Remember that a natural look is the nicest look…

Say-No-to-Made-For-TV-Teeth It’s no question that having a brighter, whiter smile can help people be confident, feel more appealing to the opposite sex, and even have a better chance at success in their careers after having a teeth whitening treatment. But apart from these common reasons, TV and celebrities have made a super white look very much in demand at dentist’s office nationwide. However, most cosmetic dentists would agree that going for the super starch white look is not best way towards a beautiful white smile. Individuals being filmed on TV and in the movies are subject to being on big screens and are projected in HD, so every minute flaw is magnified. This is not the reality for most of us. Trying to match made for TV mouths can result in monochromatic “chicklet” smile which isn’t an appealing look. It’s important to consider this when deciding on which teeth whitening treatment is best for you.

How White Should I Go?

The first and most important step in deciding the appropriate level of whitening is to be crystal clear when communicating with your cosmetic dentist what your goals are. During a personalized consultation, the doctor is there to keep your expectations realistic and to keep your best natural aesthetic in mind. Dr. Curtis Couch DDS in Thousand Oaks has few tips to keep in mind when deciding on a whitening treatment: Natural Complexion- When whitening teeth, the most crucial thing to consider is your own natural skin tone and overall complexion. There is no such thing as “one shade fits all” when it comes to lightening treatments. Each whitened smile is unique as the person wearing it. Color of Whites in Eyes– A main pillar of advice among cosmetic doctors is to not go whiter than the whites of your eyes. Remember that the best look is the one that is most natural. The goal of aesthetic dentistry is to mimic nature. Current Tooth Condition– The results of whitening will vary for each individual depending on the current condition of teeth before the treatment is done. To reach the level of desired whiteness, a single day bleaching procedure may not be the best course of action. Severe staining, or damaged teeth may need more extensive work such as veneers or bonding. At the office of Dr. Curtis Couch we offer many methods for improving the overall brightness of a smile. There are more permanent to semi-permanent options such as dental bonding and porcelain veneers. But, cosmetic bleach treatments prevail as the most popular and affordable.

Which Type of Whitening Treatment Should I Choose?

There are two typical types of quick whitening treatments to choose from, in-office whitening treatments and take home whitening kits. Both have their own benefits depending on what you are looking for… In-Office Whitening – Also known as dental bleaching, this procedure is safe for virtually all patients and delivers the quickest satisfaction. A customized mouthguard, or “stent” is molded to your mouth, and is then filled with a professional grade teeth whitening gel. A curing light or laser is then used to add heat to the solution to activate the whitening agent. This process takes anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes, or can be reapplied in specific increments of time for up to one hour. Take Home Whitening System – Made for the convenience of your own home, take home whitening kits allow for the utmost comfort and personal pace of whitening. Much like the in-office mouthpiece, an appliance is used for 3-4 hours a night for a week or two. With the combined use of a prescribed bleaching agent and custom made stent, in just a few weeks this quick, simple, inexpensive procedure will leave you waking up with dazzling white teeth. For more information on the many ways you can achieve a beautiful white smile, or to secure an appointment at our Thousand Oaks dental practice, please don’t hesitate to contact us.