San Diego Cosmetic Dentist on Differences Between At-Home Teeth Whitening and Professional

SAN DIEGO, CA--(Marketwire - Mar 8, 2012) - At his center for cosmetic dentistry in San Diego, Dr. James Salazar says there are pros and cons to both at-home and professional teeth whitening treatment. However, patients need to be aware of the differences and how each can benefit their smile and confidence. With the latest AACD statistics showing a 300% increase in the number of procedures performed in the past five years, Dr. Salazar says there are several reasons professional bleaching can offer patients the most effective results, discussing important things to consider to ensure satisfaction, comfort, and care.

According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), teeth whitening procedures have increased in demand by 300% in the past five years, and 57% of AACD-member dentists expect that number to continue rising over the next year. The AACD also states in its latest report that patients under the age of 20 have increased by 12% since 2006. As a younger population begins to seek the benefits of professional bleaching and other aesthetic procedures, Dr. Salazar says from his experience as a San Diego cosmetic dentist, patients need to be fully informed of their options before undergoing any treatment to alter the shade of their teeth. Dr. Salazar also says although at-home kits can offer patients effective results, there are several advantages to a professional teeth whitening in San Diego performed by an experienced and qualified cosmetic dentist.

Dr. Salazar says over-the-counter and take-home teeth whitening kits are typically less expensive than professional treatment and can be performed at one's leisure with effective results if the patient is diligent. However, he adds that they can be messy and inconvenient, requiring more time to achieve a level of whiteness that may not meet the patient's expectations and wishes. Dr. Salazar says while in-office procedures come at a higher expense, they provide faster results, less sensitivity, better control of the whitening gel and can be better in the treatment of darkly stained teeth.

"If the patient has a really dark smile with a lot of stain and would like to significantly whiten their teeth, we would recommend the in-office Zoom® procedure. If the patient is on a budget and only desires a few shades lighter, then we would recommend over the counter home whitening," said Dr. Salazar.

For patients with dark stains and spots that bleaching may be unable to remove, he says porcelain veneers, a thin porcelain wafer adhered to the surface of teeth, can be an appealing option that also improves one's aesthetic dental structure. He says all options can be effective in enhancing the brightness of teeth if the proper consultation is sought from a personable and caring practice. Dr. Salazar says the most important aspect of a cosmetic dentist is the ability and desire to take all of the patient's goals into account and work on a personalized treatment plan to meet them.

Regardless of which treatment patients choose to undergo to improve the brightness of their smile and self-confidence, Dr. Salazar says he urges patients to seek out a cosmetic dentist who has dedicated a large portion of their time to continued education and gaining an aptitude for the latest technology. He says under the skilled hands of an AACD dentist, patients can restore the vibrancy and brilliance to their smile with a customized and individualized procedure.

About James D. Salazar, DDS

Dr. James Salazar is a graduate of San Diego State University and the University of California - San Francisco Dental School. He has undergone extensive training in cosmetic procedures at the Pankey Institute, studying occlusion and esthetics, and has completed course work at the Annual Scientific Sessions with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Salazar is an accredited member of the AACD, an achievement attained by only twelve dentists in the San Diego area. He is a member of the American Dental Association, the California Dental Association, the San Diego County Dental Society in addition to being a member of the Invisalign® Study Club San Diego and a designated Invisalign® Premier Provider.

Located at 6902 Navajo Road in San Diego, CA, Dr. Salazar's practice, Mission Trails Dentistry, can be reached at (619) 567-3894. He can also be contacted online via the website missiontrailsdentistry.com or facebook.com/MissionTrailsDentistry.