Teeth Whitening Specialist
If teeth have become discolored over time because of age or stains, professional teeth whitening can restore the vitality of the patient’s smile. Dr. Alina Lane at All Smiles Dentistry offers effective, professional teeth whitening services to patients throughout New York and the surrounding area.
Teeth Whitening Q&A
What is teeth whitening?
The teeth whitening process is designed to remove stains from the teeth, making them whiter and more attractive. Teeth whitening is non-invasive and doesn’t usually require anesthetic.
What causes tooth discoloration?
Discoloration of the teeth is a common problem that can occur for many different reasons. Many patients experience discoloration of the teeth because they consume certain beverages that cause staining, such as coffee, tea, and red wine. Poor oral hygiene and use of tobacco can also contribute to tooth discoloration.
Who is a good candidate for teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening is effective for the removal of stains caused by food, drink, or use of tobacco, as well as those caused by poor oral hygiene. However, severely stained teeth may not respond to professional whitening. In addition, whitening won’t be effective on crowns, veneers, or other false teeth.
How does professional teeth whitening work?
During a professional whitening procedure, Dr. Lane uses a special whitening agent to remove stains from the teeth. She applies this agent to the teeth and it remains in place throughout treatment. Dr. Lane typically uses a UV light to activate the whitening agent. In most cases, professional whitening is completed during a single session.
Is professional whitening better than at-home whitening?
Some patients may wonder whether they can simply use over-the-counter whitening kits to whiten their teeth at home. Although these kits can whiten the teeth, professional whitening offers several advantages over these at-home kits. For example, over-the-counter whitening kits aren't customized to the needs of the patient, and they aren't reusable. In addition, over-the-counter kits don’t provide the same results as professional whitening. In most cases, the results from a professional treatment will be much more noticeable and longer-lasting than the results from an over-the-counter kit.
Is professional whitening painful?
Professional whitening isn't typically painful, and patients rarely complain of any discomfort during this procedure. However, some patients experience tooth sensitivity temporarily after professional whitening procedures. Patients who experience pain or sensitivity after tooth whitening should mention the problem to Dr. Lane.