Last Chance: Complimentary Teeth Whitening through
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Why People Love San Marcos Dental and Braces

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Choose Your Trusted Smile Whitening Team in San Marcos

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Why Do Teeth Become Stained?

Before we discuss the benefits of teeth whitening, let's understand why teeth become stained in the first place. Several factors contribute to tooth discoloration, including:

  • Food and Drink: Coffee, tea, red wine, and certain fruits and vegetables (like apples and potatoes) can stain your teeth.
  • Tobacco Use: Smoking or chewing tobacco can cause teeth to become yellowed or discolored.
  • Age: As you age, the outer layer of enamel on your teeth gets thinner, revealing the naturally yellow color of dentin.
  • Trauma: Injuries can cause discoloration to teeth due to damage to the enamel.
  • Medications: Certain medications, including antihistamines, antipsychotics, and high blood pressure medications, can contribute to tooth staining.

How Teeth Whitening Works

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that effectively removes stains and lightens the color of your teeth, resulting in a brighter smile. The process utilizes bleaching agents, typically hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which break down stains into smaller particles, making the color less concentrated and your teeth brighter.

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A woman getting her teeth checked by a dentist.

Professional Teeth Whitening vs. Over-the-Counter Options

While there are an endless number of over-the-counter teeth whitening options available, professional teeth whitening at San Marcos Dental and Braces offers several advantages:

  • Faster, More Effective Results: Professional whitening delivers quicker and more significant whitening results compared to over-the-counter kits.
  • Safe and Monitored Process: Our dental professionals ensure the whitening process is safe, adjusting the treatment to minimize sensitivity and protect your gum health.
  • Customized Treatment: We provide personalized treatment plans to meet your specific needs and desired outcomes.
  • Long-lasting Results: Professional whitening typically offers longer-lasting results, especially when combined with proper aftercare.

What Happens During a Professional Smile Whitening Session

Step 1: Initial Consultation

Your journey to a brighter smile starts with a consultation at San Marcos Dental and Braces. Our team will assess your oral health, discuss your whitening goals, and determine if teeth whitening is the best option for you.

Step 2: Preparation

Before beginning the whitening process, we'll conduct a thorough cleaning to remove plaque and debris from your teeth. This ensures the whitening agent can work more effectively.

Step 3: Protecting Your Gums

A protective barrier is applied to your gums to shield them from the bleaching agent, ensuring a comfortable and safe whitening experience.

Step 4: Applying the Whitening Agent

The bleaching agent is then carefully applied to the surface of your teeth. Our professionals use high-quality, potent whitening solutions that are not available over the counter.

Step 5: Activation

In some cases, a special light or laser may be used to activate the whitening agent, enhancing its effectiveness and speeding up the process.

Step 6: Final Touches

After the whitening agent has been applied for the appropriate amount of time, your teeth will be rinsed, and the gum barrier removed. Our team will then assess the results and provide you with aftercare instructions to maintain your bright new smile.

Step 7: Aftercare and Maintenance

To prolong the results of your teeth whitening, we'll advise you on best practices for oral hygiene and recommend avoiding certain foods and beverages that can stain your teeth.

Meet Our Dedicated Smile Expert

It’s time for families across San Marcos to enjoy going to the dentist! Become a member of our dental family and how we do dentistry differently.

Gentle Dental Care in a Judgment-free Zone

Every smile is welcome here, whether you’re 9 or 90! We foster an environment of openness and support, where sharing your dental needs is welcomed. No judgment, no pressure – just healthy, happy smiles.

Your One-stop Shop Dentists in San Marcos

Get the care your family needs in one convenient location. Our team is certified and trained to provide comprehensive dental care, from preventive services and kids’ dentistry to orthodontics and implants.

Your One-Stop Shop for Your Dental Needs

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Flexible Scheduling Options

Affordable & Accessible Care

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is professional teeth whitening?

Professional teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure aimed at removing surface stains and lightening the color of your teeth. Using high-concentration bleaching agents under the supervision of dental professionals, this treatment offers a safe and effective way to achieve a brighter smile.

How does teeth whitening work?

Teeth whitening works using bleaching agents, such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, to break down stains into smaller particles. This process diminishes the concentration of color, leaving your teeth looking whiter and brighter.

Is teeth whitening safe?

Yes, when performed under the guidance of a professional dentist, teeth whitening is a safe procedure. At San Marcos Dental and Braces, we take precautions to protect your gums and the soft tissues of your mouth during the whitening process to minimize sensitivity and ensure your comfort.

How long do teeth whitening results last?

The duration of teeth whitening results can vary based on individual habits and oral hygiene. Generally, the effects can last from several months to a few years. To prolong your results, avoid stain-causing foods and beverages, and follow good oral hygiene practices.

Can teeth whitening damage enamel?

No, professional teeth whitening does not damage tooth enamel. The bleaching agents used in professional whitening treatments are tested and proven to be safe for the enamel when used as directed by a dental professional.

Will teeth whitening work on all types of stains?

Teeth whitening is most effective on extrinsic (surface) stains caused by food, drink, and tobacco use. Intrinsic stains, which are inside the tooth, may not respond as well to whitening. During your consultation at San Marcos Dental and Braces, we'll assess your teeth and discuss the expected outcomes based on the type of staining you have.

Can I whiten my teeth if I have fillings, crowns, or veneers?

Teeth whitening only affects natural tooth enamel, so it will not change the color of fillings, crowns, veneers, or other dental restorations. If you have visible dental work on your front teeth, we can discuss options to ensure your smile looks uniform and bright.

What's the difference between professional whitening and over-the-counter products?

Professional teeth whitening offers stronger bleaching agents, customized treatment plans, and the expertise of a dental professional, leading to faster, more effective, and safer results compared to over-the-counter products.

How can I maintain my whitening results?

To maintain your teeth whitening results, avoid stain-causing foods and beverages, use a straw when possible, quit smoking, and maintain good oral hygiene. Regular dental checkups and cleanings at San Marcos Dental and Braces will also help keep your smile bright.

How do I know if I'm a good candidate for teeth whitening?

Most people with good oral health and extrinsic tooth stains are good candidates for teeth whitening. However, the best way to determine if this treatment is right for you is to schedule a consultation at San Marcos Dental and Braces. Our team will evaluate your oral health and discuss your cosmetic goals to recommend the best whitening treatment for you.

New Patient Specials

Complimentary Professional Whitening

$0
$129 value, new patients only. Must mention or present this coupon at time of booking.
Limited Time Offer. For New Patients Only.
Expires on DATE.

Do You Take My Insurance?

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United Healthcare
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United Concordia - Dental Plus - PA Blue Shield
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United Concordia Companies, Inc.
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International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Local 38 Health & Welfare Fund
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