A bright, white smile is a hallmark of great health and key to making positive first impressions. But if you have sensitive teeth, you may be afraid that professional whitening will be painful or permanently increase your tooth sensitivity.
Cheng H. Tai, DDS, is here to help with options perfectly suited for people with sensitive teeth. Through his practice in Midtown Manhattan, New York, Dr. Tai works closely with patients to help them reach their dental health and aesthetics goals.
Dr. Tai uses state-of-the-art whitening technology to brighten smiles during in-office visits. The Philips ZOOM!® system uses a combination of powerful whitening agents and a special treatment light to brighten your smile by multiple shades in just one visit.
It may be possible to use a special numbing medication to keep you comfortable during whitening sessions. Philips also offers a whitening system specifically for sensitive teeth. Just ask Dr Tai to explain your options and help you find the best fit for your needs.
Many people with sensitive teeth can still enjoy the benefits of in-office whitening. It’s also important to note that if you have existing dental decay, gum disease, or other dental health issues, these can increase teeth sensitivity and should be treated before professional whitening.
Some people prefer to whiten their teeth at home using a professional-grade whitening system. But it’s important to ensure that the system you choose is safely formulated and that your whitening routine doesn’t cause more harm than good.
Working with Dr. Tai is the best way to achieve a brighter, more brilliant smile without damaging your teeth. There are whitening systems made available only to dental health specialists, which provide powerful, safe whitening.
Ask Dr. Tai about at-home whitening and whether this might be a good fit for your needs and goals.
There are steps you can take to prepare for your professional teeth whitening and reduce unwanted sensations both during and after your treatment. Begin with a comprehensive dental exam with Dr. Tai to ensure your teeth are healthy enough for professional whitening.
If you’ve had sensitive teeth for a while, you might find it helpful to use a toothpaste designed to reduce sensitivity in the weeks leading up to your visit. There are several options to choose from. Simply use these products when brushing your teeth instead of your normal toothpaste.
You can also just spit out any excess toothpaste once you finish brushing. A full mouth rinse isn’t necessary, and leaving sensitive formulations on your teeth for a period of time after brushing can help enhance their ability to reduce sensation.
For some people, a professional fluoride treatment can also be a good way to reduce sensitivity prior to teeth whitening. Just ask Dr. Tai if fluoride treatments could help you.
If you’re serious about improving the brightness of your smile, don’t let worries over teeth sensitivity keep you from exploring further. You can set up a time to sit down with Dr. Tai and create a customized teeth whitening plan that works for you.
Reach out to our office to schedule a visit today. Online booking is a fast and convenient option, or you’re welcome to give us a call at 845-640-3806 to find an appointment time that fits your schedule.
