Teeth Whitening, or bleaching, is a safe and very popular way to give you a whiter, more confident smile fast. It is one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry services that Dr. Richard Sousa offers. There are a variety of techniques that we have available at our office to provide a whiter smile from convenient, custom take-home bleaching kits to porcelain veneers for teeth stains and discoloration that will not respond to bleaching products.
If you have stained or discolored teeth, Dr. Sousa will assess the cause and work with you to determine the best treatment option to help you reach your goals.
Teeth Whitening in Roslyn Heights, NY
Dr. Sousa offers the Zoom® in-office whitening system for a quick smile makeover with often dramatic results. In about an hour, your teeth will be up to 8 shades whiter using the unique Zoom products, which reduce sensitivity and protect the enamel of your teeth. He also offers at-home whitening kits for patients who would rather whitening their teeth from home.
In-Office Whitening with Zoom
ZOOM™ professional tooth whitening is the hottest technique available to dental professionals. During your treatment, we will first isolate the teeth we plan to whiten and then apply 4 x 15-minute applications of the ZOOM™ whitening gel that is then accelerated by the ZOOM™ light.
You can relax with headphones and an iPod while your teeth are whitening in just over 1 hour! You are also provided with whitening trays that you can then apply additional whitening gel to maintain your bright new smile!
The results are permanent; however, everyone’s teeth will get darker over the years (whether or not they have ever whitened them). We can provide you with a professional touch-up kit if your teeth darken over time. If you take care of your appliances and only minor changes are done to your teeth over the years, this touch-up kit can help keep your smile beautiful and white.
Take-Home Teeth Whitening
At-home whitening systems can be bought in stores, but they cannot compare to the predictability and results of professionally provided whitening systems. Our take-home teeth whitening kits include custom-fit bleaching trays and professional-grade products for a consistent, safe, and lasting result.
A brief visit for impressions to be used in the creation of your custom set of trays is all that is needed. You can whiten your teeth gradually in the comfort of your home.
Professional Vs. Over-the-Counter Whitening
Many over-the-counter (OTC) products, like whitening strips, toothpastes, and gels. These are easy to find in stores or online. But if you want the best results, professional teeth whitening from your dentist is the better choice.
Stronger and faster results
One of the biggest benefits of professional teeth whitening is the strength of the treatment. Dentists use whitening gels that contain stronger ingredients than OTC products. These powerful gels can make your teeth several shades whiter in just one visit. On the other hand, store-bought strips and pastes take weeks or even months to show small changes.
Custom treatment for your teeth
When you go to a dentist for teeth whitening, the treatment is made just for you. Your dentist will check your teeth and gums to ensure whitening is safe for you. They will also create custom trays that fit your mouth perfectly. This helps the whitening gel stay in place and reach all of your teeth evenly. OTC products are “one-size-fits-all,” and they might not cover your teeth properly or reach all the areas where stains build up.
Better safety and less sensitivity
Many people experience tooth sensitivity after whitening. Professional whitening is much safer for your teeth and gums. Dentists use special tools to protect your gums and apply the gel carefully to avoid irritation. They can also give you products to help reduce any sensitivity you may feel afterward. OTC products often cause irritation and gum problems because they’re not customized for your mouth.
Longer-lasting results
Professional teeth whitening also lasts longer. With proper care and regular cleanings, the results can last for a year or more. OTC products usually fade faster because they don’t go as deep into the tooth to remove stains. Plus, dentists can offer take-home trays to help you maintain your new white smile.
Professional care and support
Finally, choosing a dentist for teeth whitening means you’re not doing it alone. Your dentist will guide you, answer your questions, and ensure everything goes smoothly. If you have any issues, they can fix them right away. With OTC products, you’re on your own, and there’s more risk of using them the wrong way.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Dr. Sousa would like the patients to understand the process and their benefits for whitening the teeth. In case you have any questions or concerns, please take some time to review these frequently asked questions. Hopefully, we can help you achieve more knowledge about the processes involved with whitening your teeth for a whiter brighter smile.
Are there more permanent way to whiten my teeth?
Yes! Dr. Sousa offers many treatments that offer a more permanent whitening solution. We highly recommend porcelain veneers which are thin shells that cover the front of the tooth instantly making them white. He can also use tooth bonding which will only last a few years compared to the 20 years veneers can last.
What is the difference between professional teeth whitening and store bought whitening?
Professional teeth whitening formulas will whiten your teeth better and faster. They are able to use formulas with a higher concentration of whitening agents. Also, they offer more even results with less sensitivity. Store-bought whitening products are generally weaker and will take many applications to see results. If applied incorrectly, they will produce uneven results.
How can I maintain my whitening results?
The best way to maintain your results is to take good care of your teeth. This includes brushing your teeth several times a day and flossing at least once a day. For the best results, limit your intake of dark food and beverages such as red wine, coffee, tea, etc.
Will teeth whitening remove stains?
Yes, teeth whitening can remove certain types of stains from your teeth. The active ingredient in most teeth-whitening products is hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. These active ingredients act as a bleaching agent to lighten the color of the teeth. This can help to remove stains caused by coffee, tea, wine, tobacco, and other food and drinks.
However, teeth whitening cannot remove all types of stains. Some stains may not respond to whitening treatments. If you’re considering using teeth whitening to remove stains from your teeth, it’s a good idea to talk to your dentist first.
Can everyone get their teeth whitened?
Not everyone is a good candidate for teeth whitening. Your dentist will examine your teeth and assess your oral health history to determine if teeth whitening is the best option for you. Patients with cavities, gum disease, or worn enamel may not be good candidates for treatment.
Also, patients with sensitive teeth may also experience discomfort during and after the treatment. It’s important to talk with your dentist before undergoing teeth whitening treatment to determine if it is the right option for you.
What to avoid after teeth whitening?
After teeth whitening, you should avoid or limit the consumption of foods and drinks that can stain the teeth. Coffee, tea, red wine, and berries are foods and drinks you should avoid. Additionally, you should avoid smoking and other tobacco products, and acidic or sugary foods and drinks should be limited.
If you avoid these things, you will help maintain the whitening effects of the treatment and prevent new stains from forming.
Schedule Teeth Whitening in Roslyn Heights, NY Today
Are you looking for a dentist that offers take-home or in-office professional teeth whitening treatments? Dr. Richard Sousa is an expert dentist that provides the ZOOM™ professional whitening procedure and in-home whitening treatments. To schedule your consultation, call (516) 253-6873 or request an appointment online.