Is Teeth Whitening Right for Me?

Your smile is not as bright as it once was. You brush and floss, but your teeth appear yellow and dull. Your co-worker had her teeth professionally. Could teeth whitening be right for your smile? Dr. Nainesh Desai, your dentist at Central Jersey Dental Arts in Piscataway, NJ answers questions such as yours. He offers whitening as part of his premiere cosmetic dentistry services. Here are details on this popular and well-respected process.

Teeth change over time

Just as your skin develops fine lines and your hair grays, your teeth naturally yellow and darken with age. The enamel tends to thin, exposing the yellow dentin beneath.

Also with time, teeth encounter dark foods and drinks, tobacco, and even prescription drugs that stain enamel. Black tea and red wine, for example, contain molecules called tannins, which deeply discolor teeth.

In addition, tooth color changes because of oral trauma (the enamel develops fine cracks), and not surprisingly, poor oral hygiene makes your teeth yellow. Accumulated plaque and tartar catch and hold staining food residues.

Is professional whitening the solution?

If you're interested in how this simple, safe service could enhance your appearance, come to Central Jersey Dental Arts in Piscataway, NJ. Dr. Desai will examine your teeth and gums to make sure they are healthy and that no hidden issues are causing your dental stains. Then, he'll offer you a choice of in-office whitening or at-home whitening.

Here's how the in-office version works. You'll sit comfortably in the dental chair as Dr. Desai installs a plastic dam, or retractor, to protect your lips and cheeks.

Then, the dentist coats the front of the teeth with a highly concentrated hydrogen peroxide gel. As this gel penetrates the enamel, it oxidizes the staining organic matter, lifting it from the tooth surfaces. In about an hour, the procedure is done, and teeth are up to eight shades brighter--quite a difference!

If you choose at-home whitening, you'll use custom-made acrylic trays to deliver the peroxide gel. This gel is less concentrated than the in-office version; so you'll wear the trays daily for about a week. Dr. Desai determines how long the trays stay in place. With this method, results are similar. You'll be pleased!

Keep your smile bright

Come to Central Jersey Dental Arts for your regular cleanings and check-ups semi-annually. Also, follow the guidelines of the American Dental Association: floss daily, and brush with a fluoride toothpaste for two minutes twice a day.

Regarding what you put in your mouth, Dr. Desai recommends reducing staining foods. If possible, drink tea or cola with a straw, and always consume plenty of water each day. Water stimulates saliva which has cleansing and antibacterial benefits.

Of course, for your overall health and bright smile, stop using tobacco. For a smoking cessation program, consult your family doctor.

Give professional whitening a try

It's a small investment in one of your greatest personal assets--your smile. Call Central Jersey Dental Arts in Piscataway, NJ, today for a cosmetic dentistry consultation at (732) 981-1040.