Light Up Those Holiday Photos with a Professional Teeth Whitening Treatment

Getting your teeth professionally whitened can offer surprising — and pleasing — results. In this post, we take a quick look at what you can expect from in-office whitening.

Teeth whitening products are popular, as you can certainly tell if you begin researching your options! The array of products and procedures can be overwhelming, but there are important differences between at-home products and professional whitening.

At Advanced Dental Care of Ridgewood, Dr. Robert Scherrer and his staff want you to enjoy both outstanding oral health and feel great about your smile. One of the ways to dramatically change your appearance is with professional teeth whitening. In this post, we answer some common questions as well as give you a good idea of what you can expect.

Why go with a professional whitening treatment?

You may wonder, given the many products available over-the-counter, why you should go to the trouble of making and keeping an appointment at our office. After all, you could just whiten your teeth in the evening while you watch TV or relax on the sofa.

The main reason is that professional treatments are simply more effective. Highly qualified professionals like Dr. Scherrer are trained to use whitening products that contain a higher concentration of whitening agents than you can get in an at-home treatment.

Also, when you come to our office for teeth whitening, we use trays that are custom-fitted to your mouth, which means the whitening agent comes into contact with your teeth better than the mass-produced trays that come with over-the-counter products.

Finally, before whitening, we make sure it’s a safe procedure for you. Whitening isn’t a good treatment for everyone!

Just how white will my teeth be?

Many people come to us for whitening with an unrealistic idea of how they will look after the treatment. As strange as it may be to think about, “white” is relative, and many factors come into play. Your teeth won’t be as white as a starched, bleached bedsheet.

We help you choose a shade that works for your complexion and that looks natural for you. That may be two or three or even five shades lighter than your teeth are now.

The other worry people often have is the opposite. They’re afraid their teeth will be too white, like in that episode of Friends when Ross had glowing teeth. Again, working with a professional is the key!

Who shouldn’t get professional whitening?

If you have an infected tooth, advanced gum disease, worn enamel, or veneers, you shouldn’t whiten your teeth. We always conduct a thorough exam to make sure you’re a suitable candidate for whitening before we perform the treatment.

Another thing to consider is the sensitivity of your teeth. Whitening agents can dry your teeth out for a couple of days, and that can increase sensitivity. If you already have moderate to severe sensitivity, you may need to use a desensitizing toothpaste for a few weeks before the procedure or consider a different way to improve your smile.

Still have questions?

If you’d like to learn more about professional teeth whitening, schedule an appointment at our office in Ridgewood, New Jersey. We’re happy to answer your specific questions and evaluate whether or not the procedure is likely to work for you. Call us today or use our online booking tool anytime.