Professional in-office and at-home teeth whitening systems have revolutionized cosmetic dentistry. In-office teeth whitening systems allow patients to brighten their teeth multiple shades in about an hour, while at-home whitening kits produce similar results over several days in the privacy of the patients’ own homes. At Astoria Dental Group, a cosmetic dentistry practice serving all of New York City, Drs. Clifford Degel and Carmen Every-Degel offer their patients two of the premier teeth whitening systems in all of dentistry, Zoom!® and BriteSmile®. Below you will find answers to some of the questions commonly asked about these extraordinary treatments.
Which types of stains are most effectively treated by teeth whitening?
Yellowish-brownish stains, such as those caused by coffee, tea, soda, and tobacco, tend to respond to whitening treatments more than grayish stains, such as those that are caused by heredity or trauma. Teeth whitening treatments will lighten even stubborn stains to some degree; however, patients should have realistic expectations about the results they can expect.
What alternatives are there to teeth whitening?
For patients with deep discoloration, teeth whitening may not completely erase their stains. For these patients, porcelain veneers, dental crowns, or dental bonding may be superior options.
What is the difference between professional teeth whitening treatments and over-the-counter kits?
While over-the-counter teeth whitening kits may seem like a bargain, the low-concentration gels contained in these kits produce minimal results, if any. Professional at-home teeth whitening kits obtained from a qualified dentist are, by far, a better bet for those who wish to whiten their teeth in the convenience of their homes.
If you have further questions about teeth whitening and how it can be used as part of your smile makeover, please contact Astoria Dental Group, serving all of New York City.
