If brushing alone were enough, everyone would have perfectly white teeth with minimal effort. Unfortunately,every dayhabits and lifestyle factors can get in the way, leading to a dull, stained and discolored smile over time. Professional teeth whitening treatments can counteract the effects of your diet and habits like smoking. But even if you don't smoke and avoid drinks like coffee,teaand red wine, your teeth are still not immune to losing their luster. As we age, the teeth's protective enamel layer begins to thin, making them more susceptible to

damage and staining. Products that you can buy at a supermarket or pharmacy can help somewhat, but over the counter whiteningtoothpastesand gels are not as strong and effective as professional grade treatments available through a dentist.

Studies have shown that damaged and stained teeth are the feature that most people report feeling the most embarrassed and insecure about. Andunfortunatelyit can't be chalked up to personal paranoia. People with whiter, stain free teeth are generally viewed as more confident,self assuredand competent, which can affect everything from professional opportunities to social interactions and connections.

Metro Dental Associates offers two convenient methods for whitening your teeth. Depending on your schedule and personal preference, you canchoicefrom either in-office or at-home professional teeth whitening treatments. The in-office treatment consists of a single hydrogen peroxide gel treatment. The treatment takes approximately an hour, for virtually instant results. The at-home treatment involves a few more steps and the results are moregradual,but is a good option if you can follow through on the applications and prefer to apply the treatment on your own time in the comfort of your own home.

This technique offers the fastest results with the most powerful whitening solutions available. First, your gums and tooth-root surfaces will be covered with a protective barrier to ensure your safety. A thin plastic device known as a retractor will hold your lips and cheeks away from your teeth as a professional-strength hydrogen peroxide gel is applied. The gel will be left on for about an hour. When it is removed, the results will be obvious immediately.

This is another effective way to whiten your teeth, though you will play a greater role in ensuring the best possible results and several weeks may be needed to achieve your desired level of whiteness. First, a mold of your teeth will be taken and then two thin, flexible plastic mouth trays will be custom-made for you one for the top teeth and one for the bottom. You will fill the trays with whitening gel and then position the trays over your teeth. The trays are left in usually for about an hour at a time.

There are lots of things you can do to make sure your whitening results last as long as possible, and this will vary from person to person (six months to two years or even longer). First of all, please maintain your usual, conscientious routine of brushing and flossing every day, and keep up with your regular schedule of professional cleanings at Metro Dental Associates. Avoid foods and beverages that stain, including red wine, tea and coffee. If you smoke, use your newly whitened teeth as an impetus to quit a good idea in any event! A minor touch-up every so often, either at home or at our Morristown, NJ dental office, can keep your smile bright and beautiful for years.

Teeth Whitening Brighter, lighter, whiter... The subconscious impact of a white smile is radiant health, happiness, warmth and invitation. This phenomenon has been reinforced with the spread of American culture worldwide, where an especially white smile has even been coined a Hollywood smile. Today brighter, lighter, whiter teeth have become a norm. Tooth whitening by bleaching is a successful, conservative, relatively inexpensive and safe alternative... Read Article

Important Teeth Whitening Questions Answered! In this Dear Doctor magazine article, questions are answered about bleaching techniques and safety in achieving the best possible results. If you are thinking about getting your teeth whitened at your dentist's office or doing it yourself at home, this is a must-read... Read Article

Tooth Whitening Safety Tips Tooth whitening is a relatively inexpensive way to enhance your smile, and many studies have confirmed that tooth whitening products are safe when used as directed. Still, there are some things you need to know before you begin the whitening process... Read Article

When you come to our office, expect to become excited about having the smile you have always wanted. We all know that few people are born with perfect teeth. But that does not have to stop you from having a smile that looks its absolute best. Our cosmetic dentistry techniques can give you the smile you have dreamed of, allowing you to say goodbye to crooked, chipped, or not-quite-white teeth, and have a truly dazzling smile.

We have created this website to tell you more about our cosmetic dental services and to demonstrate just a few of our successful new smiles. We have tried to anticipate some of your questions and provide you with information that will be helpful in making educated choices regarding your dental health and your smile. If you have any questions do not hesitate to call or email us.

Professional Affiliations: New Jersey Dental Association Laser Accredited Standard Proficiency Member of the American Dental Association General Member of American Academy Cosmetic Dentistry Member of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry Member of the Academy of General Dentistry Invisalign - Preferred provider

1994 Vanderbilt University (Honors Graduate) 1998 Baylor College of Dentistry2001 University of Texas Health Science Center, Master's Degree and Postgraduate certificate in PeriodonticsCertified to Administer IV Conscious Sedation

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