Major life events compel many of us to check our smiles. We consider or dwell on:
- Stubborn Tooth Stains
- Tooth Discoloration
- Uneven Shades of White
- Spots on Teeth
These issues make smiling a challenge, which is where teeth whitening comes in. But with all the available options, how do you know which is best for you?
In this blog, we share the following:
- Professional Teeth Whitening in Lindenhurst, NY
- Why Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening Systems May Not Be Suitable
- Why Teeth Discolor and How to Preserve Your Whitening
- Other Cosmetic Dentistry Options to Consider
- Best Practices for a Bright Smile and Lasting Result
If you have questions not covered here, never hesitate to call our dental office for guidance.
Professional Teeth Whitening in Lindenhurst, NY
When it comes to teeth whitening, professional treatment will always be the preferred method. It is simply safe and more effective than anything you can purchase in stores or online.
In our dental office, we use Zoom! take-home whitening kits. You use these custom kits at home, which makes them convenient. With our kits, you’re in charge of the shade and the times you choose to bleach your teeth.
Because these trays are customized, they fit your teeth like a glove, which prevents the whitening gel from leaking onto your gums and other soft/sensitive tissues. When whitening gel leaks, it can lead to tooth sensitivity.
To get started with professional teeth whitening, we ask you to book a consultation with the dentist to determine your candidacy. If you proceed with treatment, we may start with a teeth cleaning to promote a whiter, brighter finish—clean enamel is the ideal environment for whitening products.
After cleaning your teeth, we take impressions and use the results to create your custom tooth whitening trays. You take your trays and our gel home and whiten on your time. However, it’s crucial to follow our team's instructions. Always call if you have questions.
Why Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening Systems May Not Be Suitable
In some cases, over-the-counter kits and systems can damage your tooth enamel, especially if your enamel is compromised or you have a small cavity. When you whiten with a dentist, this isn’t an issue.
Enamel damage can mean prolonged tooth sensitivity.
Kits bought in stores and gels at the drugstore may not give you the results you had hoped for, which is another reason to trust your teeth whitening to the dentist.
Finally, some systems can leave you with mixed results—some teeth that are whiter than others.
If you do use a whitening toothpaste or other over-the-counter product to help sustain your bright smile, we encourage you to let your dentist know.
Why Teeth Discolor and How to Preserve Your Whitening
According to the American Dental Association:
"Over time, your teeth can go from white to not-so-bright for a number of reasons:"
- Dietary Choices: Bright sauces, dark wines, curry, coffee, and tea
- Lifestyle Choices: Smoking and tobacco use
- Certain Medications: Tetracycline
- Natural Causes: As Part of Aging
We recommend limiting tooth-staining foods and drinks or cleaning your teeth soon after indulging. If you smoke, consider quitting.
Other Cosmetic Dentistry Options to Consider
Teeth whitening is popular because it’s fast, non-invasive, and transformative, but there are certainly other cosmetic options to consider. You can consider them on their own or as part of a full smile makeover.
- Cosmetic Restorations: Dental veneers, CEREC same-day crowns, tooth-colored fillings
- Dental Bonding: An inexpensive cosmetic option to conceal tooth flaws
- Tooth Replacement: Dental implant options, dentures and partials, dental bridges
Our cosmetic dentistry options can conceal:
- Slightly crooked teeth
- Gummy Smiles
- Short teeth
- General imperfections
Your dentist will go over the various cosmetic dentistry options with you to help you make the right decisions for your smile goals. This is a no-pressure situation. You oversee your smile objectives at Pearly Place Dental.
Best Practices for a Bright Smile and Lasting Result
Whether you whiten your smile with professional teeth whitening or combine treatments for a smile makeover, you likely have questions about how to preserve your new look. While modern cosmetic dentistry can last for decades, there are steps you can take to promote this longevity.
We recommend the following:
- Visit your dentist every six months for checkups and teeth cleanings.
- Brush and floss after every meal or at least twice daily.
- Wear a mouthguard if you play sports.
- Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth.
- Call us if you notice oral health changes that don’t improve.
For specific treatments, such as dental bridges, the dentist provides custom care instructions for cleaning and upkeep.
Contact Your Dentist in Lindenhurst, NY
If you would like to schedule a consultation or if you have questions, call us today at (631) 226-1900. You can also request an appointment online. We work with Cherry to help patients budget and finance their dentistry.
We look forward to helping you achieve your best smile.