Teeth whitening can offer a quick, economical, and painless smile makeover, taking years off your smile. Dr. Brad Gorsky provides professional teeth whitening to boost the color of your smile safely using custom bleaching trays and quality materials. From Tuckahoe to Yonkers, Eastchester to New Rochelle, Crestwood Dental proudly serves all neighborhoods in Westchester County. We also provide more cosmetic dental care services to patients in Westchester County.
What are My Tooth Whitening Options?
Because we like giving our patients choices that suit their needs and lifestyles, Dr. Gorsky offers both in-office whitening and customized take-home tooth whitening kits. Both options use prescription-grade gels that are much stronger and more effective than over-the-counter whitening gels and strips.
In-Office Whitening with BriteSmile
In-office whitening is super fast and effective. Our BriteSmile whitening technique can lighten and brighten your teeth up to eight shades in the time it usually takes you to eat lunch! It is a great way to freshen your look before a class reunion, a big date, or a job interview – it even makes a great pick-me-up to help you feel younger and more vibrant.
Take-Home Whitening Kits
If you feel more comfortable whitening your teeth at home or want the convenience of whitening whenever and wherever you have time, we offer Opalescence take-home whitening kits with custom-made trays for the ultimate comfort and fit. Just fill the trays with your prescription gel and whiten them away. In about two weeks, your smile will look brighter and whiter.
Professional Vs. Over-the-Counter Whitening
You may wonder why you should go for professional teeth whitening when there are so many over-the-counter options. Though there are many choices on drugstore shelves, professional products have many benefits that these don’t.
Dentists are the only people who can get the strongest whitening agents. They don’t sell those over the counter for fear that people will misuse them. If you whiten too often, especially with strong whitening agents, it can cause sensitivity and pain in your teeth.
With the stronger formulas of professional whitening agents, they can break down stains quickly. You can get teeth several shades whiter in a single session. With drugstore products, they’re less effective, and it takes a lot longer to get the results you’re looking for. It can take weeks to get the same level of whitening as professional products.
Professional whitening is customized to each patient’s smile, whereas over-the-counter products have to be one-size-fits-all. There’s a higher risk of the bleaching agent coming into contact with gums and soft tissue, causing pain. They can also whiten unevenly because they don’t fit properly.
Even when it’s take-home whitening with trays, they’re customized to fit your smile. This ensures even whitening and that the bleaching agent won’t go to other areas of the mouth. A snug fit with the custom trays also seals out saliva so that it won’t interfere with the whitening process.
With professional whitening, you have the benefit of a dentist guiding your treatment. Dr. Gorsky is a dental expert and can identify if you’re a good candidate for whitening treatment. He can also determine if you have underlying conditions or issues that could make whitening a bad idea. He provides extra care, as well as aesthetic expertise. The shade of white he chooses will be selected to fit well with your smile, skin tone, and hair color, creating the perfect overall effect.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have answers to some of the most commonly asked questions concerning professional teeth whitening treatments.
Do I need a dental cleaning before starting whitening treatment?
We recommend getting a dental cleaning before whitening treatment. Removing plaque and tartar ensures the whitening agent contacts all tooth surfaces evenly, preventing splotchy results. Cleaning also helps us identify any cavities or gum issues you should address first. Whitening can increase sensitivity in problem areas. Starting with clean teeth maximizes your whitening results and helps your bright smile last longer.
Can teenagers or young adults safely use professional whitening?
Yes, but dentists usually recommend it for patients 16 and older. Whitening younger teeth can increase sensitivity or cause uneven results if baby teeth are still present. Always have a dentist supervise the process.
How long do the results of professional teeth whitening last?
Results typically last 6 months to 2 years, depending on your habits. Drinking coffee, tea, or smoking can shorten results. Good home care helps extend whitening effects.
Is professional teeth whitening safe for people with sensitive teeth?
Professional whitening can work for sensitive teeth, but we’ll take extra precautions with your treatment. We offer desensitizing products before and after whitening to minimize discomfort and can recommend a gentler approach with lower-concentration whitening agents.
Many patients with sensitivity do better with in-office treatments where we can carefully monitor the process rather than at-home options. We’ll assess your sensitivity level and dental health to create a whitening plan that brightens your smile while minimizing discomfort.
How soon after whitening can I eat or drink dark-colored foods?
Avoid dark foods and drinks for 24 to 48 hours after whitening. Your teeth are more likely to absorb stains during this time. Stick to light-colored foods to protect your results.
Will whitening treatments work on crowns, veneers, or fillings?
Whitening treatments won’t change the color of dental restorations, including crowns, veneers, or fillings. These materials don’t respond to bleaching agents like natural tooth enamel. If you whiten your natural teeth, existing restorations might appear darker or yellower by comparison.
We sometimes recommend whitening before replacing old restorations or replacing visible restorations after whitening to match your new tooth color for a uniform smile.