Teeth Whitening

What causes teeth discoloration?

Many factors could contribute to teeth discoloration, here are some examples: genetic factor, medication use during teeth developing, smoking, dark food or beverages consumption (coffee, tea, soda, red wine, etc.), age, tooth trauma, or tooth with RCT treatment.

How does teeth whitening work?

Teeth whitening products usually contain active ingredient - either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. These chemicals could release active oxygen molecules from the whitening agent and pass through the enamel of the teeth, react with the discolored molecules that causing the teeth discoloration. The reaction would breakdown the stain and discoloration, as a result your teeth would become brighter and whiter.

Are there any risks of teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening is generally safe, but if you have sensitivity to resins, peroxides or glycols, then teeth whitening is not recommended.

Even though teeth whitening is safe, there are still some potential complications of this treatment. Teeth sensitivity or pain is the most common side effect from teeth whitening, but this is mostly mild and temporary. If you have concern about the teeth hypersensitivity after whitening, we recommend you to use desensitized toothpaste or try UltraEZ™ Desensitizing Gel from Ultradent before and after your teeth whitening session. For more information about UltraEZ™ Desensitizing Gel, please visit Opalescence’s website via https://www.opalescence.com/products/opalescence-ultraez. If you have interest in purchasing UltraEZ™ Desensitizing Gel, please call our office at 718-358-4448.

Besides teeth hypersensitivity, rarely seen complications such as gum/lip/cheek inflammation, dry or chapped lips could be possible. Most of these complications would heal on its own and could be self-managed at home easily. If you have interest in teeth whitening, but have concerns about the risks, you could also make an appointment with us for a consultation.

How long do teeth whitening results last?

Teeth whitening results are very stable. However, a few factors such as diet or certain habits (like smoking) can make teeth lose their brightness, thus may affect the length of your whitening results. Fortunately, touch-up treatments are quick and easy, are able to bring back the bright white smiles.

What do we offer for teeth whitening?

We offer teeth whitening products from Opalescence™ - a company with more than 30 years of whitening experience. Currently we have take home whitening trays - Opalescence Go™ (available in 4 packs/box) and in-office Opalescence™ Boost™ treatment. We also provide discount if you want to have the in-office treatment for instant whitening results and the take home whitening trays for touch-up.

Opalescence Go™ whitening trays are prefilled, disposable trays that contains 10% or 15% hydrogen peroxide gel. Generally wear the trays from 15 minutes to one hour per day, you would see the whitening results. If you want to know more about Opalescence Go, please visit https://www.opalescence.com/products/opalescence-go.

Opalescence™ Boost™ treatment utilizes 40% hydrogen peroxide for whitening in two to three 20-minute applications in the dental office. There is no uncomfortable LED light involved, and you would see the instant results right after the treatment sessions. The whitening gel also contains potassium nitrate and fluoride which would decrease the teeth hypersensitivity during whitening treatment. If you want to know more about our products, please visit https://www.opalescence.com/products/opalescence-boost.

If you have interest in teeth whitening, please feel free to contact us for an appointment.