Teeth Whitening: It's Not Just About Vanity

ORANGE, Calif., July 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- White teeth send an image of health, youth and a certain movie star charm. No wonder that teeth-whitening treatments have soared in popularity and variety in recent years.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100804/LA45125LOGO)

Wading through the options can be confusing, however. The teeth-whitening experts at Western Dental Services, Inc., California's neighborhood dentist, have years of experience in leading their patients to the correct bleaching approach, whether it's at home with custom trays, gels or store-bought strips, or in the dental office with speed whitening.

Western Dental offers the latest in-office speed-whitening systems, which can make even the most deeply stained enamel eight or more shades whiter. To provide the best possible outcome, Western Dental requires that all patients receive a dental exam, which can identify underlying obstacles, such as exposed gums or tooth decay. Dentists then prescribe the best treatment scenario, saving patients time and sparing them from potential injury.

"People with healthy teeth and gums are great candidates for in-office speed whitening, which is the fastest, safest and, in the long run, most economical whitening choice," said Dr. Amendola.

Store-bought whitening kits contain weaker bleaching agents and require successive days of treatment. In-office procedures, however, can achieve dazzling whiteness in about an hour. Western Dental treatments also include custom-fitted bleaching trays that provide the most accurate and comfortable application of bleaching agents and can be used indefinitely for occasional touch-ups.

"As teeth whitening becomes mainstream, it is perceived less as a cosmetic treatment and more as an important area of self care," said Western Dental President and CEO Samuel H. Gruenbaum.

As one of the nation's leading dental health maintenance organizations, Western Dental's 750,000 annual patient caseload and 260-plus locations allow for cost savings that are passed along to consumers. Complete speed-whitening treatments are available for $299 in many Western Dental offices for members enrolled in the company's individual plan.

For more information or to find a nearby dentist, visit www.westerndental.com

Western Dental Services, Inc., is the largest staff-model dental HMO and clinical provider of dental services in California. With more than 4,400 employees and over 260 company-managed dental offices throughout California, Arizona and Nevada, Western Dental is the leader in family and specialty dental care operations at convenient neighborhood locations. The company's strict quality oversight, affordably priced treatments, group and individual dental benefit plans, as well as evening and weekend office hours, help keep the smiles of nearly three-quarters of a million patients healthy and bright every year.

SOURCE Western Dental Services, Inc.