Do you want a brighter, whiter smile? It’s possible with smile whitening from Darren Chu DDS. Discolorations can happen for a variety of reasons, including medications, genetics, foods like wine or coffee, and tobacco use. Stains can prematurely age your teeth and can be difficult to get rid of with over-the-counter products. Instead, opt for professional smile whitening treatments from a skilled dentist. We offer in-office teeth whitening, which can whiten your teeth in just one appointment. For those who prefer whitening in the comfort of their home, we provide custom-made take-home trays which can be used with Life Like® brand gel. A radiant smile is simple with smile whitening from Darren Chu DDS.
Is whitening right for your teeth?
Whitening works on natural enamel. It lifts the yellow and brown staining that builds up from coffee, tea, red wine and tobacco, and it brightens teeth that have simply darkened with age. It does not change the color of crowns, veneers, bonding or tooth-colored fillings, so if you have restorations on your front teeth we will talk through how they will look next to your whitened teeth before you start.
Gray staining from certain antibiotics, or a single tooth that has darkened after an injury, often responds poorly to bleaching alone. For those teeth, porcelain veneers are often the better answer, and our guide to teeth whitening versus veneers explains how to choose. A tooth that changes color suddenly is worth having checked first, because the cause may need treatment. Our articles on sudden tooth discoloration and why a tooth turns green cover the common reasons.
It starts with an exam
Every whitening plan begins with a look at your teeth and gums. Whitening gel on an open cavity, a cracked tooth or a receding gumline can be uncomfortable, so those problems are treated first. A professional cleaning beforehand removes surface buildup so the gel reaches the enamel evenly. We also record your starting shade, so you can see the change for yourself.
In-office whitening in one visit
In-office whitening is the fastest route to a brighter smile. Your lips and gums are protected, a professional-strength gel is applied to the front surfaces of your teeth, and it is refreshed in timed stages during the appointment. Most patients see a clear difference in shade by the time they leave. It suits anyone with an event coming up, or anyone who would rather not wear trays at home. Our guide to the in-office whitening procedure walks through each step.
Take-home whitening trays
If you prefer to whiten gradually, we take impressions and make trays shaped to your teeth. You wear them with Life Like® whitening gel for a short time each day, following the schedule we give you. Because the trays fit closely, the gel stays on your teeth and away from your gums, which is the main difference from store-bought strips. The same trays are useful later for occasional touch-ups that keep your result bright.
What about sensitivity?
Some patients notice short-lived sensitivity during or after whitening, and it usually settles within a day or two. Brushing with a toothpaste for sensitive teeth in the week before treatment, skipping very hot or cold drinks for a day afterward, and spacing out take-home sessions all help. Tell us if your teeth are already sensitive and we will adjust the plan. Our article on tooth sensitivity during whitening has more detail.
Keeping your smile bright
Results last longest when stain-causing food and drink are kept in check and teeth are cleaned regularly. Rinsing with water after coffee or red wine, not smoking, and keeping up with your six-month cleanings all slow the return of staining. Many patients use their take-home trays for a brief touch-up every few months. Our guide to how long teeth whitening lasts has more practical tips.
Cost and payment
The cost depends on the method you choose and how much change you want. Our teeth whitening cost guide compares in-office and take-home options and explains what affects the fee. Information on insurance and financing is on our payment options page.
Book a teeth whitening consultation in Anaheim Hills
If you would like a brighter smile, contact our Anaheim Hills office to book a whitening consultation. We will check your teeth, show you your current shade, and recommend the approach that fits your goals and your schedule.