What is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is a process to lighten the shade of teeth. It effectively reverses discoloration, transforming teeth from gray or yellow to a brighter white.
Does Teeth Whitening Damage the Teeth?
Teeth whitening is generally safe and does not harm the teeth. A minority of cases may experience temporary sensitivity, which resolves upon cessation of whitening product use.
How Do Dentists Whiten Teeth?
Dentists employ two primary methods for teeth whitening: in-office and take-home treatments. In-office whitening involves a bleaching process, often accelerated by UV light, completed in approximately one to two hours. For take-home treatments, patients are provided with custom trays, compatible even with Invisalign, into which a small amount of whitening agent is applied directly to the visible surface of each tooth.
Do LED Teeth Whitening Lights Work?
LED lights can enhance the effectiveness of certain teeth whitening products by activating the bleaching agents. However, not all products require LED activation, and satisfactory results can still be achieved without these lights.
What Can Go Wrong with Instant Teeth Whitening at Home?
At-home teeth whitening carries risks, primarily related to inadvertent application of the whitening product on the gums, which can lead to gum lightening and sensitivity. Careful application is essential to minimize these risks.
Can Dentists Whiten Teeth Permanently?
Permanent teeth whitening is not achievable. External factors like consuming stain-causing beverages will gradually restain teeth. Continual whitening treatments are necessary to maintain the desired shade, adjusted according to personal sensitivity and frequency of staining.
Does Teeth Whitening Have Any Side Effects?
The primary side effect of teeth whitening is sensitivity, although this is not universal. This sensitivity typically resolves upon stopping the whitening treatment. An additional, positive side effect is an increased frequency of smiling due to improved tooth appearance.
Does Teeth Whitening Cause Teeth Sensitivity?
Teeth sensitivity can occur in a small number of cases following teeth whitening, but it usually resolves quickly after discontinuing the use of whitening products.
How Can I Best Retain the Results of a Teeth Whitening Treatment?
To maintain teeth whitening results, it's advisable to continue periodic whitening treatments and limit consumption of staining substances. While it's not necessary to completely avoid products like coffee or cranberry juice, moderating their use can prolong the whitening effects.
When Can I Schedule a Teeth Whitening Appointment?
Existing patients who have undergone a 3D dental scan can request a whitening tray at any time. New patients or those not previously scanned can schedule an appointment at (845) 393-9059 to initiate the process. It's important to note that whitening treatments cannot exceed the natural lightest shade of your teeth. For more dramatic results, such as achieving a celebrity-like smile, veneers or crowns, which are also offered in our office, may be considered.
Teeth whitening can yield noticeable results in a relatively short period.
In-Office Bleaching typically requires just one visit to our office. A protective gel or rubber shield is applied over the gums to safeguard the soft tissue. A whitening agent containing carbamide peroxide is then administered to the teeth, followed using a specialized light to amplify the whitening process. This method offers the quickest route to achieving desired results.
At-Home bleaching involves taking an impression of the teeth to create a custom mouthguard that holds the whitening gel, containing carbamide peroxide, against the teeth. Once the mouthguard is fabricated, it is worn for a specified duration, as instructed by our office. This duration may vary, ranging from a few hours daily or overnight to up to four weeks or longer, depending on individual preferences.
Instructions Following Whitening:
After Bleaching:
- Teeth are more vulnerable to staining during the initial 48 hours following whitening treatments. It is advisable to refrain from consuming dark-colored foods or beverages during this time to prevent staining.
- Items such as berries, cola or dark sodas, red wine, coffee and tea, tobacco, and dark sauces should be avoided.
Using Your Custom Trays:
- Adhere to the instructions provided by our office, ensuring that the bleaching gel is applied to the center of each tooth position on the tray so that it makes contact with the anterior surface of the teeth once inserted into your mouth.
- Wear the trays for the recommended duration.
- Rinse the mouth thoroughly and gently remove any residual gel from the teeth using a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Clean the trays regularly to maintain hygiene.