You can book an appointment by contacting our office or by using our online request form.
Coffee, tea, red wine, and simply getting older all take a toll on the natural whiteness of your teeth. Professional teeth whitening at Colonia Dental Associates uses stronger, dentist-supervised whitening agents than anything available over the counter, which means more noticeable results with a process that protects your gums along the way.
Dr. Ashlee N. Apratim, D.M.D., and Dr. Gurjinder Singh, D.M.D., both offer teeth whitening at our Colonia office and will only recommend it once they have confirmed your teeth and gums are healthy enough for treatment. Whitening only works on natural tooth enamel, so before we start, we make sure it is the right fit for your smile.
In-Office vs. Take-Home Whitening
In-office whitening is completed in a single visit of about an hour, under direct supervision, and delivers the fastest visible results. It is a good option if you have an event coming up or simply want to see results right away.
Take-home whitening uses custom-fitted trays and a professional-strength gel you apply yourself over one to two weeks. It is more gradual, but the custom trays fit your teeth more precisely than any store-bought kit, which improves both comfort and results.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Whitening?
You should have healthy teeth and gums, free of active cavities or gum disease, before starting a whitening treatment. Whitening only affects your natural tooth enamel, so existing fillings, crowns, and veneers will not change color, which is worth knowing before treatment so the results are even across your smile.
Common causes of staining include genetics, certain medications, tobacco use, aging, and stain-causing foods and drinks like coffee, tea, and red wine. Your dentist can tell you whether your particular staining is likely to respond well to whitening during a consultation.
Maintaining Your Results
Whitening results typically last six months to two years depending on your habits. Limiting dark-colored foods and drinks for the first 48 hours, brushing and flossing consistently, and scheduling regular cleanings all help your results last as long as possible. Many patients touch up with a take-home kit once or twice a year to maintain their brighter smile.
Why Colonia Patients Choose Us for Whitening
Meet Your Whitening Providers at Colonia Dental Associates
Dr. Ashlee N. Apratim, D.M.D.
Associate Fellow, AAID · Rutgers AAID MaxiCourse · Honors in Prosthodontics, UMDNJ
Dr. Apratim graduated from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey with honors in prosthodontics and completed her advanced clinical training at JFK Medical Center in Edison, giving her a close understanding of how tooth shade and material choice work together for a natural-looking result.
Dr. Gurjinder Singh, D.M.D.
Associate Fellow, AAID · Rutgers AAID MaxiCourse · Residency, Monmouth Medical Center
Dr. Singh earned his Doctorate in Dental Medicine from UMDNJ and completed a one-year residency at Monmouth Medical Center across all dental disciplines, and is also a certified Silver Tier Invisalign provider for patients considering a fuller smile makeover.
Teeth Whitening Cost and Financing in Colonia, NJ
Whitening cost depends on whether you choose in-office treatment, take-home trays, or both. As a fee-for-service practice, we file insurance claims on your behalf to help maximize your out-of-network PPO benefits, and we offer flexible payment options through CareCredit and Cherry, including 24-month 0% financing for qualified patients.
Learn more about our insurance and financing options.
Schedule Your Teeth Whitening Consultation
We serve residents of Colonia, NJ, as well as the surrounding areas of Woodbridge Township including Avenel, Carteret, Clark, Edison, Fords, Iselin, Linden, Piscataway, Port Reading, Metuchen, Rahway, Sewaren, and South Plainfield.
CareCredit and Cherry financing are available, and we file insurance claims on your behalf. To schedule your consultation, contact us online or call 732-381-7171 today.
FAQ's
How does professional teeth whitening work?
Professional teeth whitening uses safe bleaching agents to remove stains and discoloration, providing faster and more effective results than over-the-counter products.
How long does teeth whitening last?
The results can remain intact anywhere from half a year to 2 years, relying on your oral hygiene and habits like smoking or consuming staining foods.
Is teeth whitening safe?
Yes, professional teeth whitening is secure when performed by a dentist. We use controlled-strength whitening agents to minimize sensitivity and protect your gums.
Will teeth whitening give me sensitive teeth?
Yes, some patients may feel short-term sensitivity, but it usually subsides within a few days. Using sensitivity toothpaste can help reduce discomfort.
How many shades and whiter can my teeth get?
Most patients see an improvement of 3 to 8 shades, depending on their natural tooth color and the level of staining.
How long does a professional teeth whitening treatment take?
In-office whitening usually takes about an hour, while take-home whitening kits may take a few weeks for optimal results.
What foods and drinks should I stay away from after whitening?
Avoid dark-colored foods and drinks like coffee, tea, red wine, and berries for at least 48 hours to prevent staining.
Can teeth whitening remove deep stains?
Yes, professional whitening is effective for most stains, but deep intrinsic stains may require additional treatments like veneers or bonding.
How often can I get teeth whitening done?
Most dentists recommend whitening treatments every 12 to 24 months, depending on your oral hygiene and habits.
