Teeth Whitening in Hamden

Golia Dental provides professional teeth whitening treatment in Hamden, CT. Call 203-248-7400 to learn more and schedule an appointment.

Teeth whitening remains one of the most economical ways to enhance your smile. Your smile creates an immediate, subconscious, visual impact on people you meet. A brighter smile gives the impression of youth, vitality, radiant health, happiness, and warmth. A bright smile is perceived as a healthy smile. Be sure to consult with Dr. Robert T. Golia and team to learn which whitening treatment is best for you.

In-office whitening usually requires only one office visit. A protective gel or a rubber shield is placed over the gums to protect the soft tissue. A whitening agent containing carbamide peroxide is applied to the teeth, and a specialized light is then used to enhance the action of the whitening agent. This is the fastest way to achieve results.

At-home whitening requires an impression of the teeth to be taken to make a customized mouth guard to hold the whitening gel, containing carbide peroxide, against the teeth. Once the mouth guard is made, it is worn for a period of time, as instructed by our office. The amount of time may vary from a couple hours a day, or all night, to up to four weeks or longer, if desired.

Unfortunately, yellow teeth are part of the normal aging process. Many patients are under the impression that yellowing is a sign that they’re not caring for their teeth properly, but this is rarely the case. When we get older, our enamel naturally begins to thin and the size of the tooth nerve gets smaller, which makes teeth appear more yellow.

When it comes to teeth whitening, in-office treatments are the gold standard. The whitening agents we use are stronger than store-bought options and we take steps to protect enamel and soft tissue from damage. That said, every patient has unique needs and concerns. For some, a take-home whitening kit is sufficient. In other cases, bonding, veneers, or a crown may be the best solution.

In-office whitening treatments are a low-risk procedure, but some patients may experience soft tissue irritation and temporary tooth sensitivity. These risks are higher with over-the-counter whitening treatments. Overuse of whitening can damage teeth long term.

In-office whitening treatments do not damage teeth, their nerves, or dental restorations. However, it is true that store-bought over-the-counter treatments can damage enamel and cause soft-tissue irritation, particularly when overused. Whitening treatments done without the supervision of a dentist may also damage bonding and dental restorations.

If you opt for in-office whitening treatments, you’ll see dramatic results–up to 10 shades lighter–in about an hour. With an at-home whitening kit, your treatment time will vary, but it’s typically no longer than two weeks.

While teeth whitening treatments are not permanent, there are steps you can take to make them last longer. Stop smoking and limit red wine, tea, and coffee. When you do drink any of these, brush or rinse your mouth––or, if you’re not at home, drink water afterwards. Every patient is unique, but whitening treatments can last up to three years with proper maintenance.

In addition to quitting smoking and limiting the consumption of red wine, tea, and coffee, you should brush twice a day for two minutes and floss every day. Use an ADA-approved whitening toothpaste once or twice a week to remove surface stains and use our at-home whitening kit as advised.

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic treatment, so dental insurance does not cover the cost.

Teeth whitening is not recommended for children, but it is common for teenagers to get their teeth whitened after completing orthodontic treatment, as stains may form around brackets. Whatever the reason for needing whitening, it’s always important that treatment is performed or supervised by a dentist.

When only a single tooth needs to be whitened, whitening may not be the best solution. A veneer, crown, or cosmetic bonding could be a better option; during our consultation, we’ll examine the tooth and talk to you about your goals and budget to help you decide which treatment is best for your needs.

Call 203-248-7400 to schedule an appointment.