Recent Posts

What Method of Teeth Whitening Is Best for Me?

Apr. 15 2024

Everyone wants a beautiful smile, and a variety of methods are available to reach this goal. Teeth whitening is one of the most common cosmetic dental procedures, so you need to know which treatment is best for you. One of the most important factors in making this decision is the cause of staining, which can include aging, smoking, dark drinks, and acid. This post discusses the most common bleaching ingredients and the use of lasers to increase their effectiveness.

Active Ingredients

Bleaching is usually the best approach for someone with profound discoloration due to intrinsic stains, which discolor deeper layers of the tooth. These stains require high concentrations of strong bleaching agents like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Dental offices typically use 15 to 40 percent solutions of these ingredients, which is significantly higher than the do-it-yourself kits that are commercially available. A trained specialist should perform these teeth-whitening procedures no more than twice a year due to the high concentrations involved.

Laser Whitening

Most teeth whitening procedures use LED lights or lasers to increase the effectiveness of whitening agents. These light sources create an activating effect that allows the bleaching agent to penetrate the teeth more quickly, reducing the treatment time. ZOOM treatment is currently the most popular, but other laser teeth whitening methods include BriteSmile and KoR. In addition to differences in the laser, the bleaching formula and cost of these methods also vary.

Gel-only Methods

Gel-only treatments that don't use heating lamps or lasers are becoming less common due to their inconsistent results. The Opalescence Boost bleaching method is one of the best-known methods of this type, which uses a 40 percent solution of hydrogen peroxide. While stronger concentrations are more effective in bleaching teeth, they also have more adverse effects. Patients with sensitive teeth are at greatest risk for these effects, so it's particularly important for them to consult with a dentist before undergoing treatment.

Schedule Your Appointment Today!

The success of your teeth whitening procedure largely depends on how well you follow your dentist’s recommendations. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Dean Glasser's office by calling us at 631-423-6767 or completing our online form.

Dr. Dean Glasser is a respected Cosmetic and General Dentist, serving Melville, NY and the greater Long Island area. A Professor at Columbia University Dental School, Dr. Glasser is recognized as a Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and as a Fellow of the following organizations: the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Association of Hospital Dentistry and the Misch Implant Institute.

How to Prepare for a Professional Teeth Whitening Session

Jun. 15 2023

If you’re unhappy with the way your teeth look because they are stained or discolored, a professional teeth whitening session might be the answer you’ve been looking for! At Dr. Glaser’s, we offer a teeth whitening service that will give you immediate results and a sparkling, whiter-than-ever smile.

Dental Checkup and Consultation

Before your teeth whitening session, it’s best that you see Dr. Dean Glasser or Dr. Renee Glasser to have your teeth and dental health checked to make sure you don’t need any treatments, such as a filling. It is also a good idea to have your teeth cleaned while you are in for a dental checkup to remove any plaque. During this dental visit, one of the dentists will make sure your teeth can benefit from professional teeth whitening as some stains can’t be removed. If we decide you are an ideal candidate, we will discuss the problem areas that should be targeted.

Use Desensitizing Toothpaste

If you already have sensitive teeth, it’s possible that whitening your teeth professionally will make the sensitivity worse. Using desensitizing toothpaste before your session is a great way to help with your teeth’s sensitivity during and after the procedure and eliminate any pain.

Take Before Pictures

To really see the difference between before and after your teeth whitening session, take a before picture of your teeth! This can help you see how well your teeth reacted to the teeth whitening and give you a sense of what future sessions will look like.

What Types of Teeth Whitening Does Dr. Glasser Offer?

At Dr. Glasser’s, we offer two types of teeth whitening services, in-office whitening and at-home. Both whitening services provide the same exceptional results. However, in-office whitening results are seen immediately after your session, whereas at-home whitening results could take up to two weeks.

Schedule Your Teeth Whitening Consultation Today

If you’re ready to achieve a whiter and healthier-looking smile, call Dr. Glasser’s office in Melville, NY, at 631-423-6767 to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced and knowledgeable dentists, Dr. Dean Glasser and Dr. Renee Glasser. At our office, we can ensure you will receive the best quality and compassionate care.

How to safely whiten your smile with your Melville, NY dentist

Dec. 15 2019

There are many reasons why patients may experience staining and discoloration of their natural teeth. Oftentimes, habits such as tobacco use may be to blame, or continued consumption of dark beverages such as red wines and coffee. Fortunately, at Implant and General Dentistry of Long Island, patients in the area of Melville, NY can obtain teeth whitening solutions that can brighten their smile and combat these surface stains. Patients can feel at ease when they have targeted the cause of their discoloration and found an effective solution to bring the brilliance back!

Teeth whitening options available with a dentist

One way to quickly address staining and discoloration is with teeth whitening solutions available at Implant and General Dentistry of Long Island. Dr. Dean Glasser is pleased to offer two varieties, including take-home whitening kits and in-office power bleaching. In-office methods of whitening are monitored and performed by our dental staff, ensuring patients see noticeable results. Our take-home whitening kits are also reliable, and allow patients to brighten their smile in the comfort of their own home. Patients wear the trays for a specific period of time each night with the doctor-supplied bleaching gel to gradually improve their smile.

Ways to keep the smile clean

In addition to working with a dentist to brighten the smile, patients can also take certain steps at home to ensure they are maintaining the brilliance of their teeth. Below are just a few ways in which patients can improve their smile’s appearance and address staining and discoloration:

Have the teeth cleaned on a regular basis. In addition to brushing and flossing after every meal, patients should visit Implant and General Dentistry of Long Island for a full evaluation and thorough cleaning by one of our dental hygienists. This can remove many surface stains.
Watch what you eat. Certain foods and beverages can stain the teeth, so eating these foods and drinking these beverages in moderation is highly recommended to reduce discoloration.
Use whitening toothpaste. After whitening the smile with the dentist, many patients can maintain the results by using a whitening toothpaste. These will not provide dramatic results, but can complement any whitening option recommended by Dr. Dean Glasser.

Learn more about teeth whitening options

Call Dr. Dean Glasser of Implant and General Dentistry of Long Island today to schedule a consultation visit. Melville, NY area patients can call (631) 423-6767 and visit the office at 458 Old Country Road. New and existing patients are welcome.

How to Maintain Your White Teeth While Traveling

Jun. 15 2019

Whether you are traveling close by or somewhere far away this summer, make sure that you continue to take good care of your teeth. Not only should you try to brush at least twice a day and drink more water, but you should also make sure that you don’t come home with teeth that are a little yellower than you started with. So, what are some ways that you can whiten your teeth while traveling? Let’s take a closer look.

Get them whitened before

The first thing that you should do is start your trip out on the right foot and get your teeth professionally whitened before you hit the open road. Here at our office, we use in-office bleach which will help give you a whiter smile in just one or two sessions. The great thing about getting your teeth to whitened before you go out of town is that you won’t only look good in pictures, but the only thing that you will have to do afterward is maintaining them.

Use a whitening pen

Whitening pens are great because you can use them without a mirror and while on the go. We encourage patients to use whitening pens multiple times a day. For instance, if you just had a cup of coffee, you can rinse your mouth with water and then use the whitening pen to help prevent stains. The great thing about these is tha you don’t have to go back to your hotel room to get the job done; in fact, you can do all of the touristy stuff that you want!

Use whitening toothpaste

Once you have done all of the sightseeing and are back at your hotel, use a whitening toothpaste to get off any stains that you couldn’t get off with a whitening pen alone. The combination of your abrasive toothbrush and the hydrogen peroxide in your toothpaste will help to get rid of any surface stains.

Come back from vacation with white, bright teeth by using these tips. To learn some more, contact our Melville office and call (631) 423-6767.

How to Get a Whiter Smile Before the New Year

Dec. 15 2017

If Santa’s list is growing, your to-do’s are getting longer, and it seems like you’ll never get the lights up on the outside of your house before even the end of the month, it’s time to take a break and take care of yourself. Even though the holidays can bring magic and warmth into your home, they can also be stressful and leave you feeling more anxious than you may care to admit. Try to relax from all of the holiday hustle and bustle, come into Dr. Dean Glasser’s office, and get that white smile you’ve wanted— and, just in time for the new year.

Even though it can seem like there are various at-home whitening kits lurking around every corner of the grocery store practically calling your name, they aren’t going to be nearly as effective as one of Dr. Dean Glasser’s in-office treatments.

With a combination of laser technology and chemical bleaching, we can give you the visibly whiter smile that you’ve been wanting. Plus, because you’ll get to come into our office, that means you’ll get to get away from your hectic holiday schedule, sit in our chair, and relax while we work to give you the white smile of your dreams

Depending on how stained your teeth are, it will determine how many whitening sessions will be required. However, after just one session, most patients notice a visibly whiter smile that will be worth showing off at your next holiday party.

In- office whitening is more efficient than at-home whitening for a variety of reasons including the concentration of bleach used, the use of a laser, and the help of a professional like Dr. Dean Glasser. If you would like to learn more about how we can get you a whiter smile before the new year, contact our Melville office today!

How to Maintain a White Smile

Oct. 15 2017

Even though Halloween is almost here, you don’t need to walk around with a mouth full of black, gray, or even yellow teeth. By staying up-to-date on your dental whitening, you can rest assured that you only look like a ghoul on Halloween. The tricky thing about dental whitening is that for many patients, their teeth start to look a little yellow after just a few cups of coffee--making patients feel like their whitening will never last. From in-office whitening to whitening pens, this article will list a few ways that may help you keep your teeth white all year long.

In Office Whitening

Unless you took a medication like a tetracycline when you were little, and your teeth are permanently stained gray, Dr. Dean Glasser should be able to make your teeth visibly whiter after just a few laser whitening sessions. Depending on how severe your stains are, he may recommend more than one treatment to get the best results possible.

Whitening Toothpaste

If you’re not already brushing with a whitening toothpaste, you are doing your teeth a serious disservice. Over-the-counter whitening toothpaste contains a small amount of hydrogen peroxide that works to rid your teeth of surface stains caused by things such as tomato sauce and coffee— which makes whitening toothpaste something you should consider using every day.

Whitening Pens

Whitening pens hit the market a few years ago and have slowly started to gain popularity. Because you are unable to brush your teeth when you’re at work or out in public, a whitening pen gives you the ability to fight surface stains before they sit on your teeth for too long. All you have to do is remove the cap and paint the whitening solution onto your teeth— it’s is simple as that.

Teeth whitening isn't a one and done kind of thing— it requires routine maintenance. If you have stained teeth that you would like to whiten, contact Dr. Dean Glasser’s office today to schedule an appointment, and we will gladly assist you.

Whiten Your Smile: 3 Tips for Coffee Drinkers

Jun. 15 2017

Unless you get an average of eight or more hours of sleep a night and get an afternoon nap every day, you are likely reaching for either a bit more sleep or an extra cup of coffee. Whether you prefer your coffee black, iced, or as a latte, nothing can make you get out of bed quite like that delicious, freshly brewed drink. However, even though coffee can give you the energy needed to get you through the day, it can also wreak damage on your teeth; weakening the enamel and causing them to turn yellow. Luckily, Dr. Dean Glasser has created a list of three easy ways that you can take care of your teeth if you are a coffee drinker. Read on to learn more.

Drink Water With It

Coffee is not only acidic, but it can stain your teeth as well. To help cut down on the time that the coffee has to interact with your teeth, try drinking water with it. Not only will water dilute the acidity but it will help wash the coffee off of your teeth— leaving them whiter in the process.

Use a Whitening Pen

Whitening pens can easily be found at most drugstores, grocery stores, or supercenters on the toothpaste aisle. Filled with a small amount of hydrogen peroxide, a whitening pen is a small pen-like device that you can brush your teeth after drinking coffee. As soon as you drink your morning cup of coffee, grab the whitening pen and paint it onto your pearly whites.

Dilute It

If you prefer to drink your coffee black, it is more likely to stain your teeth. However, if you dilute your coffee with cream, milk, or even ice cubes, it breaks down the acidity and the ability for it to cause your teeth. If you don’t like drinking cow's milk or if you are lactose intolerant, consider adding almond, soy, or coconut milk to your coffee instead.

Drinking coffee isn’t just a great way to get you up in the morning, but it can be considered a social activity as well. To help protect your smile from the damaging effects of coffee, try drinking water with it, using a whitening pen afterward, and diluting it. To learn more about these and other dental tips, contact Dr. Dean Glasser today!

50 Shades of Grey: How to Get Whiter Teeth In Time for Valentine’s Day

Feb. 15 2017

The book, 50 Shades of Gray is a sure way to get you and your significant other ready for a hot and steamy Valentine's Day. However, the last gray thing you are going to want to see is a mouth full of gray tinged teeth. Don’t be the person that is repulsing others by their discolored teeth this Valentine’s Day and get your teeth whitened. From at-home whitening kits to in-office treatments, this article will discuss a few quick and easy ways that you can get your teeth white and bright before your Valentine’s kiss. Read on to learn more.

Try a Whitening Toothpaste

If you have never had your teeth whitened before, try using a whitening toothpaste to start out. Filled with a small amount of hydrogen peroxide, an over-the-counter whitening toothpaste will work to remove small surface stains on your teeth caused by food and beverages. Continue to use the whitening toothpaste for about 7-10 days, if you don’t notice a difference consider trying whitening strips.

Try Whitening Strips

Also found over-the-counter, whitening strips contain a stronger bleaching ingredient that can help to whiten your teeth. Available in different strengths, you can get whitening strips that work as fast as 24 hours. Although some people complain of tooth sensitivity following using whitening strips, that should subside after a few days.

In-Office Whitening

If you have tried both whitening toothpaste and strips and still aren’t able to get your teeth white, come into see Dr. Dean Glasser. With either bleaching trays or laser whitening, Dr. Dean Glasser can whiten your teeth so that you are ready for Valentine’s Day.

There are some rare cases in which even with the help of laser whitening, Dr. Dean Glasser won’t be able to whiten your teeth-- such as if your teeth are stained from a medication like a tetracycline. However, by using whitening toothpaste, strips, or in-office whitening, you can get a brighter and whiter smile in virtually no time at all. If you would like to learn more about how you can get whiter teeth, contact Dr. Dean Glasser to schedule an appointment today.