Bleaching is a very conservative and non-invasive approach to creating a brighter and more appealing smile. Teeth can often take on a darker and unattractive appearance with age or from contact with staining substances. Tobacco, coffee or tea, juices, poor hygiene, genetics, and natural aging can cause the discoloration. Bleaching has become very popular for a whiter and brighter smile because it’s fast, simple and inexpensive with excellent and predictable results.
Mal Braverman DMD FADFE provides quality in office teeth whitening with BriteSmile the New York City Cosmetic Dentistry Center.
There are two commonly used methods for bleaching: at-home and in-office. Both begin with an office consultation to determine if the patient is a good candidate for the bleaching process. The at-home technique is least expensive. The in-office method (power bleaching) allows the dentist to place a higher concentration of an oxidizing agent to the teeth.
At-Home Method:
A custom mouthpiece or “tray” is made by the dental office to fit your teeth. This tray fits over the patient’s teeth and holds the bleaching material against the teeth for a specified period of time. There are different concentrations of bleach that are worn via the tray for 30 minutes per day for an average of 10 to 14 days. The regimen will be determined by the dentist and may differ for each patient. If the teeth become more sensitive to hot and cold, a “desensitizing” material may be used in the same tray on alternating days. Results are usually excellent with this method and the trays can be used to remove to remove future staining.
The gum tissues are covered to protect them from being irritated by a higher concentration of the bleaching material. The bleach may be then activated by a high intensity light or a laser to accelerate the process. This method is usually repeated at separate appointments. Most patients require a touch-up after one to five years, depending on the patient’s habits and desires.
Mal Braverman DMD FADFE provides quality in office teeth whitening with BriteSmile the New York City Cosmetic Dentistry Center. At-home teeth whitening options are also available and Dr. Braverman will instruct you on the best approach to take. Call 212-688-3838 or click the link below to schedule a free consultation. A beautful and natural looking pearly white smile is only a phone call away.
