Over the years, your teeth collect stains and experience significant wear and tear. Even if you practice good oral hygiene, your teeth may not look as shiny and bright as they used to. Our dentists, Dr. Michael Weiner and Dr. Carol Cabello, and team at Howe Dental Associates proudly offer both in-office and take-home teeth whitening treatments in Passaic, New Jersey, including Zoom whitening. To see if you are a candidate, call the office at 973-365-1931 or click the online booking tool and request your appointment today.
Why Are My Teeth Yellow?
As you get older, the outer layer of your teeth, known as enamel, chips, cracks and flakes away. Ultimately, this allows the inner portion of your tooth, known as dentin, to peek through. Dentin is naturally yellow in color. Your smile becomes increasingly yellow as more dentin becomes visible.
Other factors can also contribute to yellow or discolored teeth. For example, if you drink beverages like coffee or red wine, or you smoke cigarettes or use chewing tobacco, you are more likely to experience brown or dingy looking teeth.
Is Teeth Whitening Safe?
The majority of modern teeth whitening treatments use carbamide peroxide as their main bleaching ingredient. Carbamide peroxide is a harmless byproduct of hydrogen peroxide and presents no threat to your enamel. In addition, all professional teeth whitening treatments undergo strict review by regulatory bodies such as the FDA.
What Types of Teeth Whitening Do You Offer?
At Howe Dental Associates, Dr. Weiner or Dr. Cabello can offer two types of teeth whitening treatment:
In-office or chair-side whitening
In-office, or chair-side whitening, is the most effective type of whitening treatment and can make your smile up to eight shades brighter. During an in-office whitening appointment, Dr. Weiner or Dr. Cabello will carefully apply a bleaching solution to the surface of your teeth. After letting the solution sit for about 15 minutes, Dr. Weiner or Dr. Cabello will point a special light at your teeth. The light triggers a chemical process that safely and effectively eradicates stains and blemishes. Just keep in mind your individual results may vary.
In-Office or Chair-Side Whitening
If you elect to participate in take-home teeth whitening, Dr. Weiner or Dr. Cabello will provide you with a mouth guard-like tray and a peroxide-based bleaching gel. You place the peroxide-based gel in your trays and wear them for one to two hours a day for a series of two to three weeks.
Are the Results of Teeth Whitening Permanent?
Teeth whitening treatment is not permanent, but there are steps you can take to keep your teeth white and shiny. Dr. Weiner or Dr. Cabello will recommend brushing and flossing on a daily basis, visiting the dentist once every six months for a professional cleaning and exam and avoiding foods and beverages that stain your teeth such as pasta sauce and coffee.