At West Hills Smiles, in West Hills, CA,we have developed a number of remarkably effective options for medical and anti-aging dentistry. Our doctor, Dr. Mike Salekian, is known for his impeccable understanding of state-of-the-art dentistry as well as their comforting, communicative bed-side manner.
That’s why, for everything from periodontal care to children’s dentistry to teeth whitening, West Hills residents consider our knowledgeable, world-class dentists to be far ahead of the competition.
Tooth staining and discoloration can develop from a wide range of internal and external factors. Understanding what is causing your discoloration helps us recommend the most effective whitening approach. Common causes include:
Book an appointment for a consultation with our cosmetic dentists in West Hills, CA near Woodland Hills, CA today!
While over-the-counter strips and kits may offer modest results, professional whitening at West Hills Smiles delivers a range of advantages that simply cannot be matched by store-bought products:
Over time, it is natural for teeth to become stained by dentin or the inner part of the tooth absorbing organic stain causing compounds, which can lessen the whiteness of teeth. In the presence of our teeth whitening hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, free radicals break the double bonds of the organic stain, creating a single bonded molecular structure.
This causes brown or yellow stains to lose their color, leaving only stunningly white teeth.
Here is a step-by-step overview of what happens during a professional whitening appointment at West Hills Smiles:
When looking into options for teeth whitening, West Hills and Calabasas residents often assume that whitening will affect the strength or integrity of one’s teeth. However, teeth whitening at West Hills Smiles is actually a chemical process that is neutral in pH, ensuring the enamel is not eroded or stripped off of the teeth. While most people respond very positively to whitening, it is important for patients to receive treatment under the care of an expert dentist in order to ensure success. At West Hills Smiles, our knowledgeable dentists might suggest using a whitening solution containing ACP, fluoride and/or potassium nitrate to help patients to stay on track with the whitening process.
If you have areas of your teeth that are more sensitive than others, such as pockets of gum recession, we can block them out with our liquid dam material to protect them. Sensitivity might last up to 24 hours, but over-the-counter pain relievers can alleviate any discomfort. If necessary, we can even prescribe a stronger toothpaste to seal the dental tubules and make the teeth less susceptible to sensitivity.
While many will experience little to no sensitivity, if you’re ultra-sensitive, you may find it difficult to continue to whiten for up to two weeks. For reasons of compliance and sensitivity, a West Hills Smiles dental professional in Woodland Hills is happy to discuss which whitening method will work best for you.
The basic bleaching process works by oxidizing the organic colored material within the tooth, reducing its color intensity. The process doesn’t weaken the structure of teeth, but it can cause some sensitivity. The most commonly used agents in the bleaching process are hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. A higher concentration of peroxide achieves faster results. You can expect similar final results from products with less concentration if you increase the frequency of application or contact time.
With our renowned dental skills and warm, comforting demeanor, it should come as no surprise that for teeth whitening, our team at West Hills Smiles is trusted first and foremost. Yet, our cosmetic services range much further than whitening. Book an appointment for a teeth whitening treatment in West Hills, CA, near Woodland Hills & Calabasas, CA.
Professional whitening uses hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide gels at concentrations much higher than what is available over the counter. When applied to the teeth, these agents release free radicals that penetrate the enamel and break apart the double bonds of organic stain molecules deep within the dentin. This converts brown and yellow stain compounds into colorless, single-bonded structures, resulting in noticeably whiter teeth. The process is entirely chemical and does not alter the physical structure or integrity of your enamel.
In-office whitening is performed at our West Hills Smiles office in a single appointment (typically 60–90 minutes) using a high-concentration gel, ideal for patients who want immediate, dramatic improvement. Take-home whitening uses custom-fitted trays and a lower-concentration professional gel applied over several nights at home, usually 1–2 weeks. Many patients achieve excellent results with take-home kits; others prefer the speed and supervision of in-office treatment. Dr. Salekian can help you decide which option — or a combination of both — best fits your schedule and goals.
Yes. When performed under the supervision of a licensed dentist, professional teeth whitening is a well-established and safe procedure. The whitening agents used at West Hills Smiles are pH-neutral, meaning they do not erode or weaken enamel. Unlike at-home products used without guidance, professional whitening involves a full dental evaluation beforehand to identify any issues — such as cavities or gum disease — that should be addressed first. We also take steps to protect your gum tissue throughout the process.
Some patients experience mild, temporary sensitivity during or after treatment — this is normal and typically resolves within 24–48 hours. To minimize discomfort, we use whitening solutions containing ACP, fluoride, and potassium nitrate. We can also adjust the concentration of the whitening gel and treatment duration for patients who are particularly prone to sensitivity. If you have pre-existing sensitivity, let us know before your appointment so we can tailor your treatment plan.
Most patients enjoy noticeably whiter teeth for one to three years following professional whitening. Lifestyle factors play a significant role — frequent consumption of staining foods and beverages, tobacco use, and inadequate oral hygiene can accelerate re-staining. Touch-up treatments with take-home trays every 6–12 months are an easy way to maintain brightness. Good daily brushing and flossing habits, along with regular professional cleanings at our West Hills office, will also help preserve your results.
No — whitening agents only work on natural tooth enamel and dentin. Dental restorations such as porcelain veneers, crowns, bonding, and composite or amalgam fillings are made from non-porous materials that do not respond to bleaching. If you have visible restorations in your smile zone, whitening your natural teeth could create a color mismatch. This is one reason a professional consultation is so important: Dr. Salekian will evaluate your existing restorations and may recommend replacing them after whitening to achieve a seamlessly uniform result.
Getting started is simple. Call our West Hills, CA office at (818) 346-4303 or use our online contact form to schedule a consultation. During your visit, Dr. Salekian will examine your teeth, discuss your whitening goals, and recommend the treatment option that best suits you. We proudly serve patients from West Hills, Woodland Hills, Calabasas, and surrounding communities. Same-day appointments are available whenever possible.
Most adults with healthy teeth and gums are excellent candidates for professional whitening. Ideal candidates have extrinsic staining from food, drinks, or tobacco, or general yellowing due to age. Whitening may be less effective for intrinsic stains caused by tetracycline or fluorosis — in these cases, veneers or bonding may be a better alternative. Patients who are pregnant or nursing, or those with untreated cavities and active gum disease, should address those concerns before pursuing whitening.
Results vary based on your starting shade and the type and age of your stains. On average, patients see improvements of 2–8 shades with professional whitening. In-office treatments tend to produce the most dramatic single-session results, while take-home treatments offer more gradual, controlled brightening. During your consultation, Dr. Salekian will give you a realistic expectation based on your individual tooth color and stain type using a standardized shade guide.
Teeth whitening should not be painful. Some patients notice mild zingy sensitivity or slight gum tingling during or shortly after treatment, but true pain is uncommon when whitening is performed correctly by a professional. We take proactive steps to protect the gum tissue and include desensitizing agents in our whitening formulas. Over-the-counter ibuprofen or acetaminophen is usually sufficient for any post-treatment tenderness.