What is Teeth Whitening and How Can My Dentist Help?
Having stained, discolored teeth can be a challenge, especially when it comes to your confidence in your smile. Brushing your teeth can help you to remove surface-level stains, but stains that exist deeper within the tooth will need a heftier teeth whitening treatment. Although there are many different over-the-counter options for teeth whitening, consulting with your dentist is always a good first step so that you know which products and professional treatments will work effectively and safely for you.
Tooth discoloration is a perfectly normal part of life. There are generally two types of teeth stains – the first are extrinsic, or external, and exist on the surface of the enamel. The second type is intrinsic, or internal, and these exist within the dentin and deeper layers of the tooth. Although avoiding stain-causing factors can be an effective way to stop stains from forming in the first place, you may need some professional help if your stains are deep-set or don’t respond to over-the-counter tooth whitening treatments.
Had a great experience start to finish!!! Super friendly staff and doctor. Highly recommend!
-Adrianne K
Causes of Teeth Stains
Food and Drink
Drinks like coffee, red wine, and dark soda are famous for causing teeth stains. However, there are plenty of other foods and drinks that can stain your teeth over time. It can be hard to avoid these sometimes, so making sure to rinse your mouth and brush regularly can help reduce stains from food and beverages.
Smoking
Tobacco, both smoking and chewing tobacco, can cause substantial yellowing of the teeth with regular use. This is usually the result of a combination of tar and nicotine, and it can make your teeth yellow in a very short period of time. There are many reasons to quit smoking and avoid tobacco, and having whiter teeth is one of them.
Poor Oral Care Habits
Without regular brushing or flossing, it’s much easier for stains to set in and cause long-term discoloration. Regular brushing can not only prevent decay by removing harmful foods and bacteria from your teeth, but it can also prevent them from causing stains over time.
Trauma or Medical Conditions
Some medical conditions can cause tooth discoloration by affecting the proper development of your enamel when you’re young. Additionally, trauma or injury to your teeth can result in discoloration. This means that even the best at-home whitening solution and lifestyle changes won’t achieve the results you want. In these cases, veneers and internal bleaching are necessary to mask stains.
Aging
Simply put, your teeth can become discolored as a result of the natural aging process. This is usually compounded by existing stains and the process of enamel breakdown as you age. There is also a process of reparative dentin deposition which causes the nerve space to shrink, creating an illusion of grayer tooth shade.
Teeth Whitening FAQ’s
Can laser whitening damage your teeth?
Can whitening strips crack your teeth?
Can yellow teeth become white?
Do whitening strips work?
Does whitening remove stains?
How can I get rid of yellow teeth?
How can I keep my teeth white and healthy?
How can I Unstain my teeth?
How can I whiten my teeth overnight?
How can I whiten my teeth quickly?
How do dentist whiten teeth?
How do I keep my teeth white after whitening?
How do whitening trays work?
How do you protect your gums when whitening your teeth?
How do you whiten stubborn yellow teeth?
How long does it take for hydrogen peroxide to whiten teeth?
How long does it take teeth to rehydrate after whitening?
How long does it take to turn yellow teeth white?
How long does it take to whiten teeth?
How much does it cost to get your teeth professionally whitened?
Is teeth whitening at dentist worth it?
Is teeth whitening bad for your teeth?
Is teeth whitening painful?
Is there a difference between teeth whitening and teeth bleaching?
What is the best over the counter teeth whitening product?
What is the best whitener for your teeth?
What teeth whitening do dentists use?
What to expect after teeth whitening?
How long does professional teeth whitening last?
Meet With Dr. Chern &
Her Manhattan Team
To learn more about Teeth Whitening in Manhattan and your treatment options, contact our office for an appointment by calling or filling out our online form. Dr. Inna Chern and her team will personally work with you to plan your best treatment options and restore the function and beauty of your smile.
The Zoom Bleaching Process and What to Expect
Evaluation
Dr. Chern will take a look at your teeth and assess what kind of whitening process will be best for you. She’ll also take pictures so that you can track your progress as your treatment unfolds. This is the best time to discuss your smile goals with Dr. Chern who can recommend your best options for cosmetic dentistry. We offer Zoom in-office teeth whitening as well as custom take-home trays to help you get your ideal results. Both are pain-free options to whiten and brighten your teeth safely with little to no issues with sensitivity.
Preparation
Teeth whitening works best on clean teeth. Cosmetic dentist Dr. Inna Chern will perform a cleaning of the enamel that ensures you get the best results. Then, she’ll gently pumice your teeth to remove surface stains and apply a vitamin E balm to protect your lips during the whitening process. Your mouth will be isolated with retractors and a liquid dam to protect your lips and gums from the peroxide.
Real Results
New York Genral Dentistry is committed to providing the best in dental health care and meeting your unique needs. View our gallery of incredible results!
Whitening
A hydrogen peroxide-based Zoom Gel is carefully applied to the patient’s teeth. This gel can work on stains deep in the tooth’s structure without affecting its health with the help of a specialized, light-based Zoom machine aimed at the teeth. The whitening process takes about 15 minutes, and you can relax, listen to music, or watch your favorite show during this time.
Repeated Treatments
You’ll receive about 3-4 applications of Zoom Gel depending on the level of whitening you’d like to achieve. Between applications, Dr. Chern will examine your teeth and make sure the treatment is working as planned, as well as track your progress and any issues with sensitivity.
Laser Teeth Whitening FAQ’s
Can you get yellow teeth back to white?
Does laser teeth whitening work on crowns?
Does laser whitening hurt?
Does Zoom whitening hurt?
Does Zoom whitening last?
Does Zoom whitening work?
How long does laser whitening of teeth last?
How much is professional teeth whitening?
How often can you do laser teeth whitening?
How often can you use zoom whitening?
Is laser teeth whitening better than gel?
Is laser whitening safe for your teeth?
What can I eat after Zoom whitening?
What is the best laser teeth whitening system?
What are the advantages of laser teeth whitening?
How many shades lighter can laser teeth whitening make my teeth?
Should I brush my teeth after teeth whitening?
Can I eat right after teeth whitening?
Can I drink water after teeth whitening?
What are the side effects of laser teeth whitening?
Caring for Your Teeth After Whitening
Dr. Chern will give you detailed instructions on how to maintain your Zoom whitening results. The first 24-48 hours are the key to the success of Zoom whitening. General rules are:
- Eating a healthy diet (avoiding sugary drinks and drinks that can stain your teeth)
- Avoiding pigmented foods and beverages
- Brushing your teeth twice daily for 2 minutes with a soft or electric toothbrush
- Floss every day or use a water flosser (Waterpik)
Additionally, you can use our professional at-home treatment systems to touch up your results as needed – and to manage any stains that may form in the future to prevent them from becoming more permanent. Zoom whitening results last 9 months to 2 years depending on lifestyle choices. We recommend Zoom treatments yearly as part of your oral wellness maintenance routine.
What Makes Our Office the Right Fit for Your Dental Needs?
Personalized Care
We never take a one-size-fits-all approach to your oral health. Dr. Chern will evaluate your teeth and gums, working closely with our team to create a custom solution.
Comfortable Office
Our bright and modern Midtown East Manhattan office was designed with you in mind. Enjoy a calming atmosphere and comfortable amenities to help you feel at ease.
Health-First Approach
New York General Dentistry uses modern techniques and equipment to ensure your treatment is a success.
Let’s Brighten Your Smile!
New York General Dentistry is always welcoming new patients to our Midtown East dentist office.
Feel free to send a text to (929) 244-8140 or call (212) 838-0842
Our New York City Office
Midtown East Manhattan
133 East 58th St., ste 409
New York, NY 10022
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Thursday 8am – 7pm
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