Professional Teeth Whitening in Midtown Manhattan

Who teeth whitening can help

Whitening is most effective on discoloration that builds up over time, such as:

• yellowing that comes with age
• stains from coffee, tea, red wine, dark sauces or berries
• staining from tobacco

It also helps when you're planning other work. If you're considering veneers or crowns on front teeth, whitening first lets us match the new work to your lighter shade. Many patients whiten after finishing Invisalign, too.

Whitening isn't for everyone. We don't recommend it during pregnancy or while nursing, or for children under 13. Cavities, gum disease, exposed roots and very sensitive teeth need attention first. Crowns, veneers, fillings and bonding don't change color with whitening, so visible restorations may stand out afterward. Some deep stains, such as gray discoloration from certain medications or a tooth that darkened after an injury, respond slowly or only a little. In those cases, veneers or another treatment may give a better result.

What professional whitening is

Tooth color comes partly from the enamel surface and partly from the layer beneath it. Whitening gels contain hydrogen peroxide, or carbamide peroxide, which breaks down into hydrogen peroxide. The peroxide passes into the tooth and breaks apart the molecules that cause discoloration, so the tooth looks lighter.

Most whitening toothpastes work mainly by polishing away surface stains, so they can't change the underlying color the way a peroxide gel can. Professional whitening also differs from store-bought kits in how the gel is applied: with your gums protected in the office, or in trays made to fit your teeth at home.

We offer two professional options:

• Zoom in-office whitening. Done in one visit at our office on Madison Avenue. The whitening itself typically takes about an hour, with your gums and lips protected throughout.
• Zoom take-home kits. Trays custom-fitted to your teeth, plus whitening gel and instructions, so you can whiten at home on your own schedule. The course typically takes about two weeks.

The in-office treatment works faster, while the take-home kit lightens teeth gradually and suits people who prefer to whiten at home. Some people use a take-home kit later for touch-ups.

Benefits and what to expect

Whitening under a dentist's care has practical advantages:

• your teeth and gums are checked first, so problems such as cavities are found before whitening
• the gel is applied with your gums protected, or in trays made for your teeth, which keeps it where it belongs
• we can suggest the option that suits your stains, schedule and sensitivity

How much lighter your teeth become varies. It depends on your starting shade, the kind of staining and your teeth themselves. Yellowish discoloration usually responds better than gray. We can record your starting shade at the exam so you can compare afterward.

The most common side effect is temporary sensitivity, and some people have mild gum irritation where gel touched the gums. Both are usually short-lived, and sensitivity often settles within a day or two. Whitening results fade gradually, faster with coffee, tea, red wine and tobacco. Daily brushing and flossing, regular cleanings and occasional touch-ups help your teeth stay brighter for longer.

How whitening works, step by step

1. Consultation and exam. We talk about your goals, examine your teeth and gums, note any restorations that won't change color and help you choose between in-office and take-home whitening.
2. Preparation. For in-office whitening, we clean the tooth surfaces and place protective barriers over your gums and lips.
3. Whitening gel. We apply the Zoom gel, which contains hydrogen peroxide, to the front surfaces of your teeth.
4. The light. A Zoom LED light is positioned over your teeth while the gel works.
5. Rinse and repeat. The gel is removed and reapplied, up to three times in one visit.
6. Finishing. We finish with a gel meant to ease sensitivity and give you aftercare instructions.
7. Take-home kits. If you choose a kit instead, we take a scan or impressions to make your custom trays, then show you how much gel to use and how long to wear the trays.