Gold Coast smiles provides teeth whitening to patients in Glen Cove, NY. Contact us at 516-676-0250 to learn more or schedule an appointment.
Professional Teeth Whitening in Long Island
If your teeth are healthy but discolored, teeth whitening can give you a brighter, whiter smile. Our office provides professional teeth whitening solutions that are a quick and proven way to help enhance the appearance of your smile. Bleaching options can involve any of the following categories: In office professional bleaching, at home bleaching trays and over the counter products.
All of these methods possess variations in whitening techniques and concentration of material that determine the length of treatment and anticipated results. When considering brightening your smile, Dr. Andrew Sami will go over all the relevant treatment modalities while considering safety, efficacy and cost-benefit ratio to help you make the best informed decision as each procedure differs quite a bit from one another. We offer the very latest and most advanced teeth whitening treatment for smiles that can benefit from advanced bleaching technology due to a great variety of factors.
What Causes Tooth Discoloration?
As you might suspect, extrinsic stains are typically much easier to erase than intrinsic damage. Some whitening treatments can break apart the dark particles in the enamel, but can’t reach the deeper portions of the tooth to handle intrinsic staining. It is important to take note of this because not all teeth reach the same level of whiteness. Rather, because of inherent differences particularly in the case of intrinsic stained teeth, each tooth will have it's own maximum level of whiteness beyond which it will not whiten regardless of the technique or bleaching material used. Teeth among different patients also do not bleach at the same rate. Some will bleach faster than others in a very short period of time while other patients may need an extended treatment time.
Typically the best candidates for teeth whitening are individuals whose teeth have a creamy or yellowish tinge to them. Brownish stained teeth respond less well to whitening treatments while grayish stained teeth offer us the biggest challenge and may not be affected by tooth whitening treatments at all. In this case, another form of cosmetic dentistry, such as porcelain veneers may be considered.
Not All Discoloration is Considered Equal
As you might suspect, extrinsic stains are typically much easier to erase than intrinsic damage. Some whitening treatments can break apart the dark particles in the enamel, but can’t reach the deeper portions of the tooth to handle intrinsic staining. It is important to take note of this because not all teeth reach the same level of whiteness. Rather, because of inherent differences particularly in the case of intrinsic stained teeth, each tooth will have it's own maximum level of whiteness beyond which it will not whiten regardless of the technique or bleaching material used. Teeth among different patients also do not bleach at the same rate. Some will bleach faster than others in a very short period of time while other patients may beed an extended treatment time.
Typically the best candidates for teeth whitening are individuals whose teeth have a creamy or yellowish tinge to them. Brownish stained teeth respond less well to whitening treatments while grayish stained teeth offer us the biggest challenge and may not be affected by tooth whitening treatments at all. In this case, another form of cosmetic dentistry, such as porcelain veneers may be considered.
Professional In office Whitening at Gold Coast Smiles - Instant Results
The first step to white, brighter teeth is scheduling a consultation with our Gold Coast Smiles office. A complete comprehensive oral evaluation must first be completed in order to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy enough for any type of whitening procedure. Your whitening procedure may have to be preceded by a professional teeth cleaning or any other necessary gum therapy you may require. Plaque and tartar deposits are removed for better whitening results and the gums are treated to a healthier state in order to minimize any potential sensitivity later. We will also discuss your lifestyle habits and oral hygiene practices as well as your expectations, goals and desires to make sure you are a good candidate for bleaching and if teeth whitening is the right procedure to help achieve your desired expectations.
Once we determine that our in office whitening therapies are appropriate for you, we will go ahead and schedule you in for the actual treatment session. The procedure itself is very safe and fast: it takes approximately an hour with just one session necessary. The session begins with a short preparation to cover the lips and gums, leaving the teeth exposed. We will then apply a special safe peroxide based whitening gel gently over your teeth. A special blue wavelength light is positioned over the gel to activate and accelerate the process enabling the breakup of stains and discoloration present on your teeth. The external and internal structure of the teeth remain completely healthy and intact during and after the treatment.
The gel and light are both applied in three consecutive 15 minute intervals for a total of 45 minutes of whitening treatment. At the conclusion of the third and final mini-session, we will apply a sensitivity reducing gel to condition the teeth as teeth whitening procedures typically cause temporary mild too sensitivity. As soon as your procedure is complete, you will have immediate and noticeable results.
Gold Coast Smiles Teeth Whitening FAQ
Do whitening treatments work the same on all types of stains & discolorations?
The color of your teeth will play a major role in how well your bleaching treatment will work. Teeth that are yellow or have a yellowish tone to them will respond best and tend to lighten the most. Staining that is brownish in nature responds to teeth whitening but not as well as yellow stained teeth. Teeth that appear slightly gray will respond the least to any whitening procedure if at all.
Tetracycline stained teeth are the most challenging and difficult to lighten with any type of bleaching technique. Teeth that have been stained from tetracycline antibiotic usage can require several weeks or even months of treatment to lighten. Even if they do lighten, they typically will not lighten evenly due to the different bands of shades on the teeth. There may be better cosmetic alternatives for these patients other than whitening.
Additionally, whitening results will vary from person to person, even if they have the same type of stains. In addition to stain color, the degree of whiteness you can achieve with teeth whitening is also dependent on the tooth’s condition, the nature of the stain, how long the treatment is used for, and the concentration of the gel used in the treatment.
If you have very dark stains or stains that won’t respond well to teeth whitening, there are other cosmetic procedures to consider, such as porcelain crowns or veneers. It’s best to schedule an appointment with our office to discuss your options and come up with the right treatment plan for you.
Is teeth whitening safe?
Teeth whitening is an overall safe treatment when supervised by experienced and properly trained professionals. Studies have shown that at concentrations used in cosmetic dentistry, bleaching agents do not damage the enamel and there is no proven evidence of enamel softening or stripping of the enamel. At our Gold Coast Smiles office we only use bleaching agents and whitening treatments that are approved by the American Dental Association, which means they’ve reached specific guidelines for effectiveness and safety. If you follow the instructions and guidelines under our care and don’t over use teeth whitening products over the course of several years, you should not experience any problems.
What are the side effects of teeth whitening?
All teeth whitening techniques carry a few inherent risks and side effects that are very commonplace for the vast majority of patients. Although the affects are brief and usually mild, you should be aware of the two most encountered side effects from whitening procedures:
Heightened sensitivity in teeth: After treatment, teeth should be expected to have increased sensitivity for a day or two. This may range from a dull ache to sharp, sporadic pains and is the most common side effect by far. In just about every case, sensitivity is very short-lived and easily manageable with over-the-counter pain medication and by avoiding hot or cold foods and drinks. Those who have sensitive teeth prior to treatment are more likely to experience discomfort, and may wish to consider take home custom bleaching trays , as the gel contains smaller doses of bleaching material per application.
Gum Irritation: If the whitening gel comes in contact with any of the surrounding gum tissue, it may result in a very brief irritation or slight burn. The gums will appear slightly discolored in the affected area and may sting for a few hours but will fully heal with the first day. With professional treatment by an experienced dental office, accidental gum exposure to the gel is typically greatly minimized or avoided completely by the aid of appropriately placed protection barriers surrounding the teeth and well fitting custom trays in the case of take home bleaching kits.
Will my teeth become permanently sensitive after I have them whitened?
Having some tooth sensitivity following a whitening treatment is normal and to be expected. In all cases, if the procedure was correctly done under proper supervision, the sensitivity will go away on it’s own usually within a day or two following the procedure. If you had teeth sensitivity prior to whitening, it may worsen for a couple of days following treatment and then return to its normal sensitivity level. For patient’s experiencing moderate to severe teeth sensitivity prior to considering any whitening procedure, we will not recommend proceeding with any type of whitening treatment until your sensitivity is appropriately and definitively addressed.
Is the whitening light used during my procedure safe?
Yes. The special lamp used for our in office professional whitening treatment is entirely safe. All patients wear a special protective eyewear during their treatment session to shield their eyes from any potential glare from the lamp. Additionally, all of the soft tissues in the mouth, including tongue, gums, and lips are all protected so as to avoid any potential harm from the gel and rays of light emitted by the lamp.
Do whitening toothpastes really work?
Whitening toothpaste uses special abrasives that gently polish the teeth. This adds luster to your smile and will help to break down and remove stains. You may notice a difference in the color of your teeth after regular use of a whitening toothpaste, but it’s important to note that these toothpastes only remove surface stains, they don’t change the actual color of your tooth. While you may notice lighter results, your teeth aren’t technically being whitened.
Some brands may also contain ingredients that may cause or worsen sensitivity in some people. We often see patients complain of teeth sensitivity after prolonged use of whitening toothpastes that typically subside once they stop using them. As a precaution, it is recommended you consult with your dental team at Gold Coast Smiles before using any whitening products to whiten your teeth.
How long does whitening last?
Teeth whitening is not permanent. Teeth whitening results typically last anywhere from six months to two years or possibly a little longer. How long your whitening treatment lasts depends on the food you eat and your overall oral hygiene. In order to prolong the effects as long as possible, try to limit or avoid foods and beverages that will stain your teeth including coffee and red wine. You should also consider refraining from any and all types of tobacco products. Our office will provide you with proper and professional guidance on how to best ensure long lasting whitening results and educate you on the type of maintenance protocols you can benefit from over time.
What is the best whitener for your teeth?
For the most dramatic results in the shortest amount of time, choose in-office teeth whitening. In a single visit, your teeth will be noticeably whiter.
Is teeth whitening bad for your teeth?
While professional teeth whitening may cause some temporary sensitivity, it’s not bad for your teeth, as we take all of the necessary steps to protect your soft tissues and prevent enamel erosion. Over-the-counter teeth whitening kits that are used more often than recommended or whitening products that don’t carry the ADA seal may harm your teeth, which is why professional whitening is the best option.
How can I whiten my teeth in one day?
If you have a special event coming up soon or you just want results fast, you can whiten your teeth in one day with in-office bleaching.
Do teeth whiteners work?
There are some types of stains and discoloration that don’t respond well to teeth whitening treatments. During your consultation, we can determine whether bleaching is right for you. If it’s not, there are other ways to achieve a whiter smile, including cosmetic bonding and porcelain veneers.
Is professional whitening worth it?
Yes, professional whitening is well-worth the cost. Dental practices have access to stronger bleaching agents that produce better results. When your treatment is being performed or overseen by a dentist, you’re less likely to damage your tooth enamel or irritate the soft tissues in your mouth.
Can you really whiten your teeth at home?
Yes, our at-home teeth whitening kits allow you to brighten your smile in the comfort of your own home. If you’ve tried over-the-counter whitening solutions in the past and been disappointed with the results, you’ll be impressed by the difference a professional at-home whitening kit makes.
How long will teeth whitening last?
Professional teeth whitening treatments can last up to three years with proper care and maintenance, but if you go back to the habits that caused your stains in the first place, your results won’t last nearly as long. If you smoke, stop; if you drink coffee, tea, or red wine, be sure to brush or rinse well afterwards.
Is baking soda good for teeth whitening?
There are many DIY and natural teeth whitening treatments shared on the internet and baking soda is one of the most common. Unfortunately, a lot of these home remedies for stained teeth do more harm than good. Baking soda is abrasive; when it’s used frequently, it wears away the tooth enamel, which results in teeth that appear more yellow.
Contact us at 516-676-0250 to schedule an appointment.
