Teeth Whitening

What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening is a type of cosmetic dentistry that uses medical-grade solutions to safely remove stains and discoloration from the surface of your permanent teeth. 

Unfortunately, there’s no way to avoid tooth stains entirely. However, the team at Emery & Scuro DMD, PC, provides professional teeth-whitening solutions that can boost your confidence and self-esteem. 

Why are my teeth yellow and discolored?

Just as your hair turns gray, your teeth turn yellow as your age. This is because the outer layer of your teeth (enamel) chips away over the years due to general wear-and-tear from biting and chewing. This reveals the inner portion of your teeth (dentin). 

Dentin is naturally yellow in color. The more visible your dentin becomes, the yellower your teeth appear.

Other factors that contribute to tooth discoloration include poor oral hygiene, using tobacco, drinking dark-colored beverages like coffee or soda, and taking certain prescription medications. 

What are the different types of teeth whitening?

At Emery & Scuro DMD, PC, the team offers two types of teeth whitening treatments:

In-office teeth whitening

In-office teeth whitening can make your teeth up to ten* shades whiter in just one treatment session. During an in-office teeth whitening appointment, your Emery & Scuro DMD, PC provider covers your tongue and gums with a barrier. Then, they carefully apply a bleaching solution to the surface of each of your teeth.

After the solution sits for about 15 minutes, your provider points a special light at your teeth, which triggers a chemical reaction. The reaction eradicates stains and discoloration from the surface of your teeth. Your provider repeats this process several times until your teeth are your desired shade of white.

Take-home teeth whitening trays

Take-home teeth whitening trays are plastic mouthpieces that fit the unique curves of your teeth. You fill each tray with a prescription whitening solution and wear them for 15 minutes each day for 2-4 weeks. Take-home whitening trays don’t provide as immediate results as in-office whitening, but they can transform your smile over a period of time.

How long do the results of teeth whitening treatments last?

The results of teeth whitening treatments aren’t permanent, but they can last for a long time depending on what you consume that will eventually restain your teeth. 

In order to extend your results, the team at Emery & Scuro DMD, PC recommends brushing and flossing regularly, visiting the dentist every six months for a professional cleaning, and avoiding tobacco use and foods or beverages that stain your teeth.

To schedule your teeth whitening appointment at Emery & Scuro DMD, PC, call the office or book online today. 

*Individual results may vary.