Teeth Whitening
Hackensack, NJ
Daily you eat different foods, drink different beverages; all of which constantly stain your teeth. Overtime your teeth are not as shiny white as your would like them to be. Fortunately, help is available at the dental office. To learn more about teeth whitening check out this wikipedia article
Teeth whitening done in a professional dental setting is a safe, effective way to brighten your smile. It’s also the MOST cost affective cosmetic dental procedure.
Depending on the whitening method you choose, results can be dramatic: in-office whitening, for example, can lighten teeth three to eight shades in a single hour.
Professionally supervised whitening will work faster, and protect sensitive gums and tooth-root surfaces better, than over-the-counter whitening products. Having an oral exam before you begin any whitening process is an important first step to make sure your tooth discoloration is not the result of a dental condition in need of treatment.
Also, please be aware that it can be risky to have whitening solutions applied to your teeth by untrained personnel in shopping malls. Though these professionals may be trained in applying the whitening product, they lack the understanding of tooth and gum biology, and may cause long lasting damage.
If you have any questions about which whitening method would be best for you, talk to us.
Professional Whitening Methods
Professional whitening makes use of high-concentration (clinically tested and certified) bleaching gels that are not available over the counter.
- In-Office Whitening
This technique offers the fastest results with the most powerful whitening solutions available. First, your gums and tooth-root surfaces will be covered with a protective barrier to ensure your safety. A thin plastic device known as a retractor will hold your lips and cheeks away from your teeth as a professional-strength hydrogen peroxide gel is applied. The gel will be left on for about an hour. When it is removed, the results will be obvious immediately.
- Take-Home Whitening
This is another effective way to whiten your teeth, though you will play a greater role in ensuring the best possible results and several weeks may be needed to achieve your desired level of whiteness. First, a mold of your teeth will be taken and then two thin, flexible plastic mouth trays will be custom-made for you — one for the top teeth and one for the bottom. You will fill the trays with whitening gel and then position the trays over your teeth. The trays are left in usually for about an hour at a time.
Caring for Your Whitened Smile
There are lots of things you can do to make sure your whitening results last as long as possible, and this will vary from person to person (six months to two years or even longer).
First of all, please maintain your usual, conscientious routine of brushing and flossing every day, and keep up with your regular schedule of professional cleanings at the dental office.
Avoid foods and beverages that stain, including red wine, tea and coffee.
If you smoke, use your newly whitened teeth as a reason to quite smoking;
A minor touch-up every 12 months or so at the dental office, can keep your smile bright and beautiful for years to come.
Side effects
For a few days after treatment, your teeth may be sensitive to very hot or cold temperatures. Whitening may also irritate the gums for a short time. If the side effects do not go away after a few days, see your dentist.
To avoid harming your teeth and gums, always follow the product directions and any instructions from your dentist. If your teeth become very sensitive or you get sores in your mouth, stop using in-home products and call your dentist.
There is such a thing as too much whitening. Do not use whitening products for longer than advised in the product directions or by your dentist. Over whitening can cause severe discomfort to your teeth and gums. Too much whitening can even harm your tooth enamel.
Its not for everyone
Tooth whitening is not a good choice for all people. If you have tooth decay or gum disease, your dentist may recommend that these be treated before whitening.
So talk to your dentist about teeth whitening before you begin. He or she will do an oral exam to find out if teeth whitening is right for you.
Definition of Cosmetic Dentistry Terminology
Allograft
An allograft is a graft of tissue from a donor within the same species as the patient that is not a genetic relative.
Bleachorexia
Bleachorexia is when people continue to abuse teeth whitening solutions without consulting professionals, causing significant damage to their enamel and gums in the process.
Autograft
An autograft is a graft of tissue from one portion of an individual’s body to another.
Dental Checkup
A dental checkup is an appointment that involves cleaning the teeth, identifying any signs of infection and removing said signs of infection at least once every six months in the office. Read more about it here.
Third Molar (Extraction)
The third molars are also known as the wisdom teeth and typically require removal in order to prevent pain and other issues in the mouth.
Dental Routine Cleaning
A dental Prophy or cleaning is a professional and detailed cleaning that involves the removal of plaque, calculus and stains from the teeth. Read more about it here.
Fractured Tooth
A tooth fracture can result from multiple sources including an accidental blow to the face during a sports game, biting on something really hard, falling face first. It’s recommended that you see your dentist soon after a dental fracture. Dental Fractures may be quite painful.
For appointment’s please call 201 778 0225