Teeth Whitening

Have you noticed your smile isn’t as bright or white as it used to be? If so, Robert A. Scherrer, DMD, and the team at Advanced Dental Care of Ridgewood can help with professional teeth whitening, a popular treatment among Ridgewood, New Jersey, residents. Booking a whitening visit is fast and easy whether you choose to connect with the practice online or by phone. 

What causes tooth discoloration?

Numerous factors can cause or contribute to tooth discoloration. Some examples include:

• Tobacco use
• Poor dental hygiene
• Exposure to excessive levels of fluoride
• Traumatic injury
• Foods and beverages that stain, including red wine, berries, and tea
• Certain medical conditions or medications

As you can see, some of these factors are within your control, while others are not. The aging process is the most common cause of tooth discoloration. As the years pass, some of your naturally white tooth enamel wears away, revealing more of the naturally yellow dentin beneath. 

How does teeth whitening work?

Teeth whitening works by using a powerful whitening solution to break apart surface stains and reveal a brighter, whiter smile. The whitening systems made available only to dental professionals are far more effective than those sold over the counter. 

When you come in for your whitening appointment, your dentist begins by isolating your tongue and other soft oral tissues. The next step involves painting on a thin layer of the whitening solution. Some systems use a special light to activate the solution. 

After a few moments, your dentist washes the solution away, revealing your newly brightened smile. Professional teeth whitening can boost your smile by as many as eight shades in just one visit. 

How can I preserve the results of professional teeth whitening?

Once you see how bright and beautiful your smile can be, you’ll want to do all you can to preserve those results. Evaluating your food and beverage preferences is a great place to start. 

If you enjoy coffee, tea, or deeply colored food items, you don’t need to overhaul your diet to keep your teeth white and shining. Just give your teeth a quick brushing or even a rinse of water after you eat or drink foods known to stain. 

Advanced Dental Care of Ridgewood also offers take-home whitening kits that allow you to touch up your results on your own. These kits include trays that fit snugly over the surface of your teeth to hold the whitening gel in place. Just wear them for a few moments a day until you achieve the whitening effect you’re searching for. 

Call the office today to learn more about professional teeth whitening, or schedule online in just a few clicks.