Teeth Whitening Specialist

Sunny Smile Dentistry

Marzena Zachwieja, DDS

General Dentist located in Old Bridge, NJ

Are you happy with your teeth but just wish they were a little whiter, or maybe you can’t quite kick your coffee habit? Tooth whitening by Marzena Zachwieja, DDS, at Sunny Smile Dentistry in Old Bridge, New Jersey, can give you a bright smile that helps you look and feel your best. To learn more about teeth whitening, schedule a consultation online or by phone today.

Teeth Whitening

What are the advantages of in-office tooth whitening?

Most tooth whitening gels use peroxide to whiten teeth, either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. When you get your teeth whitened in-office, a stronger whitening treatment is used, which has a higher percentage of peroxide.

Dr. Zachwieja also uses either a rubber guard for your gums or applies a gel to protect them, which doesn’t occur with over-the-counter whitening systems. The results are more noticeable and last longer when you get your teeth whitened in-office.

Whitening toothpaste can only remove surface stains and generally whiten your teeth by about one shade. On the other hand, in-office whitening can brighten teeth by three to eight shades.

How does in-office tooth whitening work?

A whitening material is applied directly to your teeth, usually over a period of 30-60 minutes. While your teeth will look whiter after one visit, the best results are usually achieved with one or two additional visits. Some whitening systems are applied over a single two-hour appointment.

You can also use dental trays, which are trays made to fit your teeth that can hold the whitening gel. If you’re using dental trays, Dr. Zachwieja takes an impression of your teeth and create trays to fit you.

Once the trays are made, you fill them with whitening gel and wear them for a certain number of hours per day at home. Generally, you should see results within one to two weeks, but sometimes you can use the trays for up to four weeks or longer.

Will whitening my teeth cause toothache?

Your teeth may be a bit sensitive after getting whitened. Your gums may also be slightly irritated. However, this should go away within a few days.

Overusing whiteners can irritate your gums and even damage tooth enamel. Always follow instructions provided, and if your teeth become sensitive or you have sores in your mouth, stop using the whitening system.

How long does teeth whitening last?

Results generally last six to 12 months. Avoiding staining foods can help your results last longer. These can include:

  • Coffee
  • Black tea
  • Sodas
  • Red wine
  • Tobacco

Also, it’s important to maintain a regular brushing and flossing schedule, and come in twice yearly for cleanings.

Tooth whitening is most effective in people whose teeth are stained yellow. It’s less effective for people with brown teeth, and if your teeth are blue, which can sometimes happen from taking the antibiotic tetracycline, whitening will probably not be effective. Whitening also doesn’t work on veneers or crowns.

For the white smile you’ve been hoping for, call Sunny Smile Dentistry or use online booking to schedule an appointment today.