Teeth Whitening New Haven

Brighten Up Your Smile

Have you ever hesitated to smile due to feelings of self-consciousness about the appearance of your teeth? Perhaps you were afraid that people would notice their dull or yellow coloration. If you are afflicted by stubborn dental stains, we encourage you to visit our New Haven cosmetic dentistry team. We offer professional teeth whitening services that have the potential to brighten your smile by several shades.

Why Choose New Haven Dental Group for Teeth Whitening?

In-Office Treatments and Take-Home Kits Available
Experienced & Friendly Dental Team
Brighten Your Teeth by Several Shades

Who Is a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?

You might be a good candidate for teeth whitening if:

Your teeth have intrinsic (in the enamel) or extrinsic (on the surface of the enamel) stains.
You do not have any untreated cavities, gum disease, or other oral health concerns.
You are dissatisfied with the color of your teeth.

Teeth whitening is a great option for most people, but it is not suitable for everyone. Our team will consider your unique circumstances before approving you for this treatment.

How Does Teeth Whitening Work?

Teeth whitening formulas penetrate the tooth enamel and destroy unwanted pigment molecules. Often, the active ingredient is either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. A variety of brands provide professional whitening products, but at New Haven Dental Group, we favor Zoom! due to its outstanding reputation.

There are two main types of teeth whitening. Depending on your situation, you may prefer in-office treatment or a take-home kit.

Take-Home Teeth Whitening

Take home teeth whitening kit

A take-home teeth whitening kit is a great option if you want to brighten your smile on your own schedule. Simply use the provided products as directed, and you should start to notice a difference within a few days. Ultimate results can take two weeks or so.

In-Office Teeth Whitening

Woman receiving in-office teeth whitening

With an in-office Zoom! treatment, we apply the whitening formula to your teeth and then activate it with a special light. We rinse it off and repeat the process a few times. Within the space of an hour or so, your teeth may become several shades brighter. This is the fastest way to whiten teeth!

Tips for Maintaining Your Brighter Smile

The results of teeth whitening are temporary, but you may be able to make them last longer by applying these guidelines:

Stick to a thorough oral hygiene routine. You can use whitening toothpaste to minimize new surface stains.
Minimize your intake of highly pigmented foods and drinks.
When you consume dark beverages, do so through a straw.
Attend regular dental cleanings.
Periodically visit us for touch-up whitening treatments.
Do not smoke or chew tobacco.
Consume white dairy products to keep your teeth strong and healthy.

Teeth Whitening FAQs

Does Teeth Whitening Hurt?

Teeth whitening in New Haven is a gentle and non-invasive treatment. Many patients find it to be a comfortable experience. However, you should note that a temporary increase in dental sensitivity is a common side effect of teeth whitening. For a few days after your treatment, you might find that hot, cold, acidic, and spicy foods cause discomfort.

Until the sensitivity wears off, you can manage discomfort by taking over-the-counter pain relievers and eating a mild diet. Sensitivity-reducing toothpaste may also be helpful.

What Is the Difference Between Professional and Store-Bought Teeth Whitening?

Some professional and store-bought whitening products use similar active ingredients. However, there are some significant differences between the two options:

Professional whitening formulas are usually more concentrated. Therefore, they often provide more noticeable results in a shorter period of time.
Professional whitening prioritizes patient safety. Professional whitening is done under the supervision of a highly trained dental team. We will not approve you for whitening if you have untreated cavities or gum disease. In contrast, some store-bought whitening products contain abrasive ingredients that can damage tooth enamel.
Professional whitening is customizable. If you are concerned about sensitive teeth or certain stubborn types of stains, we can customize a whitening plan to suit your needs.

How Long Does Teeth Whitening Treatment Take?

Our Zoom! in-office treatment is remarkably fast. In fact, in just a single session (which may take one hour or so), your teeth may become up to 8 shades brighter.

If you opt for a take-home whitening kit, you might start to notice a difference after just a few days. However, full results usually take about two weeks.

If you wish to get your teeth whitened before a certain deadline, such as a special event, let our team know so we can do our best to accommodate you.

Does Teeth Whitening Work on Dental Crowns?

No, dental crowns do not respond to teeth whitening formulas. That is simply because crowns and natural teeth are made of very different materials. Unlike real enamel, crowns are non-porous and cannot absorb whitening agents. Whitening formulas might even weaken the adhesive that is keeping the crown secure on your tooth.

If you are unhappy with the color of your crowns, we might be able to polish them so they look a bit better. However, if the discoloration is severe, you might need to get it replaced altogether.

Is Teeth Whitening Permanent?

Teeth whitening is not permanent. After your treatment, your teeth will still be able to accumulate new stains over time.

You can prolong the results of your whitening by visiting us for periodic touch-ups. You should also attend regular dental cleanings, eat a reasonable diet, and maintain a thorough oral hygiene routine.

Depending on how you care for your teeth, your whitening results may last anywhere from a few months to a few years.

More to Explore

Preventive Dentistry Emergency Dentistry Restorative Dentistry Dental Implants Cosmetic Dentistry Orthodontics View Our Services