Renewing Your Smile
Getting whiter teeth used to mean wearing gel-filled plastic mouth trays for hours each day over a period of up to several weeks. But now, thanks to modern technology, our office has the ability to whiten your teeth and give you a brighter smile in just one visit.
Tooth Whitening Program
It is normal over time for a smile that was once a brilliant white to darken as we age. Things like coffee, tea, wine, etc. can take a toll on our teeth. With our whitening treatments, your teeth do not have to stay that way. Our team has a few options to give you a brighter smile. After a professional examination and thorough cleaning, we will work together to determine which bleaching system will work best for your smile.
Which In-Office Bleaching Option is Right for you?
Which In-Office Bleaching Option Is Right For You?
- If your teeth are yellower/darker than you would like. For most people, the BEST choice is an in-office Power Bleaching with Ultradent Boost 40% strength bleach with desensitizing agents. Ideally, this treatment will take place 1-2 weeks after your maintenance visit (‘cleaning’). This whole procedure takes a little over an hour, so just relax, listen to music, or simply close your eyes and rest. It’s that simple and the results will amaze you.
- If you’ve been told your teeth will not whiten well, this product is for you. The KORS bleaching system is a partnership between you and us in getting an optimum result. After a teeth cleaning and evaluation, we fabricate custom trays for at-home use with a gel bleach we supply. This will start the process by removing the top (superficial) layer of discoloration. Then you return 2-4 weeks later, and we use a 3-part system to power bleach your teeth. Plan on 1 or 2 one and a half-hour visits, so just sit back and relax, listen to a podcast, or take a little nap. It’s that simple, and the results will amaze you.
All these products are suitable for sensitive teeth.
Additional Options:
- If you have previously bleached and need a little lift, then GLO touch-up whitening is a great option. This treatment is provided in an 8 minute session at the end of your maintenance/cleaning appointment. The mild bleaching gel (10%) is applied which is activated by a ‘tray with light’ provided by the GLO company ‘so you leave the office with your teeth GLOWING’. Take home ampules can be supplied for future touch-ups at home without the use of trays.
- Custom trays for at-home use with bleach we supply. You can use these trays to cumulatively whiten your teeth.
Stop when you are satisfied then use it for future touch-ups. These may also be used to maintain the result of power-bleaching long-term.
Is Teeth Whitening Painful?
Teeth whitening works by permeating the upper layer of enamel on your teeth. This layer of tissue acts as a buffer against sensitivity. During teeth whitening, as the bleaching agent penetrates through this protective layer, you might feel subtle "zingers" of momentary discomfort. These quick zaps may occur intermittently after your whitening procedure as well. Don't worry, though, there are ways to lessen their intensity. Beginning before your teeth whitening treatment, you can brush using toothpaste for sensitive teeth. This can build up some resistance to sensitivity and manage this side effect after your treatment. The protective barrier will return over one to two weeks, so the sensitivity that may come with teeth whitening should resolve within that time.
Can Teeth Whitening Damage Your Teeth?
Teeth whitening has existed for decades. Millions of people have undergone this process to refresh their smiles, many of them more than once! Over the course of time, research has not found definitive evidence that teeth whitening damages teeth, nor that this treatment increases the risk of cavities or gum disease. That said, it is advisable to undergo teeth whitening with your trusted dentist. Some of the methods that are commonly used at home could cause inflammation in the gums. While reversible, this inflammation can be uncomfortable and would cause you to have to postpone your treatment. Our in-office teeth whitening treatments involve steps that protect the soft tissues of the mouth while maximizing the degree of whitening we can achieve.
Are There Any Foods or Drinks I Should Avoid After Teeth Whitening?
For a few days after undergoing teeth whitening treatment, your teeth may be more susceptible to staining. Some experts suggest refraining from consuming colored foods and beverages for the first week after having your teeth whitened. Under this suggestion, "safe" items would be eggs, pasta, bananas, yogurt, water, and milk, to name just a few." You may also want to avoid the consumption of very hot or cold items if your teeth are sensitive.
Does Teeth Whitening Cause Tooth Sensitivity?
Teeth whitening can cause sensitivity. That doesn't mean it will. Many people undergo teeth whitening with no sensitivity whatsoever. If you do experience this side effect, brush with toothpaste made for sensitive teeth until your normal comfort returns. This may take a week or two. The sensitivity that may occur with teeth whitening should not be permanent. It's merely an effect of minor irritation to the nerves in your teeth due to the whitening agent.
Are There Any Risks to In-Office Teeth Whitening?
In-office teeth whitening is very rewarding, and not just because you get to sit back and relax while our team revamps your smile! Unlike home whitening kits, an in-office treatment involves meticulous steps, such as placing some type of covering over the lips and gums. Usually, this would be a lightweight sheet over the lips and a gel or cream applied to the gums. With these steps, there is very little risk of irritation to these delicate soft tissues.
Does Insurance Cover Teeth Whitening?
No. Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure, so does not fall into any area of insurance coverage.
White Spot Lesions
Patients often notice white spots left behind after braces come off. These white spots can also over time in areas where the teeth are de-mineralized. Despite good home care and whitening, these areas often remain. With advances in technology, we are able to offer Icon (DMD) ®, a treatment that does not require anesthesia or drilling to virtually erase these lesions.
Feel Better, More Confident
Male or female, winning smiles can open doors at work and at play. Whether you’re 28 or 82, a whiter, brighter smile will boost your confidence, improve your looks, and make you feel better about yourself. You’ll look younger and more vibrant. Then, when your friends ask you what you’ve done to look so great…did you get a new haircut? lose a few pounds? get a new wardrobe? You can just smile, knowing you look as good as you feel.
Contact us Today
Looking for teeth whitening in New York City, Westchester County, Long Island, Rockland County, New Jersey, or Connecticut? Call us or fill out a Contact Form here.
