Teeth Whitening

Even if you brush and floss daily, your teeth can still become stained. The natural aging process and daily activities, like eating, cause stains and discoloration. At his self-titled practice, general and family dentist Jason Ray, DDS, and the team offer teeth whitening to adults and teens, including in-office teeth whitening and take-home teeth whitening kits. To make an appointment, call the office in Santa Monica, California, or book online today.

What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure designed to remove stains caused by tobacco use, poor oral hygiene, and/or the natural aging process. The results aren’t permanent, but by brushing and flossing daily and visiting Dr. Ray for routine maintenance, it's possible to transform your smile. 

What causes teeth to change color?

Everyone experiences tooth discoloration because of the aging process. Daily activities like chewing and brushing your teeth cause the enamel to wear down, showing more of the yellow dentin beneath.

Several other factors cause tooth discoloration as well, including:

• Drinking coffee, soda, or black tea
• Using tobacco
• Eating certain foods (i.e., tomatoes, berries, or curries)
• Taking medication with tetracycline (a drug that causes yellowing)
• Oral trauma

You might also have discolored teeth if you don’t regularly visit the dentist. Routine checkups and dental cleanings can keep your smile bright.

What are the types of teeth whitening?

Dr. Ray and the team offer several types of teeth whitening, including:

In-office teeth whitening

In-office teeth whitening can make your smile up to eight shades* brighter in a single visit. During treatment, Dr. Ray applies a medical-grade whitening solution to your teeth. Your enamel absorbs the solution which oxidizes (brightens) the molecules within. 

After your teeth absorb the solution, Dr. Ray points a blue light at them. The light causes a whitening reaction, removing even the most noticeable stains. Dr. Ray repeats the same steps several times until you’ve achieved the optimal results.

Take-home teeth whitening trays

If you’d rather whiten your teeth at home, ask Dr. Ray about take-home teeth whitening trays. Take-home teeth whitening trays are plastic mouthpieces. You line them with a whitening solution and wear them for several hours a day when it aligns with your schedule.

How do I keep my teeth white?

To maintain the results of teeth whitening, you need to practice good oral hygiene. Dr. Ray and the team recommend:

• Drinking beverages like coffee with a straw
• Brushing your teeth with whitening toothpaste
• Quitting smoking
• Visiting the office every six months for dental cleanings

It’s also a good idea to visit Dr. Ray every 3-4 months for maintenance. He can perform in-office whitening or refill your take-home teeth whitening gel. 

To learn more about the benefits of teeth whitening, make an appointment at the practice of Jason Ray, DDS, by calling the office or booking online today.