Teeth Whitening in Scarsdale, NY

At Scarsdale Dental Group, we offer suitable patients whose teeth have been discolored or stained, teeth whitening (bleaching) treatments. As the Before and After Images from one of our cases show, this noninvasive teeth whitening treatment can provide a brilliant and poised smile.

The term whitening can be applied to any dental treatment or product that restores the color of teeth’s surface by removing debris or dirt. Hence, any dental product that cleans teeth, such as toothpaste, can be called a whitener.

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) only allows the term bleaching to be used when referring to a dental treatment or product that whitens teeth beyond their natural color. At Scarsdale Dental group we use a safe, proven carbamide peroxide based product in whitening (bleaching) treatments. 

Teeth usually start out with a sparkling white enamel surface. Tooth enamel protects teeth from the effects that chewing, biting, trauma and the acid from certain foods can cause. However, enamel gets worn down and becomes more transparent over time. This allows the yellow color of a tooth’s core material, dentin, to show. This can cause teeth to appear discolored or yellowed.

Habitual chewing and biting also cause microscopic cracks to appear in tooth enamel. As time passes, debris and stains get stuck in these tiny cracks, resulting in the duller look of teeth.

Tooth stains can be broken up into two categories: intrinsic and extrinsic stains. Intrinsic stains occur with aging, trauma, exposure to certain minerals, such as tetracycline, and/or excessive fluoride ingestion. Although intrinsic stains are more deeply set in teeth, they can still be removed with certain whitening treatments.

People are usually more familiar with the concept of extrinsic stains, which are the stains that appear on teeth’s surface as a result of ingesting dark-colored drinks, such as coffee, tea and red wine, eating certain foods, smoking tobacco, and regular wear. Although mild extrinsic stains can be removed by brushing and visiting The Scarsdale Dental Group for regular teeth cleanings, for more severe stains we may recommend treatments or procedures like Teeth Bleaching by us.

To begin in-office teeth whitening (i.e., bleaching) treatment, our highly trained dental professionals paint on a rubber dam to protect the gums. Then, we apply a high-concentration peroxide gel to teeth. Next, you relax for 15 to 20 minutes while the gel works its magic. This layer of peroxide gel is removed, and the process is repeated a few more times. Generally, the entire process takes an hour or less. If you have especially stubborn stains, you may be advised to come back for additional bleaching sessions. Another option may be to continue teeth whitening treatment with an at-home whitening kit.

Keep in mind that touch-ups may be required to maintain the whitening effects of treatment. This is especially true if you frequently drink coffee, tea or red wine, or smoke. You should consult with our office before starting any whitening treatment if you have extensive dental implants, porcelain veneers or other cosmetic dental enhancements.

Please call to set up a consultation with us to know if teeth whitening (bleaching) treatment is right for you.