Menu
(914) 761-8229
Contact Us
Schedule Online
Forms and Payment

Teeth Whitening

Professional teeth whitening treatment can reduce signs of yellowing and staining on your teeth and do wonders for the appearance of your smile. Our AACD- accredited cosmetic dentist, Robert Rioseco, DMD, offers two methods of whitening the teeth: in-office ZOOM!® teeth whitening and an at-home treatment option. ZOOM!® is a fast and affordable way to lighten the shade of your teeth with beautiful results, while our at-home kits offer you a way to brighten your teeth on your own time. Our experienced dentist can help you reach your goals with effective treatment options designed to give you a whiter, brighter smile.

Explore Topics

What Are the Benefits of Teeth Whitening?

Even with good dental hygiene habits, the teeth can be affected by a certain amount of discoloration over time. Teeth whitening is often a very effective treatment for patients who would like to renew the appearance of their teeth with a whiter and fresher look. ZOOM!® teeth whitening has a number of benefits, including the ability to improve the appearance of yellowing and staining caused by:

  • Consumption of coffee, wine, and tea
  • The use of tobacco products
  • The natural process of aging

Am I a Candidate for Teeth Whitening?

Most people with healthy teeth and gums are good candidates for professional teeth whitening. Ideal candidates typically have surface stains caused by foods, drinks, smoking, or aging. Whitening often works best on natural tooth enamel, so it may not be effective for discoloration on dental restorations including crowns or porcelain veneers. Individuals with untreated cavities, gum disease, or very sensitive teeth may need to address those concerns before whitening. A consultation with Dr. Rioseco is the best way to determine if teeth whitening is right for you. He can evaluate your oral health, identify the cause of staining, and recommend the safest, most effective treatment option for achieving a brighter smile. 

Over-the-Counter VS. Professional Teeth Whitening

With so many over-the-counter whitening products available, many of our patients ask if there is a difference between the products they can buy at their local store and the treatments offered by a cosmetic dentist. Certain over-the-counter whitening pastes, rinses, strips, and trays may help brighten the teeth by fading some surface stains, though their impact is usually limited. There are also popular natural teeth whitening options, such as charcoal teeth whitening powders and coconut oil teeth whitening techniques, that many patients try; however, they do not offer the effective, reliable results that can be achieved with the professional teeth whitening options we offer at our practice. Compared to over-the-counter products, in-office treatments like ZOOM!® and professional-grade at-home whitening kits both use stronger whitening agents for faster, more effective whitening. With the ZOOM!® technique, you can see same-day results that are up to six shades brighter! Our professional-grade at-home whitening kits offer strong whitening gels and custom-made trays for full-coverage of the teeth and noticeable whitening results. Regardless of which professional whitening treatment is chosen, our patients benefit from Dr. Rioseco’s experience and expertise with these methods. His goal is to keep your teeth and gums healthy and protected, while giving you a whiter, more beautiful smile.

At-Home Teeth Whitening

At-home whitening kits can be very effective treatments for patients who do not opt for the in-office treatment. With home whitening, the whitening product is placed in custom trays that fit over your teeth. The trays can be used daily until you have achieved the desired results. In many cases, patients can even perform at-home teeth whitening in tandem with Invisalign® treatment.

What Is the Best Teeth Whitening Option for Me?

There are distinct benefits to both types of professional whitening treatments we offer. If you are trying to achieve results quickly for an event such as a wedding, graduation, or reunion, you may prefer the efficiency of ZOOM!® teeth whitening. If you want to gradually control the shade of your teeth in the convenience and privacy of your own home, a professional-grade at-home whitening kit may be a better option for you. Dr. Rioseco will thoroughly explain the various benefits of ZOOM!® teeth whitening and professional at-home whitening treatments during your consultation. After examining your teeth and discussing your personal cosmetic dentistry goals, he will help you decide which option is best-suited for your needs.

How Is the ZOOM!® Teeth Whitening Procedure Performed?

During the ZOOM!® teeth whitening procedure, a special gel will be applied to the surface of your teeth. A low-intensity light will then be guided over the teeth, which activates the gel and allows for oxygen to penetrate into the dentin and enamel. This action is designed to create a bleaching effect, helping to reduce visible signs of yellowing and staining along the teeth. The entire treatment typically takes about an hour and-a-half or less, and results are often immediately noticeable.

How Long Do Teeth Whitening Results Last?

Although no method of teeth whitening is permanent, Dr. Rioseco offers a number of tips that can help your teeth remain white after your professional whitening treatment:

  • Maintain good daily oral hygiene to remove debris and reduce surface stains
  • Limit foods and beverages that are known to stain the teeth, such as berries, tomato sauce, red wine, tea, and coffee
  • Avoid all tobacco products
  • Schedule routine cleanings with your dentist

When you feel your teeth have lost a little bit of their luster, touch-up whitening treatments with an at-home kit can extend the life of your bright white smile.

How to Manage Tooth Sensitivity During & After Whitening

To minimize the potential for enhanced tooth sensitivity during and after your whitening treatment, Dr. Rioseco recommends using a sensitive formula toothpaste for at least one to two weeks prior to whitening. Using toothpaste for sensitive teeth helps fill porous surfaces that can lead to aggravated tooth sensitivity during and after whitening. He also suggests taking an over-the-counter pain reliever, like acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (Advil®), about 20 minutes before whitening as a preventative measure.
Typically, sensitivity becomes most heightened once treatment is complete. If you undergo in-office ZOOM!® whitening, Dr. Rioseco may perform a fluoride treatment after bleaching to effectively mitigate sensitivity and strengthen teeth. He also advises patients that they can fill take-home whitening trays with sensitive formula toothpaste and then place them on the teeth for about 20 minutes to provide additional relief as needed.

What Is the Cost of Teeth Whitening?

Depending upon whether you choose an at-home whitening kit, an in-office procedure (such as ZOOM!® or Opalescence® Boost), or a combination of these treatments, the cost of teeth whitening will vary. The average price for professional whitening methods typically ranges from $300 to $700. The best way to find out the cost of a whitening treatment that can achieve your personal goals is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Rioseco. After an exam, he can give you a price calculation for your customized treatment plan.

Additional Teeth Whitening Frequently Asked Questions

Does whitening work on crowns or veneers?
Teeth whitening treatments are designed to brighten natural tooth enamel and typically do not change the color of dental restorations such as crowns or veneers. If these restorations are visible and appear darker next to your whitened teeth, Dr. Rioseco may recommend replacing them to achieve a more uniform, natural-looking smile.
Can I whiten my teeth if I have gum disease or cavities?
Teeth whitening should not be performed if you have active gum disease or untreated cavities, as it can cause irritation and worsen dental problems. These conditions need to be treated first with periodontal treatments to ensure your mouth is healthy and prepared for cosmetic care. A consultation allows Dr. Rioseco to assess your oral health and recommend the best approach for achieving a brighter, healthier smile.
How often can I whiten my teeth?
The frequency of teeth whitening generally depends on the method used and your individual needs. Professional treatments often last six months to a year, while touch-ups with take-home kits may be done more frequently. Over-whitening can lead to tooth sensitivity or enamel damage, so it’s important to follow professional recommendations.
Can teeth whitening damage enamel?
When performed under professional supervision, teeth whitening should not damage enamel. Whitening treatments use agents that temporarily open pores in the enamel to lift stains but do not weaken or thin the tooth structure. Some patients may experience temporary sensitivity, which usually subsides quickly. Overuse of whitening products, however, can increase the risk of irritation or enamel issues. To protect your teeth, it’s best to follow Dr. Rioseco’s suggestions for safe and effective whitening.

Contact The Center for Cosmetic Dentistry

If you would like more information on our teeth whitening treatments or another cosmetic option, such as the comprehensive smile makeover, please contact The Center for Cosmetic Dentistry today to schedule an appointment with our cosmetic dentist.

Related Pages