Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening treatments in Princeton, NJ, are one of the most affordable cosmetic dental options available in the area.

Depending on your budget, there are two different pricing options to consider: same-day whitening (which costs more) or take-home whitening (which costs less.) The only reason an in-house procedure costs more is because it’s more time-consuming for our dental team, but the advantage is that you’ll see dramatic results on the very same day. Our in-house whitening system costs start as low as $399.

But if you’re not crunched for time, you can invest in a take-home system and custom kit for as low as $75.

Is professional whitening more expensive than over the counter products? Actually, no. Even though the initial investment may cost more, kits sold in stores require more applications to get moderate results. After purchasing 2-3 different kits at a store, you could have paid for a professional system. So even though a commercial product might seem cheaper and promise good results, you may not have as white of a smile and still spend more on the system.

Perhaps the most common side-effect of teeth whitening that our Princeton, NJ, dentist sees is tooth sensitivity. 

Since whitening opens up the tiny pores across your enamel, it makes the nerves inside of your teeth more hypersensitive. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to minimize tooth sensitivity. 

Dr. Bestandji recommends using a sensitivity toothpaste twice a day for the two weeks leading up to your whitening appointment. It’s best to continue using the product for at least another week after your whitening is completed. If you’re using an at-home kit, continue using the sensitivity toothpaste throughout the process. 

Professionally applied fluoride is also a great way to desensitize teeth that are hypersensitive to whitening products. You can stop by our dentist office at any time to have a varnish or gel applied; most people see results last for at least a few months. 

One of the most important rules of teeth whitening is being careful about what you eat or drink immediately after a bleaching session. 

Dark liquids and foods should be avoided for the first few days after whitening. Here are some of the most common ones to steer clear of. 

• Tomato sauces and curry
• Soda
• Tea
• Red wine
• Coffee
• Dark berries (blueberries, blackberries, etc.)

When you go back to indulging on these types of items, you may want to keep a toothbrush handy. Brushing immediately afterwards can help to limit new stains from building up. If a toothbrush isn’t available, rinsing with water is also helpful. If you can, drink dark liquids through a straw to limit the contact time that they have with your enamel. 

Even if you avoid these for several days after whitening, it’s important to know that going back to them at any point will encourage new stain accumulation. Of course, most of us are not willing to give up our coffee for good, so just be sure to take a break for a few days when your teeth are freshly whitened (and more porous.) 

Depending on the type of whitening you select, the treatment may only take one appointment, or up to two weeks. 

Same-day (or “in-house”) whitening is one that takes about an hour and a half to complete. We apply the whitening gel directly to your teeth to oxidize the presence of stain particles in the porous surfaces. 

But if you prefer to whiten on your own time, you’ll wear a tray each day. Most people see results within a few days, with teeth continually becoming brighter with each application. Even, white results are seen within about 10-14 days total. If you have tenacious discoloration from medications like tetracycline, the stains may take as long as 8 weeks to treat. Don’t worry! We’re here to help you find the best and most effective way to treat your dark tooth stain. 

The best type of teeth whitening is an application system that:

• Uses professional grade products and concentrated gels
• Minimizes tooth sensitivity
• Is gentle on your gums
• Uses a customized application system (for even results)
• Is easy to maintain
• Is effective on deep stains and discoloration

Surprise! The best teeth whitening treatments aren’t sold in stores; they’re only available from dental experts. 

When you’re choosing the best whitening kits, you want one that keeps the gel evenly placed across your smile so that each tooth is whitened evenly. Otherwise, uneven or splotchy-looking results are a common side effect. 

Working with our Princeton dentist to whiten your teeth will help ensure that your smile is bleached in the safest manner with the best results possible.