Our community has been through a lot due to the ongoing pandemic, and all of us are looking forward to resuming our normal habits and routines. While many things have changed, one thing has remained the same: our commitment to your health and safety.

Infection control has always been a top priority of our dental practice, and you may have seen that we take great pride in this. Our infection control processes are made so that when you receive care, it’s both safe and comfortable. We want to tell you about the infection control procedures we follow in our practice to keep the patients, staff, and the ones we come in contact with in our daily lives safe.

Our office follows infection control recommendations made by the American Dental Association (ADA), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). We follow the activities of these agencies so that we are up-to-date on any new rulings or guidance that may be issued.

Upon the emergence of COVID-19, here are some additional measures we take to ensure your safety:
  • Our office will communicate with you beforehand to ask some screening questions. You’ll be asked those same questions again when you are in the office, and we will be taking your temperature. Based on your answers and if your temperature is 100.4°F or higher, we will need to reschedule your appointment.
  • We have hand sanitizer that we will ask you to use when you enter the office. You will also find some in other places in the office for you to use as needed.
  • You may see that our waiting room will no longer offer magazines, children’s toys and so forth, since those items are difficult to clean and disinfect. Similarly, please limit the personal belongings that you bring inside to your appointment.
  • Appointments will be managed to allow for social distancing between patients when possible. That might mean that you’re offered fewer options for scheduling your appointment. Please respect the social distancing requirement of 6 feet where practical.
  • We will do our best to allow greater time between patients to reduce waiting times for you, as well as to reduce the number of patients in the reception area at any one time. To that end, please consider calling from your car to check on the status of the reception area and be on time. Also, please come alone to your appointments. If needed, one guardian/caretaker is permitted, but they must remain in the reception area.
  • Please arrive with face masks/coverings for they will be required at all times for both patients and staff when appropriate.
  • An antiseptic mouth rinse will be used just prior to treatment for the health and safety of all. Where possible, expect changes in how we do certain procedures to eliminate or reduce the spread of aerosols and splatter during treatment. For example, for now we will be temporarily eliminating ultrasonic tools and teeth polishing during your teeth cleaning appointments until further notice.
  • Clear sneeze guard barriers between you and our front desk personnel will be used to aid in social distancing, and we ask that we all limit our conversations to what’s necessary to limit contact time. More regular and frequent sanitizing of high touch areas and items will be done for your health and safety. This includes door and other handles, light switches, countertops, etc.
We look forward to seeing you again and are happy to answer any questions you may have about the steps we take to keep you, and every patient, safe in our practice. To make an appointment, please call our office at 415-752-8311 .

Thank you for being our patient. We value your trust and loyalty and look forward to welcoming back our patients, neighbors, and friends.

Sincerely,
Dr. Leo Arellano

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Best Teeth Whitening techniques at Leo Arellano DDS PC in San Francisco, CA

Best Teeth Whitening techniques - San Francisco, CA

What Are the Different Methods of Teeth Whitening?

Generally, people think of bleaching when they think of teeth whitening. But other methods might include whitening toothpastes, plastic composite bonding, veneers, and crowns

What Are the Different Ways to Bleach Teeth?

One way is for the bleach to be professionally applied during an in-office appointment. This is generally done in one appointment and includes brands such as Brite Smile, Zoom, and Opalescence. Home bleaching is self-administered and applied on consecutive days for two weeks. Home bleaching products obtained from your dentist, for example, Opalescence and Nite White, are the safest and most effective at-home products compared to over-the-counter or mail ordered products. Finally, there are combination techniques that utilize both in-office and home bleaching methods to get the best most long-lasting results. Deep Bleaching is the most well-known combination method.

What Are the Different Ways to Bleach Teeth?

What Are the Different Ways to Bleach Teeth?
Video Transcript

Christine Donoghue could not be more excited – in just one hour she went from yellow and discolored teeth to a bright white smile. “I feel great! I have a perfect smile now and white teeth. I am very excited!” Christine’s teeth whitening procedure was performed using Brite Smile – a treatment that is the subject of a new study, just released by the Journal of the American Dental Association. The study found that this treatment that uses a combination of light and hydrogen peroxide whitening gel is safe, effective and most importantly long lasting. “This was a study in which we tested the Brite Smiles treatment against peroxide alone and light alone, and what we found is that the combination was by far better than either alone.” According to the Jada Study, patients receiving the Brite Smile combination treatment saw more than 8 shades of whitening improvement. The study marks the first time the prestigious dental association journal has weighed in on the process. “The research article was published on the Brite Smile light activated tooth whitening procedure, and it proves conclusively that it really works and it is really safe.” Getting these results means a visit to the dental office and takes about an hour, but to people like Christine the extra effort is well worth it. She has got something to smile about! In Washington, I am Karen Ryan reporting. “It looks so good — very happy.”


How Is In-Office Bleaching Done?

Generally, multiple applications of a bleaching gel are applied to your teeth over the course of about an hour. A bleaching light or laser may or may not be used. 

How Is Home Bleaching Done?

A bleaching gel is applied to the teeth for a specified amount of time or till the desired amount of whitening occurs. Customized trays made by your dentist are the safest and most effective way to apply the bleaching gel to your teeth. Since individual results may vary, professional monitoring of the bleaching process by your dentist ensures a safe and effective outcome. 

What About Whitening Toothpastes?

Whereas at-home and in-office bleaching whiten the internal color of teeth, whitening toothpastes rely on their ability to remove external stains and prevent them from forming on the outside surfaces of your teeth again. 

Methods of Teeth Whitening

Methods of Teeth Whitening
Video Transcript

Is it time to get your teeth whitened? 96 percent of adults believe an attractive smile makes a person more appealing to the opposite gender. 74 percent of adults feel an unattractive smile can hurt a person’s chances for career success. How can teeth whitening help you achieve the dazzling smile you’ve always wanted?

What is teeth whitening? Who can perform teeth whitening? Teeth whitening is ideally performed by a dentist or another regulated dental professional such as a dental hygienist or dental assistant on the prescription of a dentist. Are you a good candidate for teeth whitening? Do you have healthy unrestored teeth with healthy gums? Would you like to get rid of discoloration and stains to attain a brighter smile? If the answer is yes to both questions, you are the perfect candidate for teeth whitening. Teeth whitening is not recommended for children under the age of 16, pregnant or lactating women, individuals with sensitive teeth and allergies, individuals with gum disease, worn enamel, cavities and exposed roots, or individuals with fillings, crowns and other restorations. Methods of teeth whitening — In-office bleaching, Teeth whitening trays and gels, teeth whitening strips, teeth whitening tooth paste, other teeth whitening products — whitening chewing gum, dental floss and mouth washes. What are the advantages? Improves the appearance of teeth dramatically. Improves ones attractiveness, is very affordable, whiter teeth are associated with beauty and a healthier lifestyle. A whiter smile tends to minimize the appearance of facial wrinkles. Does not have harmful side effects on your teeth, boosts self-confidence. Actual patients — super results – what patients have to say about teeth whitening at Leo Arellano DDS – “The overall look of my teeth is much better than before and I feel great every time I smile. Thank you for the superb work you have done for me and I will be very glad to recommend my friends to you should their needs be the same.” – Dawn P.
“Dr. Arellano and his staff are consummate professionals. I’ve been a patient there for many years and found that the quality and attentiveness of the work they perform is exemplary. I drive from Marin to see Dr. Arellano.” – Lea W.
Contact us to find out how teeth whitening can drastically change your appearance!


How Should I Choose a Whitening Product?

Because your teeth’s pre-existing condition and your desired result can vary, it is best to consult with your dentist about which product and method would most safely and effectively work for you. Whatever method is used, bleaching your teeth is the most conservative and least costly way to whiten your teeth to its whitest natural beauty.

Teeth Whitening procedures at its best!

Teeth Whitening procedures at its best!
Video Transcript

At a young age, our teeth are healthy and white, but over time, the enamel coating the tooth is slowly worn down, causing our teeth to become stained and yellow, which is why teeth whitening is becoming increasingly popular today. There are a few methods for whitening, they include at home and in office. With in office treatments, you’ll see faster results, receive the safest treatment for bleaching the teeth, and yield the whitest smile. So don’t settle for teeth that have become stained from years of coffee drinking, tobacco use, or just aging. Ask your dentist about whitening options that may be right for you.


Real Patients Real Results

Before and After Photos

Invisalign for Severe Crowding with Tooth Extraction and Bleaching

Photo by Dr. Leo Arellano

Teeth Whitening – BNA Image – 02
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What our patients are saying...

originally posted on Google
5.0

Dr. Arellano has been my dentist since 1989 and I believe he is the best of the best! I have experienced many uncomfortable dental procedures in the past, many due to painful injections. Dr. Arellano has excellent technique in anesthetizing that results in painless injections. He truly cares about his patients and his work. His staff, especially Mei, is extraordinary and will go above and beyond to work in appointments, assist in resolving payment/insurance issues, referrals, etc. Dr. Arellano and his team have always provided excellent care and service over the years. I highly recommend him for your dental care.

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