Teeth Whitening – Little Ferry, NJ
Achieve Professional Whitening Results from Home
One of the first things that others notice about you is the quality of your smile. Unfortunately, if your teeth are tinted more yellow or brown than pearly white, you’re less likely to make a good impression.
Fortunately, Dr. Peters can provide everything you need to achieve professional whitening results from home. Our team offers customized take-home kits containing professional-grade supplies for an optimal outcome from the comfort of your living room. Continue reading to learn more about this popular service, and feel free to contact us with any additional questions!
Why Choose Erin Dental for Teeth Whitening?
- Dentist with 15+ Years of Experience
- Trusted Member of the American Dental Association
- Professional-Grade Philips Zoom Whitening Products
Who is a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
Before providing you with your customized take-home kit, our team will examine your mouth to ensure no pre-existing issues, like cavities or gum disease, interfere with the results. This also allows Dr. Peters to identify the type of discoloration to suggest appropriate solutions.
For instance, extrinsic stains occur from repeated or prolonged exposure to darkly pigmented foods and drinks, like coffee, tea, wine, and berries. These surface issues typically respond well to topical treatments and can be effectively reduced with professional-grade teeth whiteners. However, if the blemishes originate or have seeped into the lower layer of dentin, you may do better with a different cosmetic procedure, such as porcelain veneers or dental bonding.
How Does Take-Home Teeth Whitening Work?
Many patients wanting lighter smiles have tried over-the-counter products only to be disappointed with the lack of results. Store-bought gels typically contain diluted bleaching agents that are less potent and often come with one-size-fits-all applicator strips or trays. That means there’s plenty of room for error, so you might not see the change you hoped for. To make matters worse, you could develop sensitivity overusing the product, trying to achieve the perfect shade.
Meanwhile, Dr. Peters will provide custom-fitted applicator trays to prevent potential errors. Our kits also include ultra-concentrated Zoom whitening gel designed to mitigate potential discomfort. Most patients see changes within a week or two of starting treatment.
Tips for Maintaining Your Brighter Smile
Professional teeth whitening usually lasts anywhere from six months to three years. However, there are things you can do to maintain the perfect shade you’ve worked so hard to achieve. You can preserve your sparkling smile by:
- Avoid dark foods. Steer clear of common culprits known to tint enamel and opt for foods that support your grin, instead. Dairy products like cheese and yogurt contain plenty of calcium to strengthen your teeth.
- Touch up as necessary. You may require periodic touch-ups to maintain the appearance of your whitening results, particularly if new stains have developed since your initial application.
- Maintain your routine. You should brush and floss twice daily to remove plaque that gives pigmented particles something to cling to.
Finally, you should schedule a routine visit with our team every six months to ensure that no problems have developed and to polish away any recent surface stains.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Does teeth whitening hurt?
Many people have a lot of anxiety about dental care, and cosmetic treatments are no exception. We understand that some might be concerned about whether their teeth whitening procedure will hurt or not, and we will do everything we can to ensure that the process is as pleasant and stress-free as possible. Each teeth whitening treatment from Erin Dental is entirely customized to minimize the risk of discomfort and soft tissue irritation, but please let our team know if your teeth are especially prone to sensitivity during your consultation so we can plan your treatment accordingly. You can also reduce the likelihood of discomfort by avoiding hot beverages after treatment, using desensitizing toothpaste, and waiting a while before receiving a touch-up treatment.
What’s the difference between professional and store-bought teeth whitening?
While professional and store-bought teeth whitening treatments are both designed to lift stains and discoloration, there is a vast difference in quality between them. Over-the-counter whitening kits include one-size-fits-all dental trays and weak bleaching agents, and they often lead to lackluster results or even soft tissue injuries. Professional teeth whitening treatments, on the other hand, are completely customized to ensure that your dental trays fit precisely over your teeth while minimizing the risk of your gums being exposed to the professional-grade whitening agent. You’ll need to have a consultation at our office before receiving treatment so we can evaluate your oral health and take any restorations such as bridges or crowns into consideration when we are planning your procedure. Professional teeth whitening kits can safely and effectively brighten your smile by up to eight shades in about two weeks.
How can I make my teeth whitening results last?
The results of your teeth whitening treatment can last anywhere from several months to several years depending on how well you care for your smile. The most important part of preserving the effects of your treatment is a proper oral hygiene routine that includes brushing and flossing daily and using antibacterial mouthwash regularly. It’s also crucial to see us at our office in Little Ferry every six months so we can address stains in their early stages and clean the hard-to-reach parts of your mouth. Limiting your intake of richly colored foods and beverages can also help prevent new stains, and using a straw when drinking coffee, wine, or other dark beverages can reduce how much your teeth are exposed to them. It’s also a great idea to abstain from bad dental habits like smoking and chewing on non-food items like writing utensils.
Am I a candidate for teeth whitening?
Virtually everyone who is frustrated with stubborn stains and discoloration in their teeth can be a suitable candidate for teeth whitening. The best way to find out if you qualify for this treatment is to schedule a consultation at our office so we can evaluate your oral health and discuss your goals for your smile. If your teeth and gums are healthy, we can begin designing your treatment plan, but oral health concerns like tooth decay and gum disease will need to be addressed with appropriate restorative procedures before we can proceed with the process.