Dental Whitening in Whitehouse Station, NJ
Brighten Your Smile With Our Cosmetic Dentist
At Lasting Smiles of Whitehouse Station, Dr. Thomas Gulino and our dental team are committed to providing various dental services, from cosmetic dentistry to emergency dental care. If you live in Whitehouse Station, Tewksbury, or Lebanon, NJ, and are looking to brighten your smile, we can help.
What Is Dental Whitening?
Dental whitening is a routine cosmetic procedure in which we bleach your teeth to make them whiter, covering or eliminating stains and discoloration. The enamel on your teeth builds up over time, causing stains to form. If you use tobacco, drink coffee and tea, or practice poor oral hygiene, you should consider this procedure.
Dental whitening is also commonly performed on patients whose teeth are discolored from the inside, known as an intrinsic stain. Environmental factors or trauma can also result in stains.
Types of Dental Whitening
Vital Whitening
Vital Whitening refers to the color correction of teeth with stained enamel with gel whitening solutions. Vital whitening can be performed in the dentist’s office, home, or both. If you choose in-office treatment, we’ll protect your gums with a protective agent before applying the whitening solution to the teeth.
Non-Vital Whitening
Non-Vital Whitening is recommended for patients whose teeth don’t have live nerves because of root canal treatment. After a root canal, the pulp inside the tooth darkens. Dr. Gulino can brighten the teeth with this treatment. We’ll insert the whitening agent inside the tooth and brighten it to your desired shade. From there, we’ll remove the agent and seal the tooth with dental composite material.
Preparing for a Dental Whitening
Before starting your treatment, your teeth whitening dentist will examine your teeth to identify the cause of the stains and discoloration. We’ll treat any cavities or decay before whitening. The whitening solution can penetrate the tooth through the cavity if we don’t treat them.
How Teeth Whitening Work
In-Office Whitening
In-office whitening typically requires up to three visits, with each appointment taking 30 to 90 minutes. The number of visits and duration of each one depends on the severity of the stains, the level of whiteness sought, and the chosen whitening method. In most cases, our dentist will apply a whitening solution containing a form of hydrogen peroxide. We use a specialized light or laser to activate the solution and expedite the process.
At-Home Whitening
If you opt for an in-home whitening, we’ll provide you with custom mouthpieces based on impressions of your teeth. You’ll fill the mouthpieces with the provided solution and wear them for a few hours daily according to our instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who isn’t an ideal candidate for teeth whitening?
We don’t recommend teeth whitening to those with excessively worn enamel or periodontal disease, as well as those who experience chronic sensitivity. Although dental whitening is generally very effective, the relative success of the procedure varies for each person depending on the cause and severity of the stains.
Are there any risks with dental whitening?
You may feel sensitivity or gum irritation for a short time afterward. More severe side effects are rare. Don’t hesitate to contact your dentist’s office if you experience pain or discomfort. Additionally, we don’t recommend dental whitening for those who are pregnant.
Can I whiten my dental restorations?
No, teeth whitening is ineffective in dental restorations such as:
- Dental Fillings
- Dental implants
- Dental veneers
- Dental crowns
- Dentures
If you’ve gotten dental restorations and decide to get teeth whitening treatment, the shade may look off due to dental restorations’ immunity to stains. It’s recommended you whiten your teeth before getting dental restorations. This is so your restorations can match the desired shade.
Shine Your Smile at Lasting Smiles of Whitehouse Station!
Our team at Lasting Smiles of Whitehouse Station proudly serves the communities of Whitehouse Station, Tewksbury, and Lebanon, NJ. Not only do we provide cosmetic dentistry but also several dental surgery procedures or regular dental cleaning.
Give Lasting Smiles of Whitehouse Station a call at (908) 534-4001 to schedule a free consultation today. You can also book an appointment here and one of our staff members will get back to you. We look forward to seeing you soon!