Cosmetic Dentistry: Professional Teeth-Whitening in Flushing NY

Zoom™ Teeth Whitening:

• Now you can erase years of stains and discolorations from your teeth in about one hour with the Zoom™! tooth whitening system. The Zoom™! procedure is performed by a trained cosmetic Dentist or Dental Hygienist.
• We begin the process by professionally cleaning your teeth to remove any plaque or tartar.
• The dentist will then prepare your teeth to safely receive the treatment by applying a protective cover on the gums and lips.
• A hydrogen peroxide-based whitening gel is then applied to your teeth and a special laser light is shined on the teeth for 15-20 minutes.
• The gel is removed and then the process is done two more times (in the same visit).
• The hydrogen peroxide acts as a bleaching agent to whiten the tooth enamel (outer tooth layer) and dentin (tooth layer surrounding the pulp).
• The end result is beautiful white teeth!

Why teeth are white

The hard surface of a tooth is composed of two layers. The outermost layer is the enamel and the layer underneath is the dentin.

The enamel is made up of calcium (the same thing which makes up our bones) and is naturally white in color. This is the primary reason that teeth are white.

Why teeth get discolored

Years of habits (cigarette smoking, tobacco use) and certain beverages (soda, juice, coffee, tea) can stain a person’s teeth. In addition, some medications, past dental work, heredity and simply growing older can leave those once pearly whites looking not quite so appealing.

In addition, the dentin (which is the layer under the enamel), is darker and more yellow in color than the enamel. Enamel is somewhat translucent and therefore the color of the dentin (dark and yellow) can appear through the enamel. As the enamel gets worn down (this occurs over time or due to drinking and eating acidic foods), the dentin color shines through the enamel more and the tooth looks both darker and yellower.

The benefits of Teeth Whitening

A person’s smile can have a very large impact on their life.

• 73% of Americans would be more likely to trust someone with a nice smile than someone with a good job, outfit, or car, but with a nice smile.
• 29% of Americans say the first aspect of someone's face they typically notice is his or her teeth, and 24% say this is also what they remember the most after meeting someone.
• Having an attractive smile is something important to many Americans. Close to three in five (57%) Americans would rather have a nice smile than clear skin. What's more, 87% would forego something for a year in order to have a nice smile for the rest of their life. More than one-third of these folks would give up dessert (39%) or vacations (37%).
• People with a nice smile are also more likely to get a job when compared to similarly-qualified candidates and are more likely to go on more dates.
(Above data from the Invisalign Smile Study)

Risks of Home Remedies for Whiter Teeth

Recently a celebrity doctor recommended a simple at-home whitening formula. The recipe? Coat your teeth with a mixture of baking soda and lemon juice before brushing.

Does this really work? Well, it certainly may remove some stains. But unfortunately it can also be a recipe for disaster.

Lemon juice is an acid, so even though fruits are generally healthy, large concentrations of the juice can actually wear away enamel, the hard outer layer of your teeth. Once that erodes, not only are teeth quite unattractive – they are incredibly prone to cavities and difficult to repair.

Baking soda is an abrasive material, kind of like sandpaper. So even though in very small amounts it can polish your teeth nicely, use the wrong amount and you may as well be sanding your teeth away!

Our suggestion? Put the lemon in your tea and use baking soda in the kitchen! When it comes to whitening your teeth, your best bet is to ask a dental professional.

Why over the counter remedies do not work as well as you would like

Over-the-counter whitening toothpastes and whitening products from the drug store can do a decent job on lightly stained teeth, especially for those in their late teens and early twenties. But we find that most people who express the desire for whiter teeth need what only a dental office can offer.

It is like when you have a headache you can go to pharmacy and buy a pain killer drug without a prescription from your doctor. But if your pain is severe or the problem continues to happen, you need a medication with more power and that can only be prescribed by your medical doctor.

Similarly, the stain that you would like to remove cannot be removed with mild over-the-counter solutions. You need professional-grade whitening gel, applied under the supervision of a trained dental professional.

When it comes to dental advice, please ask a member of the dental profession!

We wish you a beautiful smile!

See What our Patients are Saying about Zoom Teeth Whitening at Preferred Dental Care in Flushing!

"Almost three years ago, my teeth looked very bad. Everyone can see my teeth and I didn't feel comfortable. After I came to Preferred Dental Care, it helped a lot. My smile looked better than ever. The dentists working here were very helpful and hard-working." -Nikkita K

"Zoom whitening treatment took about an hour but it was great! The PDC staff are always so helpful and professional. I highly recommend them. Keep up the good work!" -Doris.

“I have been a patient at Preferred Dental Care for over ten yrs. Through the years I have always received professional and courteous service at Preferred Dental. Today I had the opportunity to do the zoom treatment which was absolutely amazing! I felt very little discomfort and I achieved incredible results. My smile is beautiful and bright! I am extremely satisfied. Thank You Irene and Preferred Dental.” -Mayra C.

Getting to Preferred Dental Care

Use the Google Map below to plan your route via driving or public transportation. We're easilly accessible in Flushing, College Point, Whitestone, Floral Park, Fresh Meadows, Murray Hill, Little Neck, Great Neck, and Kew Gardens. We even provide free parking in our driveway.

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"We Care for People... Not Just Teeth."