Teeth Whitening

Teeth Whitening

There are several ways to whiten your natural teeth, from professional treatments at the dentist’s office to over the counter products you can use at home. You’ve likely seen ads for quick in-office whitening that uses lights or lasers, as well as shelves full of whitening kits at the store.

Most whitening methods work the same way by using a type of peroxide that removes stains and brightens your teeth. Whether it is done in a dental office or with an at home product, the whitening ingredient is essentially the same. The main difference comes down to the strength of the formula, how it is applied, and how quickly you want to see results.

Professional teeth whitening in New Hyde Park

Frequently Asked Questions About Teeth Whitening

Many patients ask Dr. Michael Vinciguerra and Dr. Sunita Mathew about the whitening kits they see advertised on TV or sold in stores. While these products can brighten teeth to some degree, the results and comfort often vary. Understanding the pros and cons of over-the-counter whitening can help you make a more informed choice about the best way to achieve a brighter smile.

Whitening Strips

  • Pros: Affordable, easy to buy, and can gradually whiten teeth.

  • Cons: Because they are not custom-fit, the gel can leak onto your gums and may not cover all the teeth you show when you smile. The peroxide is weaker than what dentists use, so results usually take longer to appear.

Paint-On or Brush-On Products

  • Pros: Convenient, inexpensive, and widely available.

  • Cons: The gel is not held in place, making it easy to swallow some of it and difficult for the whitening to work evenly. Results are often inconsistent, and studies on their effectiveness are limited.

Dr. Vinciguerra and Dr. Mathew can walk you through all of your whitening options and help you choose the safest, most effective way to achieve the brighter smile you want.

Yes, at Vinciguerra & Mathew Dentistry we do offer in-office whitening, which can lighten your teeth by several shades in under an hour. However, because of the high peroxide concentration, some patients may experience tooth sensitivity, and contact with the gums or soft tissues can cause irritation. Research has also shown that lights and lasers often used in whitening systems don’t provide added benefits and are mostly marketing gimmicks. For the safest and most effective results, we typically recommend custom whitening trays with professional-strength gel. This approach allows you to whiten your teeth comfortably at home while achieving long-lasting, beautiful results. We’re happy to offer both options so you can choose what works best for your smile.

Professional whitening may be combined with dental bonding, porcelain veneers, or a personalized smile makeover.