Teeth whitening works extremely well when teeth have become discolored because of lifestyle habits. These include a liking for tea and coffee or smoking. It is also very good for teeth that have discolored with age.
As a general rule, teeth that are yellow, orange, or brown tend to respond better to teeth whitening treatments. Teeth with gray stains tend to respond less well to teeth whitening treatments.
Teeth can become stained for other reasons, such as tetracycline exposure, resulting in grayish teeth. Dental fluorosis is when teeth are exposed to too much fluoride during childhood, causing lacy white flecks or black or brown stains. While these stains may respond to teeth whitening, the results are not so dramatic.
Many people have dental restorations such as:
These will not respond to teeth bleaching. If you have any dental restorations, you may need to budget to replace them afterward. Replacing these restorations may sound a little extreme, but it’s not necessarily a bad idea.
Dental restorations do not last forever, and if you had your crowns or bridges quite some time ago, it could be time to renew them. The materials used to fabricate dental restorations have improved considerably over the past few years. We take enormous care when custom designing crowns, bridges, and veneers to make sure they look natural, complementing your facial structure and appearance.
Zoom teeth whitening entails the use of hydrogen peroxide gel and a special Zoom light to whiten teeth. The gel is applied to the teeth and activated by the light, effectively breaking down stains and discoloration from aging, food and drink consumption, tobacco use, and certain medications. The treatment typically takes about one to two hours and provides immediate results.
Laser teeth whitening, also known as laser bleaching, uses laser light to enhance the whitening effects of a bleaching agent applied to the teeth. The process typically involves applying a peroxide-based gel to the teeth, which is then activated by the laser light. The laser energy helps to accelerate the whitening process, breaking down stains and discoloration on the tooth surface. Laser teeth whitening is known for its ability to produce fast and noticeable results, often in just a single session.
It’s extremely important to have a dental examination before using any teeth whitening products.
If you have worn tooth enamel, untreated tooth decay, or periodontal disease (gum disease), we need to address these issues before you bleach your teeth. You must have teeth that are reasonably strong and healthy; otherwise, teeth bleaching could be uncomfortable at best.
When you visit South Nassau Dental Arts dentistry center, we can assess the condition of your teeth and gums and determine why your teeth are discolored. We can also give you a good idea of the results you can reasonably expect to achieve.
The next stage is to decide how you would like to whiten your teeth. There are two options:
It’s not unusual for people to choose both teeth whitening options, first brightening their teeth in-office before using our professional custom kits to top up the results when necessary.
Choose in-office teeth whitening if you want to get results fast. You will only need one appointment to see your teeth become visibly brighter and lighter by several shades. It is the ideal option if you have an important event coming up quickly or simply can’t wait to have whiter teeth.
Beautiful office, friendly and knowledgeable staff, excellent teeth whitening results! My pearly whites have never been shinier! Dr. Russo and his assistant Sharon were absolutely wonderful. I wouldn’t have my teeth taken care of anywhere else! HIGHLY recommend! 🙂
We first protect your lips and gums before coating your teeth with professional-strength whitening gel containing hydrogen peroxide with an in-office teeth whitening treatment. Next, we activate the whitening gel with light that helps the gel penetrate your tooth enamel more quickly and more effectively, lifting even deep-seated stains.
We may remove and reapply the whitening gel several times during your appointment to achieve the best teeth whitening results.
It is best to avoid highly colored foods and drinks for the first few days after an in-office whitening treatment, as this allows your tooth enamel time to settle down. Consuming these foods and beverages during this time could stain your teeth more quickly.
A professional home whitening kit allows you to brighten your teeth in the comfort and privacy of your own home at times convenient to you.
It generally takes two weeks to complete treatment, and this can be the ideal solution for anyone with more sensitive teeth and who will find it more comfortable to brighten their teeth slowly.
At our dental center we provide a lower strength whitening gel to reduce tooth sensitivity when this is the case.
The custom whitening gel for home use contains carbamide peroxide, a more stable form of hydrogen peroxide that is very safe for home use.
First, we will take a dental impression of your teeth that is used to create your custom-made whitening trays. These will fit exactly over your teeth and are comfortable to wear. Next, we will show you how to fill, insert and remove the trays and provide precise instructions on how frequently to wear them. Some people choose to wear the trays for an hour or two during the day, while others prefer to leave them in overnight.
Dr. Adam Shoukry, DDS, is a cosmetic dentist who strives to provide each of his patients with personalized care and educate them on the state of their dental health so that they can make informed decisions. Dr. Shoukry really enjoys his work and is committed to continued education, having attended several accredited courses in every aspect of dentistry.
Dr. Shoukry graduated from NYU College of Dentistry with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree and then completed his general practice residency at Nassau University Medical Center. Being a member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Shoukry strives to provide comprehensive dental examinations, a full range of cosmetic treatments, and the best restorative oral health care available.