Would you like to enjoy these bright summer days with a bright new smile? If you’re interested in teeth whitening, we have professional cosmetic treatments that can help remove discoloration. In addition, we also have treatments that can mask permanent teeth stains. Do you have questions about teeth whitening?
Frequently Asked Questions About Teeth Whitening
Question: How does at-home whitening work?
Answer: First, the doctor will assess the cause and severity of your teeth stains. He may then recommend our home-based whitening system. You will be sent home with a set of custom-made trays and a peroxide-based bleaching gel. Patients fill the trays with gel and wear them daily for the amount of time the doctor recommends. Total treatment time takes about a week to ten days.
Question: How do I maintain my new results?
Answer: You can always use your trays and gel for touch ups in the future. In addition, you can continue to brush and floss as recommended. Doing so reduces the severity of plaque buildup, which helps minimize future discoloration. We also suggest having your teeth cleaned twice a year. In addition to brightening teeth, a cleaning can also reduce the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
Question: Can I take steps to avoid future stains?
Answer: While you can’t avoid teeth stains completely you can help reduce their severity. In addition to caring for your smile daily you can stop smoking, cut back on drinks with dark pigments (soda, tea, red wine, fruit juice, coffee), and avoid foods with high amounts of sugar (these promote plaque buildup which makes discoloration more apparent).
Question: What if my discoloration doesn’t respond to teeth whitening?
Answer: If you have intrinsic teeth stains, which form below the enamel and may not respond to traditional whitening, we may suggest veneers. Porcelain veneers are thin restorations placed onto the front of the teeth, masking stains and reshaping the tooth.
ABOUT YOUR ASTORIA, NY, DENTIST:
Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, a native New Yorker, has welcomed patients and families from in and around Astoria, NY (including Queens, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and all surrounding communities) since opening his dental practice in 1991. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Leibowitz, call our office in Astoria today at 718-728-8320.
