many take-home gels are ineffective and may not elicit the desired results.

It is important to seek advice from the dentist prior to beginning a bleaching regime. Women who are pregnant or lactating should not seek bleaching treatment.

How does Zoom!® whiten the teeth?

Zoom!® is a bleaching process that lightens the dentin and enamel of the teeth. Zoom!® contains a hydrogen peroxide component (25%), which is the active ingredient in the gel. When hydrogen peroxide is applied to the teeth, the peroxide component breaks down into tiny oxygen bubbles. It is these bubbles that eliminate yellowing and staining.

A mercury metal halide light is used to activate the gel and expedite the whitening process. This specialized light contains a unique infrared filter that works to reduce the amount of heat (and therefore sensitivity) on the surface of the teeth during the procedure. The internal structure of the teeth remains completely healthy and intact during and after the treatment.

As with any whitening system, the post-treatment results can vary according to the degree of staining and the condition of the teeth. A consultation with the dentist prior to treatment will provide information as to what kind of results Zoom!® can provide in specific instances. Zoom!® is only applied to healthy teeth and gums. If tooth decay or gum disease is an issue, these need to be controlled before the bleaching treatment is performed.

Sedation Dentist Rancho Bernardo

How is the Zoom!® treatment performed?

Prior to treatment, there will be a consultation where the dentist will outline the exact procedure. On treatment day, a deep cleaning (prophylaxis) will be performed to rid the teeth of any debris and plaque. Then, special eyewear will be provided to protect the eyes from the halide light, and splash guards to protect the clothing from the bleaching agent.

Here is a brief overview of the Zoom!® procedure:

  1. Cheek retractors will be placed to expose the entire surface of the teeth.
  2. The gums will be painted or covered to reduce sensitivity.
  3. The dentist will apply the whitening gel to the teeth.
  4. The halide light will then be applied to activate the gel. This specialized Zoom!® light can be positioned to work on all the teeth simultaneously.
  5. After 15 minutes, gel will be removed from the teeth and the mouth will be rinsed.
  6. More gel will be applied for another 15 minutes.
  7. Again, the gel will be removed and the mouth will be thoroughly cleansed.
  8. The final treatment of gel will be applied for 15 minutes.
  9. The gel will be removed for the final time.

What happens after treatment?

The same external factors that caused the discoloration in the first place can quickly work their way back onto the teeth. For this reason, the dentist recommends flossing once a day, thorough cleaning with anti-sensitivity toothpaste twice a day, and occasional retreatment with Zoom!® Weekender. These post-treatment measures will ensure that the smile stays at its whitest for a long time.

$99

First visit Exam & Cleanings

*Valid on absence of gum disease. Not to be combined with any other offer. New Patients Only.
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$99

First visit Exam & Cleanings

*Valid on absence of gum disease. Not to be combined with any other offer. New Patients Only.

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ADA Care Credit CDA Member of CEREC Clear Correct Rancho Bernardo San Diego County Dental Society
  • Sunday: Closed
  • Monday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 12:30 PM
  • Thursday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Saturday: Closed