Teeth whitening is one of the most popular treatments in cosmetic dentistry. Practically anyone can benefit from teeth whitening, a quick and affordable way to improve the esthetics of your smile. Dr. Raj Upadya of the Metropolitan Center for Complete Dentistry offers convenient teeth whitening in East Hanover, NJ.
Tooth enamel darkens naturally over time. Exposure to dark foods and beverages or tobacco use can accelerate changes in the color of your teeth. In addition, certain medications, childhood illnesses, or improper oral hygiene can lead to tooth discoloration.
Professional Teeth Whitening vs. Over-the-Counter Options
Professional teeth whitening is much safer and yields faster results than over-the-counter options. At-home and in-office options maximize results while minimizing side effects such as tooth sensitivity and uneven results. We will protect your gums during the entire treatment to help with the side effects.
We understand that purchasing cheap teeth whitening products at the stores seems a better option. However, these options are not as efficient as professional teeth whitening. Professional teeth whitening will deliver predictable and noticeable results faster and with little effort.
Teeth Whitening Pros and Cons Infographic
Teeth Whitening in East Hanover, NJ: What to Expect
There are many over-the-counter options for teeth whitening, including whitening toothpaste, strips, and gels. Professional treatment is still the best choice for patients who want the best results.
Dr. Upadya offers teeth whitening systems with custom-fit trays to ensure even whitening of teeth. In addition, our products are specially formulated to reduce tooth sensitivity, a common side effect of whitening.
Zoom! Teeth Whitening
This is one of the most popular technologies for in-office teeth whitening. Zoom teeth whitening is completed in our office in less than an hour and produces instant results up to 8 shades lighter.
Zoom teeth whitening is great for special events such as weddings, graduations, and job interviews. In-office tooth whitening can also provide a great “jump start” to at-home teeth whitening treatment.
Zoom teeth whitening uses a professional bleaching gel activated using a special lighting system. The gel penetrates the teeth to lighten stains and discoloration. The whole process should only take an hour at our East Hanover, NJ, area cosmetic dentist office.
Zoom whitening is gentle and effective. While some patients report tooth sensitivity immediately following the procedure, they typically can eat and drink normally within hours of the procedure.
At-Home Teeth Whitening
Some patients prefer the convenience of professional at-home teeth whitening kits. Our at-home teeth whitening product includes a custom-fit bleaching tray and special bleaching gel. Dr. Upadya will create custom bleaching trays to fit perfectly against your teeth and gums.
These customized trays ensure that the bleaching gel will be administered evenly and properly without causing damage to the gums or tooth enamel.
At-home teeth whitening treatment takes place over several weeks where the trays are worn either during the day or overnight. The length of your treatment time will depend on your needs. Touch-up products are available to maintain your brighter, whiter smile.
Other Options for Teeth Whitening
Unfortunately, some people have teeth that will not respond to these teeth whitening methods. Dr. Upadya may suggest other cosmetic dentistry procedures such as dental crowns, tooth bonding, or porcelain veneers for those patients.
Dental Crowns
Crowns can improve the appearance of your teeth. They can fixed stained and damaged teeth. A dental crown will cover the visible surface of the tooth down to the gum line.
If you want a whiter smile and a professional teeth whitening treatment does not work, a dental crown may be your answer. Dental crowns will match the color of your surrounding teeth. We can also select a lighter shade, contributing to a brighter and more aesthetically pleasing smile. To learn more about the dental crown process, see Dental Crown.
Porcelain Veneers
Veneers are a popular cosmetic dentistry treatment we use to improve the appearance of your smile. If your teeth do not respond to professional teeth whitening, dental veneers are a great treatment to brighten your smile.
Porcelain veneers are thin shells that we will custom-make to cover the front surface of your teeth. They will mask discolorations, stains, and imperfections, for a brighter and more uniform appearance. Not only will they whiten your teeth, but they will provide a permanent solution that will last much longer than teeth whitening. To learn more about the porcelain veneer process, see Porcelain Veneers.
Tooth Bonding
Dental bonding can contribute to a whiter smile by covering stained or discolored teeth. In the bonding process, we apply a tooth-colored resin material to the tooth’s surface. Then, we sculpt and shape it to the tooth. This material can be matched to the desired shade, helping to conceal stains and discolorations effectively.
While dental bonding is not as durable as porcelain veneers, it is affordable and can be completed in a single dental appointment. It offers a conservative option for improving the color and overall appearance of individual teeth. This creates a brighter and more aesthetically pleasing smile. To learn more about the benefits of dental bonding, see Tooth Bonding.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Learn more about teeth whitening in East Hanover, NJ, with answers to these common questions:
How much do teeth whitening services cost?
Teeth whitening is one of the most affordable cosmetic dentistry treatments available. The cost of your whitening treatment will depend on the type of whitening you choose and your desired outcome. Contact our office for more specific details.
Will bleaching cause my teeth to be more sensitive?
One of the more common side effects of teeth whitening is tooth sensitivity. Dr. Upadya carefully supervises teeth whitening treatments to ensure minimal side effects. The products we use are specially formulated to reduce the risk of sensitivity. These advanced whitening products are designed to protect your teeth and gums while delivering effective results.
If you have extremely sensitive teeth, we will work with you to find an alternative to brighten your smile.
How long does whitening last?
The results of teeth whitening will vary based on each individual. Most patients can expect Zoom teeth whitening to last up to a year or more. Touch-up treatment every four to six months can help extend the results of your treatment. Visiting the dentist regularly and avoiding smoking and dark foods will also help to keep your teeth white and bright.
Will teeth whitening permanently whiten my teeth?
No. Even professional teeth whitening procedures can not offer permanent whitening results. Teeth whitening can last a long time but is not permanent. You must follow up with more treatments to keep the brightness for a long time.
Are there permanent alternatives to teeth whitening?
Yes. Dental veneers are an excellent, permanent solution for teeth whitening, especially for those teeth with deep dark stains that do not go away after teeth whitening. Porcelain veneers are highly stain-resistant and stay bright for years with proper dental hygiene.
What can you not do after teeth whitening?
After teeth whitening, avoid foods and drinks known to cause staining, such as coffee, red wine, soda, tea, and dark berries. These can easily stain your teeth and diminish the whitening results.
In addition, if you smoke or use tobacco products, you should cut back or quit altogether. Smoking and tobacco use not only stain your teeth but also cause the whitening effects to fade more quickly. By limiting these habits, you can help preserve the bright, fresh look.
Why do dental injuries discolor teeth?
Dental injuries can discolor teeth because they damage the inside of the tooth. When a tooth is injured, the blood vessels inside it may break, causing blood or other materials to seep into the tooth. Over time, this can lead to a darkening or grayish color. Sometimes, the injury can also cause the nerve inside the tooth to die, which also leads to discoloration. This change in color happens from the inside, making the tooth look darker than normal.
How can aging discolor teeth?
As we age, our teeth can become discolored for a few reasons. First, the outer layer of the tooth, called enamel, gets thinner over time. When this happens, the yellowish layer underneath, called dentin, becomes more visible.
Second, the enamel can become stained from food and drinks like coffee, tea, and red wine. Over the years, these stains can build up and make teeth look darker. Natural changes in the tooth structure can also cause discoloration. All these factors together can make your teeth appear yellow or dull as you age.
Brighten Your Teeth
Are you looking for a dentist who offers teeth whitening options in the East Hanover, NJ, area? Dr. Upadya offers his patients many cosmetic dentistry treatments to whiten teeth, including the Zoom teeth whitening system.
We gladly welcome new patients. Call us today at (973) 287-3153 or request a consultation online.