Teeth Whitening
If you are unhappy with the current color of your teeth, you are not alone. Teeth whitening is one the most sought after procedures we offer here at Rifkin & Raanan. These days, professional whitening treatment is easier and more effective than ever before. In fact, many of Dr. Rifkin’s patients have made whitening a regular part of their beauty routine. You too can experience the amazing benefits of our cutting-edge whitening treatment!
Why You Should Whiten Your Teeth
The color of your smile is the result of scattered light that bounces off the enamel (the outer layer of the tooth). Unfortunately, your enamel is porous and vulnerable to stains. Tooth discoloration can be caused by a number of factors and is usually broken into two categories: extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic discoloration occurs when the enamelis stained by coffee, soda, wine, and other drinks or foods. Tobacco use and poor oral hygiene can also cause significant stains. Intrinsic discoloration occurs when the dentin, or inner structure of the tooth, becomes dark or yellow over time. Many times, a patient will experience age-related discoloration as the result of both extrinsic and intrinsic factors. Teeth whitening is one of the best ways to address extrinsic stains.
Who qualifies for Professional Whitening Treatment?
Dentin is often times yellow or gray in color. A thin enamel layer allows more of the dentin to show through, which can cause your teeth to appear yellow. Unfortunately, dentin does not respond to whitening treatment. The majority of patients have dentin that is not detectable by the naked eye. Those who are less fortunate may not respond well to whitening treatment due to the color of their dentin.Patients with surface stains are the ideal candidates. We may recommend another cosmetic solution for intrinsic stains.
Patients with tooth and gum hypersensitivity, deep and intractable stains, and teeth that have become transparent with age, may not qualify for whitening treatment. Pregnant or lactating women, patients under the age of 16, and those with cavities or gum disease also do not qualify for treatment.Existing restorations such as composite fillings, dental crowns, and cosmetic bondings do not respond to whitening treatment. If you have any of these restorations the whitening procedure needs to be selective. Multiple restorations can result in an uneven whitening.
For these reasons, you should always consult with a professional like Dr. Rifkin before you attempt to whiten your teeth. With decades of experience, Dr. Rifkin will be able to determine if you are a suitable candidate for professional whitening treatment
Professional Laser Whitening
At Rifkin & Raanan we specialize in a state-of-the-art procedure known as laser whitening, also referred to as power whitening. This relatively new technology allows us to improve the brightness of your smile by up to eight shades in a single appointment!
The procedure involves a high concentration bleaching gel, sowe begin by protecting your gum tissues with a rubber sheet. Next, Dr. Rifkin will apply the bleaching solution directly to your teeth and use laser technology to activate the chemical components. The laser allows us to provide faster, more efficient results. This process may be repeated until we achieve the desired effects. The procedure as a whole usually takes about one hour to complete.
Whitening Trays
Whiting trays are also an effective treatment, with some minor similarities laser whitening. During the procedure, Dr. Rifkin will use a customized tray that fits in your mouth like a mouth guard. The tray is then filled with the bleaching solution, either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. These two ingredients break down stain into smaller particles, ultimately making your teeth whiter due to a lower stain concentration. Once the procedure is complete, you will be able to return to your everyday life without issue.
Whitening treatment is an ongoing process. The effects of a professional whitening treatment can last anywhere from six months to a couple years, especially with proper oral hygiene. Patients that do not reduce their consumption of pigment-heavy beverages and foods are likely to need whitening treatment at frequent intervals. Luckily, we offer customized trays that allow you to continue treatment at home. Be sure to consult with Dr. Rifkin before you move forward with at-home treatment.
Testimonials
People rated our Services
“Dr Rifkin has the hands of an angel. Never had any pain with his procedures. He is the Michelangelo of restorative dentistry. I’ve been going to him for forty years and will be going to him after he retires.”
“Dr. Rifkin is simply the best. Not everybody is lucky enough to become his patient. He is a caring Dentist first. Period. But he is also an artist with an eye for detail ... just a rare find. His smiles are so natural, so translucent and luminous you would never know that they aren't made by nature.”
“Great experience Dr. Rifkin and his staff are both pleasant and professional. It’s over a two hour drive for me but worth the trip for superior dentistry!”
Benefits of Professional Whitening
There are many whitening products sold by grocery stores and pharmacies that claim to provide excellent results.However, these products often times contain a lower bleaching concentration. In addition, the boil-and-bite guards do not provide the same fit as a custom one you receive in our office. This leads to uneven bleaching. Many of our patients who have tried store-bought products often complain about unsatisfactory results.
Professional whitening offers a stronger, more thorough whitening. Over-the-counter products are usually only suitable for light stains, if effective at all. Professional whitening is also fast, reliable, and customizable. We will develop a treatment plan that gets you in and out of our office in no time, and with a bright new smile!
Make the Most of Your Whitening Treatment
In-office and at-home whitening kits are an excellent way to boost the brightness of your smile. While the whitening process is an on-going one, there are a few steps you can take to prolong the effects of each treatment.
- Use a Whitening Toothpaste. Whitening toothpastes contain tiny abrasives that remove surface stains from your teeth. Using one every day may help keep your teeth bright, beautiful, and healthy.
- Floss Daily. Flossing every day can help you prevent the buildup of the dental plaque and tartar from areas that a toothbrush cannot reach. Both these substances can cause your teeth to turn yellow.
- Rinse Your Mouth. Rinsing your mouth after eating and drinking can help prevent the pigments from seeping into the enamel.
- A Bleach Touch Up. A bleach tough up once or twice a year can really do wonders for your teeth.
- Quit Smoking. Again, tobacco use will quickly cause your teeth to turn yellow, especially after whitening treatment.
If you feel that you could benefit from professional whitening treatment, schedule your appointment today. We are happy to help achieve the smile of your dreams!