Category: Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening has become a very popular trend these days and you have probably done all of your research to find the most effective at-home method. Well, with so many to choose from how do you know which is best for you? Two of the more popular at-home whitening methods are gel whitening kits and the most buzz-worthy discovery, activated charcoal whitening.

Our team here at Rockefeller Cosmetic Dentistry specializes in several cosmetic dentistry services that can not only brighten, but enhance your smile as well. We understand how difficult it can be choosing the most effective at-home whitening method just from reading stories online. That is why we want to help you! Let’s distinguish gel whitening and activated charcoal is all about.

What Causes Teeth Discoloration?

There are several causes to stained or discolored teeth. Even though tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the body, it is not smooth and flat. There are actually minuscule ridges that can trap particles of food and drinks. The most common causes of stained teeth are the foods and beverages we eat on a daily basis.

Who can survive a morning without coffee? That is difficult question to answer. Coffee is the number one culprit when it comes to stained teeth. It contains tannin that leads to staining and discoloration. Other stain causing foods and beverages include: 

• Red wine and tea. Both red wine and tea also contain tannin that causes tooth discoloration.
• Soft drinks and colored beverages. Staining from soft drinks is mainly caused by the phosphoric acid. Phosphoric acid weakens tooth enamel, which is the protective layer of the tooth. Chromogen is what gives colored beverages their color and is what stains teeth.
• Sweets. Sweet treats like cookies and hard candies that stick to the surface of teeth are the main source for bacteria in your mouth to manifest on. Once the bacteria feeds off of the sugar, it releases acid that causes tooth decay, which will in turn discolor or darken your teeth.
• Berries. Rich-pigmented berries, such as blueberries, pomegranates, and cherries, are also major culprits to discolored teeth.

If you still want to enjoy your favorite foods and drinks, there are a few tips to help reduce staining. One helpful tip is to rinse your mouth out with water or brush and floss your teeth immediately after eating or drinking. This will help eliminate any particles in your mouth that can be trapped in tooth enamel. It is also important to routinely brush and floss your teeth daily to ensure healthy oral hygiene.

What Is Activated Charcoal Whitening?

We are sure you have seen all of the buzz about charcoal whitening, and you are probably wondering “how does this pitch-black paste whiten teeth?” Activated charcoal is a light black powder that is made of bone char, coconut shells, peat, petroleum coke, coal, olive pits or sawdust. It is then activated by processing it at extremely high temperatures. This process is what gives the activated charcoal a more porous texture, which is what differentiates it from other types of charcoals.

How Does It Work?

Brushing your teeth with activated charcoal may look strange and even frightening, but it does get the job done. The unique porous texture of the activated charcoal actually helps to remove toxins from the mouth and absorb other stain-causing.  Once the charcoal has been given enough time to bind to your teeth and remove surface stains, it can be easily removed with a few rinses with water.

What is Gel Whitening?

Whitening gel is a safe and effective method to fix stained or discolored teeth. Most whitening gels are made of hydrogen peroxide and other active ingredients that improve the performance and taste of the gel. The whitening gel gently and safely bleaches the teeth, without any damage.

How Does It Work?

In order to use the whitening gel, you must have a mouth tray to properly insert and utilize the gel effectively. With store-bought whitening gel kits, the only disadvantage is not having a mouth tray that properly fits your mouth. It is important to use a tray that fits your mouth perfectly to ensure that every tooth surface is being exposed evenly to the whitening gel. A secure mouth tray also prevents burning or irritating your gums from an excess amount of gel material.

Get Your At-Home Whitening Kit From Rockefeller Cosmetic Dentistry!

Our cosmetic dentistry services at Rockefeller Cosmetic Dentistry are the perfect solution to better your smile. We provide our patients with the option of in-office whitening treatments or at-home bleaching kits. Our in-office whitening treatment only requires one office visit. Our specialists will apply a protective layer over your gums to protect them from the whitening gel. This process is a non-invasive treatment used to alter the color of your tooth enamel.

Our at-home bleaching kits are customized for you! Impressions will be taken in our office to help our specialists create a custom mouth tray that fits your mouth perfectly. You will then be given specific instructions that will inform you on how to properly use the kit – in the comfort of your own home!

If you are looking to whiten your smile with the help of Rockefeller Cosmetic Dentistry, call (212) 581-1091.

Everyone wants a whiter and brighter smile, and the growing demand has created so many options to whiten your teeth. Between toothpastes, gels, at home kits and in-office whitening, your options are limitless. But the real question is which option is most effective?

When it comes to take home whitening kits there are several factors to take into account when choosing the proper one. For example, which teeth whitening product is safest? Which is most affordable? And most importantly, which will give me a whiter smile? With in-office whitening treatment, the procedure is performed by a dental professional which is much safer compared to at-home kits.

Here at Rockefeller Cosmetic Dentistry, our cosmetic dentistry and restorative dentistry services are endless! We want to provide you with the best possible treatment when it comes to having a whiter smile because we understand how important your smile is. To have a better understanding, let’s discover the benefits and differences between take home whitening kits and office whitening.

Why Are My Teeth Discolored?

Before understanding which teeth whitening option is best, it is important to known the different  types of teeth discoloration. Yes, that is right; there are different types of discoloration in teeth! Your teeth can become discolored by stains on the enamel of the teeth or changes in the tooth material. Tooth discoloration is categorized into two distinct categories:

• Intrinsic. Intrinsic discoloration occurs internally, often times from a damaged or dead nerve which causes the tooth to appear greyish. External whitening will not remove the discoloration and internal bleaching is used instead.
• Extrinsic. Extrinsic discoloration is when the external tooth enamel is discolored by the food and beverages you consume. External whitening will resolve this discoloration.

Teeth discoloration can also be caused by age-related reasons. This is a combination of the two categories. As you get older, your tooth enamel progressively gets weaker and thinner which causes the dentin (dense, bony tissue underneath the tooth enamel) to show through. Because of this, any contact with stain-related foods or beverages will easily cause discoloration.  

Take Home Whitening

Take home teeth whitening is more of a “do-it-yourself” alternative to professional whitening. There are so many options to choose from when it comes to take home kits. Types of take home whitening kits include:

• Whitening toothpaste. These toothpastes contain ingredients that help remove surface stains from the tooth enamel with gentle brushing.  
• Whitening rinses. An easy to use mouthwash that contains whitening agents that come in contact with your teeth for a short amount of time, therefore, your teeth will gradually become brighter after frequent use.
• Gel strips. The whitening strips are to be applied to your teeth for at least 1-2 hours once a day for up to a week. This option is effective, however, it is a major commitment if you want the proper results.
• Whitening trays. Whitening trays are used like mouth-guards that are filled with whitening gel. While they are effective and whiten your teeth quickly, these over-the-counter mouth trays are not customized to properly fit your mouth.

Take home whitening kits are typically more affordable than professional in-office whitening treatments. It is also very important to take caution when using these products at home. Although these products do have a lower concentration of the whitening agents, they can cause tooth sensitivity and gum irritation.

In-Office Whitening

In-Office whitening is the more effective option compared to take home whitening. The whitening treatment is performed by a trained dental professional that will provide you with safe and reliable whitening results. This option offers better whitening results because dental offices tend to use a higher concentration of whitening gels.

Before the treatment begins, your teeth will be prepped by clearing away any debris or plaque. Once your teeth are cleaned and examined, a liquid rubber or hardening resin will be applied to your gums for protection. Once the gums are protected, the bleaching gel is applied to the tooth enamel where it will remain for 15 to 30 minutes. A high intensity light may be used to help activate the bleaching process. With office whitening, results will be seen immediately.

Get A Whiter Smile With The Help Of Rockefeller Cosmetic Dentistry!

Now that you have a better understanding between your take home and office whitening options, Rockefeller Cosmetic Dentistry is ready to help! In our Midtown Manhattan office, we provide in-office teeth whitening that only requires one dental visit. This technique is a non-invasive dental procedure that will change the color of your tooth enamel, giving you a whiter smile. We also provide our patients with at-home teeth whitening kits, where impressions of your teeth will be taken in our office and we will make a custom tray that will fit your mouth perfectly.

If you are tired of your dull, discolored smile, we can help! Schedule your appointment with us by calling (212) 581-1091.

Activated charcoal has become a very popular topic when it comes to teeth whitening remedies. It is difficult these days to scroll through social media without seeing a post about it. But it still leaves many people questioning, does it really work? Here at Rockefeller Cosmetic Dentistry, we offer several cosmetic services, including teeth whitening that can give you the smile you have been wanting. But first, let’s get to know a little more about this “black miracle powder.”  

What Is Activated Charcoal And How Does It Work?

Activated charcoal has been used for several different things, such as a facial cleanser or even to wash your hair. However, nowadays, people are using it for teeth whitening purposes. Activated charcoal is a fine black powder made from coconut shells, bone char, olive pits, and other materials. The charcoal powder ingredients are processed in high temperatures which “activates” the powder. It is a type of powder that is processed to make it more absorbent, which distinguishes it from other types of charcoal.

The natural adhesive qualities of the activated charcoal allows it to bind with surface-staining culprits, such as coffee, soda, tea, wine, and plaque. Its negatively charged, absorbent texture allows it to trap toxins, preventing your body from absorbing them.     

How To Use It And What You Should Know?

It is recommended to use the activated charcoal once a week using a soft bristle toothbrush. The instructions for effective teeth whitening using the activated charcoal are as follows:

• Wet your toothbrush to dampen the bristles.
• Carefully dip the bristles into the activated charcoal powder.
• Gently brush on all exposed surfaces of your teeth for 3 to 5 minutes.
• Wait 3 minutes and then rinse out your mouth.

If you do decide to use activated charcoal to whiten your teeth, do so cautiously. It is important to remember that charcoal is a coarse ingredient and frequent use could wear down your tooth enamel. If you have receding gum line, the roots of the teeth may become sensitive to the coarse aspect of the charcoal as well.

How Rockefeller Cosmetic Dentistry Can Give You The Smile You’ve Been Wanting.

Your smile is the first thing someone notices about you, you should not be hiding it. Here at Rockefeller Cosmetic Dentistry, our cosmetic services give our patients a new, confident smile. Our professional teeth whitening we offer in Manhattan, New York is a simple, non-invasive dental technique that brightens your smile.  

We offer in-office teeth whitening as well as at-home bleaching. With our in-office teeth whitening, the process is completed in one office visit. Our experienced dentists will apply a protective layer on your gums to prevent them from being harmed by the whitening gel. Once your gums are protected, the whitening gel is then applied to the tooth enamel. The whitening gel removes the noticeable stains on your teeth, giving you a fresh, white smile.

Our at-home bleaching requires impressions of your teeth to be taken. After the impressions are taken, our dental technician will fabricate a customized plastic tray from the molds. Prior to giving your instructions on how and when to insert the whitening gel into the trays, our dentist will assure that the tray fits properly in your mouth. The trays are to be worn every day or overnight until you have reached your desired color.

If you are looking for an effective teeth whitening method to better your smile, click here or contact us at (212) 581- 1091 to schedule your appointment, today!

Do you smile in the mirror and picture your teeth a few shades whiter? Let’s make it happen! On this page, we’ve provided you with a detailed list of DIY teeth whitening options. One of the many options below may pleasantly surprise you with whiter, brighter results. We will take you through everything from toothpastes, to gels; at-home concoctions, to Rockefeller Cosmetic Dentistry’s Zoom! Whitening. We welcome you to find the best remedy for you and to learn a thing or two in the process!

TOOTHPASTE

There are plenty of whitening toothpaste options available for purchase at your local stores. We went ahead and listed some of the best for you:

• Crest 3D White Luxe Glamorous White Vibrant Whitening Toothpaste
• Opalescence Whitening toothpaste
• Tom’s of Maine Antiplaque & Whitening
• Sensodyne Extra Whitening
• Arm & Hammer AdvanceWhite (Baking Soda and Peroxide)

In addition to the products listed, there is an effective whitening toothpaste that has recently received a lot of attention. Don’t let the black color surprise you — charcoal toothpaste is also a good option for teeth whitening!

HYDROGEN PEROXIDE AND BAKING SODA PASTE

Did you know that hydrogen peroxide and baking soda mixed together into a paste is one of the oldest at-home teeth whitening remedies? This method is most effective when used in addition to your every day teeth brushing routine.

KITS: GELS, TRAYS, UV LIGHTS & STRIPS

There are also several teeth whitening kits on the market for you to try. These kits consist of different materials such as gels, gel trays, LED light appliances, and whitening strips. Depending on what you are most interested in, you can pick a kit consisting of the products that are best for you. Various brands of kits include, but are not limited to the following:

• Opalescence Teeth Bleaching Gel
• Colgate Whitening Gel
• Crest 3D White Strips
• Crest 3D White Strips with Light
• AuraGlow Deluxe Home Whitening System

RINSES

Whitening rinses or mouthwashes are typically used after each brush session. Crest 3D White Brilliance, Listerine Whitening, Scope White, and Colgate Optic White are just some of the many whitening rinse brands.

STRAWBERRY PASTE

Have you heard of the strawberry remedy? Here is a  step-by-step guide on how to properly concoct and apply your homemade strawberry elixir:

• Step 1: Crushed strawberries to a pulp
• Step 2: Mix with baking soda until blended
• Step 3: Spread the mixture ontoyour teeth with a soft toothbrush
• Step 4: Leave the mixture on your teeth for 5 minutes  before rinsing and brushing thoroughly with toothpaste to fully remove the strawberry mixture.

BANANA RUB

If you thought we ran out of fruit whitening remedies, you were wrong! Here’s one more fruity trick.

After you brush and floss, try peeling a ripe banana. Rub a piece of the inside on your teeth for two minutes. Then, rinse. Now, you have officially tried the banana rub whitening method!

Skeptical? Here are the facts: Studies have shown that the inside of a banana peel is rich in potassium, magnesium, manganese, and other naturally whitening minerals. “The rich minerals in a banana are absorbed into your enamel and have healthy whitening effects.”

ZOOM! WHITENING

Last, but certainly not least, Rockefeller Cosmetic Dentistry offers a highly effective teeth whitening treatment. In office, or at home, we give our patients the option of where they get their whitening done.

Our whitening methods are the most safe and precise out of every method mentioned above, as a professional is conducting every step of your whitening. For the in-office whitening, our dentists will apply a protective layer on your gums to prevent the whitening gel from harming your gums. The whitening gel is then applied to the enamel of your teeth.

The at-home bleaching requires our patients to come into the office for impressions to be taken of their teeth. These impressions will allow for perfectly fitted, customized trays. The trays are to be worn with the whitening gel overnight until the desired color is reached.

Are interested in a teeth whitening, in need of a dental visit, or curious about anything dentistry related? Call us at (212)581-1091. You can even schedule your appointment by filling out and submitting this simple online form!