What’s Up with Whitening?
Your appearance can affect you socially, emotionally, and even in business. Popular, safe, and effective, teeth whitening has given patients across the world a reason to smile. People who smile with confidence are viewed as warm, inviting, and beautiful. We can help you achieve the pearly whites of magazine models and movie stars.

Why Teeth Discolor

• Chemicals in foods, beverages, and tobacco
• Aging
• Genetics
• Medications like tetracycline, excessive fluoride

While we think of tooth enamel as white, the natural, unstained shade of your teeth can range from pearly white to bluish gray to pale yellow. Even if you brush and floss every day, stains can tarnish your beautiful smile and steal the confident image you want to convey.

Whitening Options
You don’t have to live with dull, discolored teeth. After a thorough examination, we can recommend the best option for teeth whitening, and brighten your smile.

In-Office Whitening
In-office teeth whitening is one of the safest and quickest ways to safely whiten your teeth. During this process, we place a protective barrier around your gums and apply a solution of 15 to 35 percent carbamide peroxide (a chemical found in most whitening products) to your teeth. Depending on the whitening method, we may also use a laser or special light to speed up the whitening process. In-office teeth whitening can give you a dazzling smile in about one hour. (Zoom!2)

At-Home Whitening
If you’d prefer to whiten at home more regularly, we can create clear, customized whitening trays for you to complete the procedure at home. The professional-grade at-home teeth whitening solution usually contains 10 percent carbamide peroxide. Simply place the gel solution into your custom mouth trays and wear them as directed by the dentist. You will notice whiter teeth almost immediately, but the most dramatic results will appear after one to two weeks of daily treatments.

We also offer FREE Whitening for Life

Over-the-Counter Whitening
You can also purchase home use whiteners over the counter. While there are so many on the market, most of these products are not as effective as the whitening methods available in our office. If you prefer to use a store-bought teeth whitening system, ask us which product would work best for you. We want you to have a smile you will be proud of, so we’re happy to help. Use over-the-counter products as directed, and never use whiteners for more than the recommended time period, it can cause permanent damage including tooth sensitivity. We prefer that you participate in our FREE Whitening for Life Program.

Mall Whitening Procedures
Please speak with us if you are considering one of these procedures. Mall Whitening Booths are not endorsed by the American Dental Association or the New Jersey Dental Association. Extensive research and clinical studies have been performed for professional teeth whitening under the supervision of a dentist; however, when you have a mall procedure (which may be endorsed by a dentist), there is no examination by a licensed dentist. There are a variety of contraindications to whitening including periodontal disease, decay, and oral cancer. In addition, sales people at the mall are not familiar with your dental history. Veneers and crowns will not whiten and these procedures will not be effective on teeth with deep or medication stains. A professional cleaning is always recommended with a whitening procedure; they don’t do this at the mall, even if a dentist is present! We have visited these booths and find it amazing how deceptive the information can be. If you are not a dental professional, you may just be wasting your money, or cause a future of sensitivity or other conditions.

Whitening Toothpastes
If you have sensitive teeth, or you have found your teeth to be sensitive to whitening materials, we may recommend a whitening toothpaste instead. These toothpastes contain chemical or polishing agents to gently remove stains from the surface of your teeth. While your teeth won’t be as white as if you used a whitening method, teeth whitening toothpaste is safe, easy to use, and can be purchased over the counter.

After Whitening
With all whitening systems, we advise patients not to eat or drink foods that stain, or to smoke, since recently-whitened teeth absorb stains. Whitening systems can also cause increased sensitivity in your teeth and gums. These side effects pass with time, but if they persist or other problems arise, you should contact our office immediately.

Whitening Alternatives
Whitening is not a solution for everyone. If whitening can’t get your teeth as white as you’d like, or if you have cracks, chips or misaligned teeth, veneers or bonding may be a better solution. These cosmetic procedures are long lasting and do not discolor or stain. They permanently whiten your smile!

Call our office today for more information on Whitening or Whitening Alternatives.