Teeth Whitening Specialist

What causes teeth to change color?

The leading cause of tooth discoloration is getting older. As you age, your tooth enamel breaks down, making the yellow dentin underneath more visible. 

Other factors that contribute to tooth stains include:

• Taking medication with tetracycline
• Eating tomato-based foods or sauces
• Drinking beverages with tannins like cola or coffee
• Using tobacco
• Oral trauma

Tooth stains also develop due to poor oral hygiene. It’s possible to minimize their appearance by brushing and flossing daily and visiting the dentist every six months for an oral exam and professional teeth cleaning.

What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic treatment that eliminates stains with FDA-approved bleaching solutions.

New City Dental Care offers Opalescence™ teeth whitening. Opalescence uses a patented whitening gel that contains potassium nitrate and fluoride. When applied to your teeth, the whitening gel seeps into the enamel, oxidizing discolored molecules and transforming your smile.

What are my options for teeth whitening?

New City Dental Care offers the following types of Opalescence teeth whitening: 

In-office whitening

In-office whitening can brighten your teeth by up to eight* shades in one appointment. During in-office whitening, Dr. Kim applies Opalescence whitening gel to your teeth. After the solution sits for 20 minutes, he rinses them off. Dr. Kim repeats these steps a number of times until your teeth reach the desired shade of white.

Take-home teeth whitening trays

Take-home whitening trays allow you to brighten your smile on your time. Each kit contains two plastic mouthpieces and a bottle of Opalescence whitening gel. You line the mouthpieces with whitening gel and wear them overnight during sleep. Opalescence gel is sticky and viscous, so you don’t have to worry about it seeping out. 

Do the results of teeth whitening last forever?

The results of teeth whitening usually last four to six months, but it’s possible to extend them. Dr. Kim recommends drinking dark beverages from a straw, brushing and flossing daily, and visiting New City Dental Care once every six months for an oral exam and professional teeth cleaning. 

Once your teeth begin collecting stains again, you know it’s time to schedule a follow-up. Routine whitening treatments can keep your smile brilliant for years to come.

To learn more about Opalescence teeth whitening, make an appointment at New City Dental Care by calling the office or booking online today.