Good oral hygiene is the key to protecting your teeth and gums from serious oral health problems like tooth decay and gum disease.
And while over-the-counter products like whitening toothpastes, strips, and gels can help keep your teeth somewhat white, they aren’t as powerful as professional whitening treatments and may also contain abrasive ingredients that may actually damage your tooth enamel over time.
At Manhasset Dental Arts, Dr. Elizabeth Abrams, Dr. Michael Abrams, and our team offer general and cosmetic dentistry services for the entire family at our office in Manhasset, New York.
Laser treatments for a whiter, brighter smile
Whitening stained and discolored teeth with lasers is a modern and efficient way to brighten your smile. Before your first laser treatment, we perform a comprehensive dental exam and cleaning.
If you have any issues like cavities or gingivitis, we generally need to treat those before your laser whitening treatment to protect your oral health.
The laser treatment process itself consists of applying the whitening agent to your teeth and then activating it with the laser to break down the stains. Since lasers are more precise, they can target specific teeth and whiten your entire smile.
Depending on the type and degree of staining, some people may need several laser whitening treatments to get the desired results.
Laser treatments are gentle and noninvasive, so they don’t require numbing and you can get back to your normal routine right after your appointment.
How to care for your teeth after laser whitening
Professional teeth whitening treatments are the best option available for removing stains and discolorations and dramatically brightening your smile. However, your teeth will still be vulnerable to staining even after you whiten them.
In addition to keeping up with your normal hygiene routine, it’s important to consume certain foods in moderation to keep your teeth looking as bright as possible for as long as possible. This includes coffee, tea, red wine, dark sauces, and berries.
You don’t have to stop enjoying the foods you love — just enjoy them in moderation and brush after meals.
If you smoke or use tobacco products, a professional teeth whitening treatment can be the incentive you need to quit. In addition to staining your teeth, tobacco use increases your risk of potentially serious oral and general health issues.
Keep in mind that tooth enamel becomes thinner as we age, making teeth more vulnerable to staining and making your smile look less white. Laser teeth whitening treatments help target the stains that your toothbrush can’t take care of.
For more information about laser teeth whitening treatments and the cosmetic and general dentistry services available at Manhasset Dental Arts, contact us today to schedule an appointment at our office in Manhasset, New York.