3 Options for Whitening Your Teeth

The most common cosmetic dentistry procedure is teeth whitening. Why is that? Well, no matter how diligent you are with your oral hygiene habits, some staining and yellowing is inevitable as we age, so it’s a universal concern among patients. Luckily, there are many safe, effective options for whitening your teeth. Here are three to consider:

When it comes to teeth whitening, in-office treatments from ZOOM!® are the gold standard––and it’s an option we offer here at Madison Dental Arts. This advanced whitening system uses proprietary technology to make your teeth up to eight shades whiter in about an hour. While it’s the most expensive option of the ones listed here, it’s also the most effective, so it’s a good choice if you have significant staining or yellowing.

During ZOOM!® whitening treatment, we protect your gums and soft tissue, then apply bleaching gel to your teeth. A light is held up to your mouth to activate this gel and the treatment is repeated three times. It’s possible to whiten your teeth even more afterwards by following up your in-office treatments with the at-home system.

Whether or not you use ZOOM!® for in-office treatment, you can use its take-home whitening system. This system will lighten your teeth by up to six shades in a matter of days. 

One special circumstance that calls for microabrasion is fluorosis stains. These are bright white stains on adult teeth that form when children consume too much fluoride. Microabrasion can remove these unsightly white spots.

This second  option is used many times in conjunction with the in office Zoom treatment. A precisely fitted custom tray allows you to enhance the color of  your teeth after the Zoom treatment. They also serve as an excellent way to maintain the new whiter color of your teeth. Feel free to ask us about this combination treatment at your next visit.

Because just about everyone wants whiter teeth, there’s no shortage of over-the-counter whitening treatments available at your local drugstore and online retailers. They range from the sensible to the absolutely ridiculous––there are special toothpastes, toothbrushes, whitening strips and trays, lights, mouth rinses, powder made of clay and charcoal, and more. 

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. That said, there are plenty of great options out there to take care of mild staining and yellowing. Look for products that carry the ADA Seal of Acceptance. The American Dental Association only awards this seal to products that are safe and that work well. If you’re feeling uncertain, feel free to ask us for recommendations at your next appointment––we’re always happy to help.

If you'd like to discuss our cosmetic dentistry services or make an appointment for teeth whitening, contact us today at 212-532-1400.