Teeth Whitening

If your smile has lost some of its sparkle over time, professional teeth whitening offers a bath back toward a bright, white grin. Bella Pinkatz, DDS, is proud to serve the neighborhood of Kew Gardens in Queens, New York City, New York, through her work at Kew Gardens Dental P.C. If you’d like to give teeth whitening a try, booking a visit is as easy as a quick phone call or a few moments online, so don’t delay.

Why is my smile less white than it used to be?

There are a number of factors that cause or contribute to tooth discoloration. The aging process is a primary culprit and something that none of us can avoid. Only the outermost layer of hard tooth tissue (enamel) is naturally white in color. 

Just beneath this thin layer is another layer of hard tissue called dentin, which is naturally yellow. As the years pass, much of your enamel naturally wears away, revealing more of the yellow dentin. 

Some of the other factors that lead to tooth discoloration include:

• Foods that stain, like wine, coffee, or berries
• Poor dental hygiene
• Exposure to excessive levels of fluoride
• Certain medications or treatments
• Smoking or other tobacco use

No matter how or why your smile has dimmed over time, professional teeth whitening offers a path back to a gleaming grin. 

How does professional teeth whitening work?

Professional teeth whitening uses powerful whitening agents to blast apart stains and reveal a whiter, brighter smile. In-office whitening can boost your smile by as many as eight shades in just one visit. 

Your dentist begins by isolating your tongue and other soft tissues before carefully painting the whitening solution onto the front portions of your teeth. Some systems require a special light to activate the solution, while others simply need to sit in place for a short period of time. 

Your dentist then rinses your teeth to remove the whitening solution. You’ll be able to see your results right away. Some minimal sensitivity and soreness are normal for a day or two after teeth whitening. 

How can I maintain the results after teeth whitening?

Begin by taking a close look at your favorite food and beverage choices. Berries, coffee, tea, red wine, and even potatoes can cause staining, so be sure to rinse your mouth after enjoying them or give your teeth a light brushing. 

Your dentist can also help you improve your at-home dental hygiene routines. Proper brushing and flossing can go a long way toward keeping your smile as bright as possible. Coming in for regular dental exams and professional teeth cleaning is also important. 

When you’re ready to schedule a visit, reach out to the office online or by phone to check appointment availability.