Teeth Whitening Options in Santa Barbara, CA

Even the most well-cared for teeth need occasional pampering. The quickest and easiest way to brighten dull teeth and remove stains is with professional teeth whitening.

At See Me Smile Dental, we offer affordable and effective alternatives to over-the-counter, at-home teeth whitening methods that can irritate the gums and cause tooth sensitivity. You can get the bright smile you want with direct bleaching, trays, and the ultra-fast Zoom! light whitening treatment to help you achieve a beautiful, bright smile.

Why Should I Whiten My Teeth?

Our teeth often become discolored as we age due to smoking, certain foods/drinks that stain (coffee, tea, wine), and genetics.

When you aren't happy with your smile, you may not project the same amount of confidence that you normally would.

Don't let dull teeth hold you back! Teeth Whitening can be done regularly to maintain a bright smile or in anticipation of special occasions (weddings, graduation, a job interview). Many patients consider getting their teeth whitened in preparation for photographs or videos as well.

In addition to regular teeth cleanings, which help keep staining to a minimum, our teeth whitening processes will give you the boost you need to go out into the world and shine the way you are meant to.

Teeth Whitening Near Me Santa Barbara CA

What Is Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening is a bleaching process that safely eliminates enamel discoloration and stains. We only use cutting edge, safe, and hygienic treatments, including our take-home whitening trays. The options you can choose from include:

Zoom! Teeth Whitening in Santa Barbara

This in-office process can whiten teeth up to 8 shades in about an hour. Zoom! treatments are customizable to help you achieve your desired shade.

After your teeth are cleaned, a state-of-the-art solution will be applied to protect your gums and lips from possible irritation. Next, our professional whitening gel is applied to each tooth. A specialized light activates the gel, which will be applied three times for 15 minutes each time. Once the treatment is complete, a sensitivity-reducing gel is applied to your teeth for added comfort.

Santa Barbara Traditional Teeth Whitening

This method offers two options. We can apply a high-quality bleaching agent directly to your teeth or we can use custom-fit trays with a specialized bleaching agent. Both options work efficiently to visibly eliminate stains.

Is Teeth Whitening Painful?

For most people, no, teeth whitening isn't painful. However, it can cause sensitivity in some patients. If you're prone to tooth sensitivity, whitening can increase your sensitivity.

Does that mean you should forego whitening? No. We only use high-quality products that have been formulated and tested to protect against damage or causing sensitivity.

Additionally, our whitening products come with a desensitizing gel that's placed on your teeth after the bleaching process. Patients tell us that it cuts down sensitivity significantly or eliminates it altogether.

How Long Does It Take to Whiten Teeth?

In-office Zoom! Whitening takes 45 minutes once the product has been applied. Your appointment will be approximately one hour from start to finish.

At-home whitening takes longer. Typically, you'll start seeing results within a couple of days. It can take up to a few weeks to brighten to your desired shade.

Is Professional Teeth Whitening Better than Over the Counter Products?

Over the counter products can provide you with results. However, there are three reasons why professional whitening products and processes are preferable.

First, professional products typically cause less sensitivity and have a follow-up desensitizing product to use in conjunction with them. Over the counter products don't have to meet the same high standards as products that are to be used in a professional setting.

Second, most patients get faster results with in-office bleaching or professional whitening products to be used with custom trays at home.

Finally, when you have an in-office whitening treatment, we take steps to protect your delicate gum tissues. Additionally, if you decide you prefer at-home bleaching, we fabricate custom trays that help keep the whitening gel on your teeth and off your gums. Conversely, over the counter products tend to use one-size-fits-all trays, so you have less control over the bleach. The result: irritated, sore gum tissue.

Are There Any Teeth Whitening Contraindications?

Not everyone is a good candidate for teeth whitening. Some signs you shouldn't start bleaching (yet):

You have intrinsic stains (you might need a dental procedure to bleach the teeth/tooth from the inside out in this case)
You have dental decay
You have active gum disease
You have a tooth infection
You have cracked teeth or thin enamel (after restorative treatment, you can whiten)

What Are the Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening?

You get fast results
It's one of the easiest ways to brighten your smile
The process is painless and gentle
High-quality products ensure that the process is safe and non-invasive
Whitening renews your smile's natural brilliance and your confidence
It also gives you long-lasting results with proper care home care and regular dental cleanings

How Can I Keep My Teeth Whiter In Between Whitening Appointments?

One of the best things you can do to avoid or limit future staining is to stop smoking. You'll also want to avoid dark foods/drinks that can stain, as well as foods that have high acid content, which can break down enamel and make teeth more susceptible to staining. Try to limit the following foods:

Coffee
Tea
Soda
White wine
Red wine
Citrus
Acidic foods like tomatoes
Sugar-loaded foods (candy, cake, cookies, and even chips)
Dark berries (blackberries, pomegranates, blueberries)

Professional Teeth Whitening Santa Barbara CA

How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost?

The cost of professional teeth whitening depends on the process you choose to invest in. Talk to your Santa Barbara dental team to get an estimate and discuss possible payment options. Since teeth whitening is considered a cosmetic procedure, insurance companies will not cover the cost.

Beginning the Teeth Whitening Process

To ensure your teeth are healthy enough for whitening treatment, we will have you come in for a consultation that will include diagnostic x-rays and a dental examination. We will thoroughly review each available whitening method with you to develop a customized teeth whitening treatment plan.

Meet Dr. Omid

Dr. Omid Barkhordar, DDS has earned his reputation as a leading family and cosmetic dentist in Santa Barbara, the Central Coast, and Southern California. He is committed to providing patients of all ages with compassionate care.

From general dentistry to advanced procedures, Dr. Omid uses innovative technology and gentle techniques to deliver safe and stress-free dental care so patients can enjoy a painless, healthy, and gorgeous smile.

Dr. Omid earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Southern California (USC) School of Dentistry in one of the best dental programs in the United States. His dedication to helping patients achieve their perfect smile has earned Dr. Omid the continued trust and recommendation of many clients.

No matter the age or needs of the patient, Dr. Omid is committed to helping you discover the benefits of a healthy, beautiful smile.

Learn More >