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Los Angeles213-380-1996
Downey562-803-9999

Teeth Whitening in Los Angeles and Downey, CA

Brighten Your Smile With Professional Care

Coffee, tea, tobacco and natural aging can leave teeth looking darker or stained. Professional teeth whitening can lift many surface stains and create a brighter smile.

Dr. Won Jung Jeong and Dr. Debora Jeong provide professional teeth whitening at Mission Dental Group in Los Angeles and Downey, CA.

How Professional Teeth Whitening Works

Professional whitening uses a dental bleaching agent to break apart stain molecules within the enamel and dentin. The treatment changes the appearance of natural tooth structure without removing enamel.

Your dentist first evaluates your teeth and gums to determine whether whitening is appropriate and whether another dental condition is contributing to discoloration.

What Causes Tooth Discoloration?

Teeth may become stained or darker because of:

  • Coffee and tea
  • Red wine
  • Tobacco use
  • Darkly pigmented foods
  • Natural aging
  • Plaque and tartar buildup
  • Certain medications
  • Dental trauma
  • Changes within the tooth

Whitening responds differently depending on the cause and type of discoloration. Brown or yellow surface stains may respond differently than gray discoloration or a tooth darkened by trauma.

What Whitening Can and Cannot Change

Professional whitening can improve many stains affecting natural teeth. It does not change the color of:

  • Dental crowns
  • Veneers
  • Bridges
  • Composite fillings
  • Dental bonding

If you have visible restorations, whitening may create a shade difference between them and your natural teeth. Our dentists will discuss whether the restorations may need to be reconsidered after whitening.

Are You a Candidate for Teeth Whitening?

You may be a candidate if you:

  • Have healthy teeth and gums
  • Want to reduce staining on natural teeth
  • Have realistic expectations about the result
  • Do not have untreated decay or significant gum inflammation

Patients with severe sensitivity, cracked teeth, exposed roots or untreated dental problems may need care before whitening. An examination helps reduce avoidable discomfort and identifies restorations that will not respond.

Personalized Cosmetic Dental Care

Dr. Won Jung Jeong has practiced dentistry since 1993 and has completed approximately 20,000 restorative cases. His experience allows him to evaluate how whitening may affect existing crowns, bridges, fillings and other restorations.

Dr. Debora Jeong has practiced since 2023 and has completed approximately 3,000 dental bonding cases in addition to other cosmetic and restorative treatments. She can evaluate whether whitening, bonding or another cosmetic option better addresses the type of discoloration present.

What to Expect During Whitening

Dental Evaluation

Your dentist examines your teeth and gums, reviews existing restorations and discusses the shade change you would like to achieve.

Preparing Your Mouth

The teeth are prepared for treatment, and the gums and surrounding oral tissues are protected from the whitening material.

Applying the Whitening Agent

A professional-strength whitening agent is applied to the teeth. Light technology may be used as part of the treatment process when appropriate.

Reviewing the Result

After treatment, your dentist evaluates the shade change and provides instructions for managing sensitivity and maintaining your smile.

Whitening results vary. No treatment can guarantee a specific shade or completely remove every type of discoloration.

Benefits of Dentist-Supervised Whitening

Professional whitening provides:

  • An oral health evaluation before treatment
  • Protection for the gums and soft tissues
  • A treatment plan based on your teeth and restorations
  • Professional-strength whitening materials
  • Guidance for managing sensitivity
  • Realistic expectations based on the cause of discoloration

Managing Tooth Sensitivity

Temporary sensitivity to cold air, beverages or foods may occur during or after whitening. The intensity and duration vary by patient.

Tell your dentist if you already have sensitive teeth. Treatment timing, application and aftercare recommendations may be adjusted based on your condition.

Contact our office if sensitivity becomes severe or does not improve.

Maintaining Your Brighter Smile

Whitening is not permanent. Teeth can gradually become stained again.

To help maintain the result:

  • Brush and floss consistently
  • Attend regular dental cleanings
  • Limit frequent exposure to stain-producing foods and drinks
  • Rinse with water after coffee, tea or red wine
  • Avoid tobacco products
  • Follow your dentist’s recommendations for future whitening

When Whitening Is Not Enough

Whitening may not correct discoloration caused by internal tooth changes, trauma or restorations. Dental bonding or veneers may provide another option for selected teeth.

Patients interested in changing several aspects of their smile may also benefit from a broader smile makeover evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Request a Teeth Whitening Consultation

If stains are making your smile look dull, professional whitening may provide a brighter appearance. Contact Mission Dental Group for an evaluation at our Los Angeles or Downey office.

Los Angeles Office
936 S Alvarado St, Los Angeles, CA 90006
213-380-1996

Downey Office
9434 Firestone Blvd, Downey, CA 90241
562-803-9999