Teeth Whitening on the Upper East Side NYC


Teeth Whitening

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Are you self-conscious about discolored, yellowing, or stained teeth? Is your smile suffering the effects of your love of coffee, tea, or red wine?

Teeth whitening is one of the most common cosmetic dentistry procedures, with almost 4 million procedures performed each year, according to the American Society for Dental Aesthetics (ASDA).

If you’re interested in teeth whitening and want to learn more about the procedure, keep reading for an overview of what teeth whitening is and the methods available to brighten your smile.


How Teeth Whitening Works


Teeth whitening uses peroxide, carbamide peroxide, or hydrogen peroxide to safely and effectively lighten the color of your teeth.

Professional teeth whitening can lighten your smile by one to eight shades, depending on the treatment you choose and the condition of your teeth.

Several types of whitening treatments are available; all use some type of peroxide (a chemical compound) to help remove stains from teeth and make them brighter.


Over-the-Counter (OTC) Teeth Whitening Products


OTC teeth whitening kits are available at drug stores. These treatments are relatively inexpensive and may lighten the color of your teeth, but they may not be as effective or safe for all types of teeth stains or tints. Results are generally not as significant as those achieved by professional teeth whitening.


Professional In-Office Teeth Whitening


Professional in-office teeth whitening typically requires only one office visit. A protective gel or rubber shield is placed over the gums to protect the soft tissue.

After applying a bleaching agent containing carbamide peroxide to the teeth, a specialized light is used to accelerate the bleaching agent’s action. This is the quickest method of achieving results.


Professional At-Home Bleaching


For at-home bleaching, a mold of the teeth is taken to create a customized mouth guard that will hold the whitening gel, which contains carbide peroxide, against the teeth.

Once the mouth guard is created, it is worn for the duration specified by your dentist. The duration can range from a few hours a day to all night, for up to four weeks or longer if desired.


OTC Whitening Kits or Professional Teeth Whitening: Which is Best for You?


Professional teeth whitening has several advantages over OTC whitening kits.

Dentists have access to more potent teeth whitening products than those sold over the counter, and they can tailor the procedure to your specific needs. A dentist can also consider other factors that affect tooth color, such as medications you may be taking.

In addition, a dentist can offer advice on how best to maintain your new white smile once you leave the office. Toothpaste and rinses that contain peroxide are available over the counter, but some may be less effective than others or could even damage your teeth. A professional can help you figure out which product is right for you.

Teeth whitening is not “one size fits all.” It takes a customized approach to achieve the best results. Your dentist can address all your questions and concerns and advise you which method will provide you with the results you want.

Call 212-888-4140 to schedule your appointment.