Even if you regularly brush and floss every day, you can still experience discoloration on your teeth over time. This
can either be due to age, drinking dark-colored beverages, poor dental hygiene, worn out enamel, and even genetics.
Fortunately, Dr. Admasu Gizachew can offer
you the treatment you need for a beautiful
smile: teeth whitening. With both in-office and take-home procedures, you’ll be able to brighten your
pearly whites by several shades with a quick and effective solution. Read on to learn about teeth whitening in
Barnegat, or contact our office if
you’d like to schedule a consultation!
Who Is a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
If you’re unhappy with the way your smile looks in the mirror, then you’re likely a good candidate
for
teeth whitening treatment. However, the best way to determine this is to visit Dr. Gizachew for an initial
consultation. After reviewing your dental history and evaluating if your gums are healthy, we’ll discuss
whether an in-office or at-home option is best for you. Our team will then create a customized treatment plan so
that you know what to expect from your whitening process.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
Compared to store-bought products, we can provide more powerful and safer whitening treatments at NU Dental of
Barnegat. Read on as we cover the differences between our take-home and in-office Ultradent solutions to
discover
which is right for you.
Take-Home Teeth Whitening
You can whiten your smile in the comfort of your home with our custom trays and professional-grade bleaching gel.
You’ll wear them for a certain period every day over the course of two weeks. Once you’ve completed
your
treatment, you’ll be able to enjoy a significantly brighter smile.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
If you’re on a tight schedule and would rather whiten your teeth in a single visit, then you might consider
our
in-office procedure. We’ll use a bleaching agent to blast away any stains from below the surface of your
tooth
enamel in about an hour.
Tips for Maintaining Your Brighter Smile
After completing your teeth whitening process, we recommend you practice several steps to maximize how long your
results will last:
- Keeping good dental hygiene (brushing and flossing).
- Visiting your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.
- Reducing your exposure to dark liquids and foods, such as coffee or blueberries.
- Avoiding harmful habits that can weaken your enamel and cause discoloration (smoking, using your teeth as
tools,
etc.)
If you’d like to schedule an initial consultation for teeth whitening in Barnegat, feel free to give our team a call today! Dr.
Gizachew
will be more than happy to discuss your options for a beautiful smile.
Understanding the Cost of Teeth Whitening
Before you go all-in on any dental treatment, certainly you’ll want to be clear on what it’s going to cost.
Below,
we’ll touch on all the factors that impact the cost of teeth whitening in Barnegat. Though it can vary from
patient
to patient, gaining a better understanding of the elements involved will help you know what to expect before
your
smile rejuvenation.
Read More
How Do I Know If I Need Cosmetic Dentistry?
Are you struggling with mild dental flaws like stained, chipped, cracked, misshapen, or misaligned
teeth? If
so, then you might be a good candidate for cosmetic dentistry. Depending on which option you choose, the
results can range from whitening your teeth to creating your dream smile! Not only can your treatment
give
your pearly whites a more attractive appearance, but it can also help improve your dental health. The
best
way to determine if you’re eligible for cosmetic dentistry is to schedule a consultation with our
team. We’ll assess your situation and determine which treatment options are best for achieving
your
smile goals.
Does Cosmetic Dentistry Hurt?
Most cosmetic dental treatments are non-invasive, meaning you likely won’t need local anesthetics
or
experience much discomfort. With that said, our team will still make sure you’re as comfortable as
possible throughout the process. We’ll especially numb your mouth for more complex treatments like
veneers. You may experience mild soreness or sensitivity for a few days after your cosmetic procedure,
but
this should gradually go away on its own. If the sensation persists for too long, then be sure to reach
us
right away for help.
What’s the Difference Between a Dentist and a Cosmetic Dentist?
While cosmetic dentistry isn’t typically considered a specialty like orthodontics and pediatrics,
many
dentists often pursue advanced training to perform these treatments. A cosmetic dentist is primarily
focused
on enhancing the appearance of your teeth through an artistic lens compared to general dentists.
It’s
important to remember that they can still perform the usual dental services available such as routine
checkups and cleanings, fillings, and crowns.
Is Cosmetic Dentistry Covered by Insurance?
Cosmetic dentistry is generally not considered “essential”, so many dental insurance
providers
don’t offer coverage for it. Fortunately, there might be exceptions for certain kinds of
procedures
that are beneficial to your dental health. For instance, your benefits may provide partial coverage for
veneers or crowns, as these are designed to protect damaged teeth. Make sure you double-check the
details of
your plan with your insurance company before making any decisions. You can also speak with our
knowledgeable
team so we can help you make the most of your benefits!
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Is Teeth Whitening Permanent?
Although you can enjoy the results of your teeth whitening for several months or longer, it isn’t
considered a
permanent solution for your smile. In many cases, patients can maintain their brand-new pearly whites for
anywhere
between two months to a few years as long as they take good care of them. If you wish to make the most of your
results, you’ll need to practice good oral hygiene every day, such as brushing twice a day, flossing
daily,
and rinsing with mouthwash often. Remember to avoid poor dental habits, like smoking, and visit our team every
six
months for checkups and cleanings. We can also provide touchup treatments to help preserve your brightened
teeth.
Does Teeth Whitening Hurt?
Some patients imagine that the procedure will feel uncomfortable, so they hesitate to commit to the treatment.
However, professional teeth whitening is completely personalized for your smile, meaning you’re less
likely to
experience discomfort or sensitivity afterward. Even so, if your teeth are more susceptible to feeling
sensitive,
feel free to notify our dental team. We can space out your treatment to help keep your smile comfortable
throughout
the process. We’ll also recommend that you avoid hot or cold beverages and use specialty toothpaste for
dental
sensitivity.
Does Teeth Whitening Work on Dental Crowns?
Unlike your natural teeth, dental crowns will not benefit from professional whitening treatment. Since they
aren’t made of organic and porous material, bleaching agents won’t be able to penetrate the surface
effectively to remove stains and discoloration. Furthermore, whitening gels can compromise the bond between your
restoration and your tooth, resulting in complications. Fortunately, preventing your dental crown from staining
or
discoloring simply requires implementing a strict oral hygiene routine like with your natural teeth. You can
also
consult our team if you’re unhappy with the color of your crown, as we can replace it to suit your dental
needs.
Does Teeth Whitening Damage Enamel?
Professional teeth whitening should not damage healthy enamel. That said, if your pearly whites are compromised
by
gum disease or decay, then the bleaching chemicals can create issues. For this reason, we’ll need to
perform a
thorough examination of your oral health before starting any treatment. Additionally, at-home whitening remedies
can
cause damage to your smile, such as using hydrogen peroxide or activated charcoal. So, if you want to whiten
your
teeth without putting your enamel at risk, make sure to always consult your dentist first. They can help you
achieve
your desired results while keeping your pearly whites safe.
