I want to whiten my teeth. What are my options for tooth whitening?
a. At home whitening trays. These products use peroxide-based gels to whiten your teeth. Generally, the process involves the daily application of the gel placed in a tray customized to fit snuggly over your teeth. You will need to wear the trays for 30 minutes to 1 hour every day, or overnight, for about two weeks (or as prescribed by your local NY dentist). Side effects may include short-term tooth or gum sensitivity.
b. Zoom!™ whitening (aka in-office whitening). Zoom!™ whitening is a procedure that takes place in a single visit to your dentist. It involves the application of a specially formulated gel that, when exposed to a type of light energy, penetrates the stains in your teeth, breaking them up and leaving your smile brighter and whiter. The entire process takes under an hour.
c. Porcelain veneers. Many people who have tetracycline stained teeth and cannot whiten their teeth with traditional means, or people who want a more permanent solution opt for porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers is a great way to whiten your teeth in a more permanent fashion. The veneers do not stain with time and also correct many other concerns that you may have including crooked teeth, gaps in teeth and a gummy smile. Most of the smile makeovers you see on television are accomplished with porcelain veneers.