What Is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is a safe and highly effective cosmetic dental treatment that uses professional-grade bleaching agents to lighten the color of stained or discolored tooth enamel. Over time, teeth naturally accumulate stains from food, beverages, tobacco use, and the aging process itself. Professional teeth whitening at Wayne Family Dentistry in Wayne, NJ, can brighten a smile by several shades and produce dramatically more consistent results than over-the-counter whitening products.
Common Reasons for Teeth Discoloration and Stains
Tooth discoloration can result from a variety of intrinsic and extrinsic causes. Extrinsic stains affect the outer surface of the enamel and are typically caused by dietary habits; regular consumption of coffee, tea, red wine, berries, and other deeply pigmented foods and drinks can gradually darken the teeth. Tobacco use, whether smoked or chewed, is among the most potent causes of tooth staining.
Intrinsic discoloration originates within the tooth itself and can result from trauma, certain medications (such as tetracycline antibiotics taken during childhood), excessive fluoride exposure during tooth development, or simply the natural aging process, during which the outer enamel layer thins and the darker dentin beneath becomes more visible. Professional whitening is most effective for treating extrinsic staining. For intrinsic discoloration that does not respond adequately to whitening, Drs. Matalkah and Khater may recommend porcelain veneers or other cosmetic treatments at our Wayne, NJ practice.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
In-office professional whitening is the fastest way to achieve a noticeably brighter smile. During your appointment at our Wayne dental office, Dr. Matalkah, Dr. Khater, or a team member will apply a protective barrier to your gums before applying a high-concentration whitening gel directly to the surfaces of your teeth. The gel is activated and its effectiveness maximized using a special light or laser. The entire procedure takes approximately 60 to 90 minutes, Most patients leave with teeth that are several shades whiter. In-office whitening is an excellent option for patients who want quick results for a special occasion or who simply prefer the convenience and supervision of professional treatment.
Take-Home Whitening and Benefits of Whitening Your Teeth
For patients who prefer the flexibility of whitening on their own schedule, we offer professional take-home whitening kits. These kits include custom-fitted whitening trays made from impressions of your teeth, along with a professional-strength whitening gel. You wear the trays for a prescribed amount of time each day, typically 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on the product, and results develop gradually over one to two weeks.
The take-home whitening gel used in our Wayne dental office is significantly stronger than anything available in retail stores. And the custom trays ensure even, complete coverage of all tooth surfaces. Whitening your smile could enhance your overall appearance, boost your confidence, and make you more eager to maintain your oral hygiene routine. Patients throughout Wayne, NJ, looking to refresh their smiles with a safe and proven cosmetic treatment are encouraged to contact our office today to learn more about professional teeth whitening.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Are you ready to face the world with a brighter smile? Schedule your appointment with Dr. Asmahan Khater or Dr. Hammah Matalkah today! You can fill out our convenient online Appointment Request Form or call our office at (973) 845-6133. Our friendly team is here to help you every step of the way on your journey to a healthier, more beautiful smile.