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Professional Teeth Whitening in Encino
Why Choose Professional Teeth Whitening?
In the Los Angeles area, a beautiful smile is often considered essential—whether you’re meeting clients in the San Fernando Valley, attending social events, or simply wanting to feel more confident in your daily life. Professional teeth whitening offers significant advantages over over-the-counter products:
Safety and Expertise
Store-bought whitening kits can cause damage if used incorrectly. Improper application can lead to gum irritation, enamel erosion, and uneven results. When you choose professional whitening at our Encino practice, Dr. Makuta ensures that:
- Your teeth and gums are healthy enough for whitening
- Custom trays fit perfectly to protect sensitive gum tissue
- The whitening concentration is appropriate for your teeth
- You receive proper instructions for safe, effective use
- Any existing dental work is considered in your treatment plan
Superior Results
delivering results that are:
- More dramatic: Teeth typically lighten 6-10 shades vs. 2-3 shades with store-bought products
- More even: Custom trays ensure gel reaches all tooth surfaces uniformly
- Longer-lasting: Professional treatments penetrate deeper for results that last years, not months
- More predictable: We can estimate your results based on your tooth type and staining
Customized Treatment
Every patient’s teeth are different. At Encino Holistic Dentistry, we tailor your whitening treatment to:
- Your desired level of whiteness
- Your sensitivity level
- Your lifestyle and schedule
- The type of staining you have
- Any existing dental restorations
Understanding Tooth Discoloration
Before choosing a whitening method, it’s helpful to understand what causes tooth discoloration. There are two main types:
Extrinsic Stains (Surface Stains)
These stains affect the outer layer of your tooth (enamel) and are caused by:
- Food and beverages: Coffee, tea, red wine, berries, tomato sauce, soy sauce
- Tobacco use: Smoking or chewing tobacco causes significant staining
- Poor oral hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing allows stains to accumulate
- Age: Normal wear over time can yellow teeth
Good news: Extrinsic stains respond very well to professional whitening treatments.
Intrinsic Stains (Internal Discoloration)
These stains occur within the tooth structure and can be caused by:
- Medications: Tetracycline antibiotics taken during tooth development cause gray or brown banding
- Fluorosis: Excess fluoride during childhood creates white spots or brown staining
- Trauma: Injury to teeth can cause darkening
- Dental conditions: Certain conditions affecting tooth development
- Root canal treatment: Can cause internal darkening
Important note: Intrinsic stains are more challenging to whiten and may require longer treatment or alternative cosmetic solutions. Dr. Makuta will assess your specific situation and recommend the best approach.
Our Professional Whitening Process
At Encino Holistic Dentistry, we offer custom take-home whitening kits that combine professional-strength results with the convenience of whitening on your schedule.
Step 1: Initial Consultation and Evaluation
Dr. Makuta will:
- Examine your teeth and gums to ensure you’re a good candidate for whitening
- Determine the cause and type of your tooth discoloration
- Assess any existing dental work (fillings, crowns, veneers)
- Discuss your whitening goals and expectations
- Take baseline photos and shade measurements
- Create a customized treatment plan
Step 2: Custom Tray Creation
During your first appointment, we will:
- Take precise impressions of your upper and lower teeth
- Create custom-fitted whitening trays in our trusted dental laboratory
- Ensure trays fit comfortably and protect your gum tissue
Custom trays are crucial for several reasons:
- They keep whitening gel exactly where it should be—on your teeth, not your gums
- They ensure even coverage of all tooth surfaces
- They prevent gel waste and maximize effectiveness
- They’re comfortable enough to wear for the recommended duration
- They can be reused for future touch-ups
Step 3: At-Home Whitening
At your second appointment, we’ll:
- Ensure your custom trays fit perfectly
- Provide professional-strength whitening gel
- Give detailed instructions on how to apply gel and wear trays
- Discuss how long and how often to wear trays (typically 30 minutes to 2 hours daily)
- Address any questions or concerns
Most patients achieve their desired results within 1-2 weeks, though this varies based on the degree of discoloration and desired whiteness.
Step 4: Follow-Up and Results
After completing your whitening treatment:
- We’ll schedule a follow-up appointment to assess results
- We’ll take photos to compare with your baseline
- We’ll provide guidance on maintaining your bright smile
- We’ll discuss when touch-ups may be needed
What Can Teeth Whitening Address?
Professional teeth whitening is highly effective for:
✓ Coffee and Tea Stains
These are among the most common culprits behind tooth discoloration, especially in Los Angeles where coffee culture thrives. Professional whitening effectively removes years of accumulated staining from daily coffee or tea consumption.
✓ Wine Stains
Both red and white wine can stain teeth over time. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply enjoy the occasional glass with dinner, professional whitening can restore your smile’s brightness.
✓ Tobacco Stains
Smoking and tobacco use cause some of the most stubborn staining. While professional whitening can significantly improve tobacco-stained teeth, the best long-term solution is quitting tobacco use.
✓ Age-Related Yellowing
As we age, tooth enamel naturally thins, allowing the yellowish dentin layer beneath to show through. Professional whitening can turn back the clock on age-related discoloration.
✓ Food Stains
Berries, tomato sauce, curry, soy sauce, and other highly pigmented foods can gradually stain teeth. Professional whitening removes these accumulated stains effectively.
✓ Mild Fluorosis
Light fluorosis staining often responds well to professional whitening, though severe cases may require alternative cosmetic treatments.
Important Considerations Before Whitening
Dental Work and Whitening
Important: Teeth whitening only works on natural tooth enamel. It will not change the color of:
- Fillings (white composite or amalgam)
- Crowns or caps
- Bridges
- Veneers
- Bonded restorations
If you have visible restorations, especially in the front teeth, Dr. Makuta will discuss your options:
- Option 1: Whiten your natural teeth first, then replace restorations to match your new, brighter smile
- Option 2: If restorations are in good condition and you’re happy with their color, whiten teeth to match them
- Option 3: Consider alternative cosmetic solutions if extensive dental work makes whitening impractical
Who Should Not Whiten?
Teeth whitening may not be appropriate for:
- Pregnant or nursing women: As a precaution, we recommend waiting until after pregnancy and nursing
- Children under 18: Teeth are still developing; whitening should wait until adulthood
- Patients with sensitive teeth or gums: May need special formulations or alternative treatments
- Those with extensive decay or gum disease: These issues should be addressed first
- Patients with certain dental conditions: Very thin enamel or exposed roots may not be good candidates
Maintaining Your Bright Smile
Professional teeth whitening delivers long-lasting results, but your smile isn’t maintenance-free. How long your whitening lasts depends largely on your habits:
Factors That Affect Longevity
- Diet: Coffee, tea, red wine, and staining foods gradually re-stain teeth
- Tobacco use: Significantly shortens whitening results
- Oral hygiene: Excellent home care helps maintain brightness
- Regular cleanings: Professional cleanings remove surface stains
- Touch-ups: Periodic at-home touch-ups maintain results
How to Maximize Your Results
Daily Care
- Brush at least twice daily with a quality toothpaste
- Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth
- Rinse after consuming staining foods or beverages
- Use a straw for coffee, tea, or other staining drinks
Dietary Habits
- Minimize consumption of highly pigmented foods and drinks
- If you do indulge, brush or rinse soon after
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day
- Eat crunchy fruits and vegetables that naturally clean teeth
Professional Maintenance
- Keep regular cleaning and exam appointments (typically every 6 months)
- Perform touch-up whitening as recommended (typically once or twice per year)
- Discuss any changes in your smile with Dr. Makuta
When to Touch Up
Most patients need touch-ups:
- Every 6-12 months if they frequently consume staining foods/drinks
- Every 1-2 years with good habits and minimal staining foods
- More frequently if they smoke or use tobacco
The beauty of custom trays is that you can perform easy touch-ups at home whenever you notice your smile losing brightness. Simply purchase additional whitening gel from our office and use your existing custom trays.
Whitening For Life Program
At Encino Holistic Dentistry, we’re committed to helping you maintain a bright, confident smile for life. That’s why we offer our Whitening for Life program:
How the Whitening for Life Program Works
Eligibility:
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Must maintain regular preventive care appointments as scheduled by Dr. Makuta
- Must be an active patient in good standing
Benefits:
- Receive complimentary whitening gel at each preventive care appointment
- Keep your custom trays for life
- Maintain your bright smile with regular touch-ups
- Never worry about the cost of touch-up whitening gel
Philosophy: We believe that maintaining your beautiful smile should be easy and affordable. By combining regular preventive care with ongoing whitening maintenance, you can enjoy a bright, healthy smile for years to come.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Does teeth whitening hurt?
Most patients experience little to no discomfort. Some may experience temporary tooth sensitivity during or after treatment, which typically resolves within a few days. If you have sensitive teeth, let Dr. Makuta know—we can adjust the whitening concentration or recommend desensitizing treatments.
How white will my teeth get?
Results vary based on your starting shade and the type of staining you have. Most patients lighten 6-10 shades. During your consultation, Dr. Makuta can show you shade guides and discuss realistic expectations for your specific situation.
Is teeth whitening safe?
Yes, when performed under professional supervision. Professional whitening has been extensively studied and is considered safe for tooth enamel when used correctly. Our custom trays protect your gum tissue from irritation.
Why not just use drugstore whitening strips or kits?
Over-the-counter products have several limitations:
- Lower concentrations mean less dramatic results
- One-size-fits-all trays don’t fit properly, causing uneven results and potential gum irritation
- No professional supervision means risk of misuse or complications
- No customization for your specific needs or sensitivity level
- Results don’t last as long
How long do results last?
With good care, professional whitening results can last 2-3 years or longer. The longevity depends on your habits—patients who avoid staining foods and tobacco enjoy longer-lasting results. Regular touch-ups (once or twice per year) can maintain your bright smile indefinitely.
Can whitening damage my teeth?
When done professionally with proper supervision, teeth whitening does not damage tooth enamel. However, overuse of whitening products or using them incorrectly can cause problems. This is why professional guidance is so important.
What if I have sensitive teeth?
We can modify your treatment for sensitivity by:
- Using lower concentration whitening gel
- Shortening wear time
- Recommending desensitizing toothpaste before and during treatment
- Spacing out whitening sessions
- Using desensitizing gel in your custom trays
How long does the whitening process take?
After receiving your custom trays, most patients whiten for 30 minutes to 2 hours daily for 1-2 weeks. The exact duration depends on your starting shade and desired results.
Why Choose Encino Holistic Dentistry for Teeth Whitening?
When you choose Dr. Linda Makuta for your teeth whitening, you benefit from:
Personalized Care
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Your whitening treatment is customized to your unique teeth, goals, and lifestyle.
Professional Expertise
Dr. Makuta’s experience ensures safe, effective treatment with beautiful results. We evaluate your oral health comprehensively before recommending whitening.
High-Quality Materials
We use professional-grade whitening systems with proven results—far superior to anything available in drugstores.
Holistic Approach
We consider your overall health and wellness, not just the appearance of your teeth. If you have concerns about whitening ingredients or prefer specific formulations, we’ll work with you to find the best solution.
Ongoing Support
Through our Whitening for Life program, we make it easy and affordable to maintain your bright smile for years to come.
Convenient Location
Located in the heart of Encino, just down the street from Ventura Blvd, we serve patients throughout the San Fernando Valley including Tarzana, Sherman Oaks, Woodland Hills, Reseda, and Van Nuys.
Beyond Whitening: Other Options for a Brighter Smile
While professional whitening works beautifully for most patients, some situations may benefit from alternative cosmetic treatments:
For Severe Staining or Discoloration
- Porcelain veneers: Can cover severe tetracycline staining or other intrinsic discoloration that doesn’t respond to whitening
- Dental bonding: Can mask localized discoloration or white spots
For Comprehensive Smile Makeovers
If you want to address not just color but also shape, size, or alignment of teeth, Dr. Makuta can discuss comprehensive cosmetic dentistry options that may include whitening as part of a larger treatment plan.
Ready for a Brighter, More Confident Smile?
A beautiful smile can transform how you look and how you feel. Professional teeth whitening is one of the most cost-effective and non-invasive ways to enhance your appearance and boost your confidence.
At Encino Holistic Dentistry, Dr. Linda Makuta and her team are committed to helping you achieve the bright, healthy smile you deserve—safely, effectively, and with personalized care every step of the way.
Schedule Your Teeth Whitening Consultation Today
Discover how professional teeth whitening can give you the confident, radiant smile you’ve always wanted. Dr. Makuta will evaluate your teeth, discuss your goals, and create a customized whitening plan just for you.
Contact Encino Holistic Dentistry:
Call (818) 986-7470
Located at 5400 Balboa Blvd #211, Encino, CA 91316
Serving patients throughout the San Fernando Valley including Encino, Tarzana, Sherman Oaks, Woodland Hills, Reseda, and Van Nuys. Flexible payment options available through CareCredit.
Holistic Dental Checkups
Comprehensive exams that connect your oral health to overall wellness, using biocompatible materials and preventive care.
Safe Mercury Removal
Mercury-free dentistry with SMART protocol for safe amalgam removal, protecting your health and the environment.
Teeth Whitening
Safe, customized whitening for a radiant smile. Whitening for Life program available for long-lasting results.
Invisalign & ClearCorrect
Discreet clear aligners straighten teeth without metal braces. Comfortable, effective, and virtually invisible.