Myth: Whitening damages your enamel.
Fact: Professional whitening, done under a dentist's supervision with gum protection and timed cycles, lifts stains without harming the tooth surface. Temporary sensitivity is common; enamel damage is not.
Cosmetic Dentistry · Merrick, NY
Teeth whitening in Merrick, NY
Professional teeth whitening at Modern Dental Hub lifts stains from coffee, tea, wine, tobacco and the years themselves, usually in a single visit. Our dentists supervise every session, protect your gums and match the strength of the treatment to your teeth. If you want a brighter smile without guessing at drugstore kits, this is the calm, supervised way to get there.
- Digital X-rays and 3D imagingModern diagnostics for precise, conservative treatment plans
- Same-day emergency visitsWhen possible, we see dental emergencies the same day
- Most major PPO plans acceptedOur office verifies your benefits before treatment
- Evening hours Tue–ThuOpen until 7 PM three days a week, 10–5 on Mondays and Fridays
Who teeth whitening can help
In-office whitening suits adults with healthy teeth and gums whose natural teeth have yellowed or picked up surface stains. The most common causes are:
- Coffee, tea, red wine, cola and dark sauces
- Tobacco in any form
- Natural darkening of the enamel with age
- Berries, curries and other strongly colored foods
Whitening is not the right first step for everyone. If you have untreated cavities, gum inflammation or worn enamel, we treat those first; whitening gel on an unhealthy tooth can sting and the results are less even. Whitening also works only on natural tooth structure. It will not change the color of crowns, veneers, implants or tooth-colored fillings, so if you have restorations on front teeth we will talk through how to keep the shade uniform. We also recommend waiting if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Deep internal staining may lighten less than everyday stains; in those cases we discuss veneers or bonding as alternatives. A dentist confirms whether whitening is right for you after an examination.
What teeth whitening is
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic treatment that uses a dentist-grade peroxide gel to break up the stain molecules inside and on the surface of enamel. At Modern Dental Hub we offer in-office whitening: the gel is applied by our team in a controlled setting, with a protective barrier over your gums, and the concentration is higher than anything sold over the counter.
Depending on your goals and sensitivity, we may also recommend take-home trays for maintenance. These are custom-fitted to your teeth and use a gentler gel over several days or weeks.
What to expect
Most patients leave their appointment with teeth that are noticeably brighter, often by several shades. How far your teeth lighten depends on the type and depth of staining and the natural shade of your enamel; results vary from person to person, and we aim for a result that looks bright yet natural for you rather than an artificial white.
Whitening results are long-lasting but not permanent. Teeth gradually pick up new stains from diet and habits. With good care, many patients enjoy their results for a year or more before wanting a refresh; heavy coffee drinkers or smokers may notice fading sooner. Occasional touch-ups, either a short in-office session or a round with take-home trays, can bring the shade back.
The most common side effect is temporary sensitivity to hot and cold for a day or two. Professional whitening, done correctly, does not damage enamel.
How it works, step by step
Examination and shade check. A dentist examines your teeth and gums, confirms you are a good candidate and records your starting shade. If you are due for a cleaning, we recommend having it first so plaque and tartar do not block the gel.
Protection. We place a retractor to keep your lips and cheeks comfortable, then apply a protective barrier over your gums so the gel touches only tooth enamel.
Whitening. The gel is applied to your teeth and left to work in timed cycles. Between cycles we remove it, check your comfort and reapply. A full session takes about 60 to 90 minutes.
Rinse and review. We rinse away the gel, compare your new shade with the starting point and apply a desensitizing treatment if needed. You leave with written aftercare instructions and, if you want them, take-home trays for maintenance.
Aftercare and recovery
- Follow the "white diet" for 24 to 48 hours: avoid coffee, tea, red wine, cola, dark sauces, berries and tobacco while the enamel is most porous. Choose water, milk, plain yogurt, rice, pasta, chicken and other light-colored foods.
- Keep brushing and flossing as usual with a soft brush. A toothpaste for sensitive teeth helps if you notice twinges.
- Use any take-home trays exactly as directed.
- Keep up regular cleanings. Removing surface stain at your hygiene visits helps extend your result.
- Call us if sensitivity or gum soreness lasts more than a few days.
Cost, insurance and payment
The cost of teeth whitening depends on the approach we recommend and whether take-home trays are included. Because whitening is cosmetic, most dental insurance plans do not cover it, but we explain the exact fee after your examination so there are no surprises.
Modern Dental Hub accepts 24 dental insurance plans; benefits and coverage should be verified with the office before treatment. Flexible payment options are available for patients without insurance. Contact the office to discuss available arrangements. See insurance we accept and payment options.
Current offer
New Patient Special
Exam, consultation and 3 X-rays. Contact the office to confirm eligibility and offer terms.
Frequently asked questions
Will whitening hurt or make my teeth sensitive?
The procedure itself is not painful. You may feel tingling while the gel is on your teeth. Some patients have mild sensitivity to hot and cold for a day or two afterwards, which fades on its own. We use desensitizing measures during the visit and can recommend a sensitive toothpaste.
How long does the appointment take?
A standard in-office whitening session takes about 60 to 90 minutes from start to finish, including protection of your gums and the shade check at the end.
How white will my teeth get?
Results vary. Most patients see their teeth lighten by several shades in one session. The final result depends on the type of staining and the natural color of your enamel. We aim for a shade that looks bright and natural on you.
How long will the results last?
Whitening is long-lasting but not permanent. With good care, many patients keep their result for a year or more. Coffee, tea, red wine and tobacco shorten that time. Touch-ups refresh the shade when you want them.
Will whitening work on my crowns or veneers?
No. The gel works only on natural enamel. Crowns, veneers, implants and tooth-colored fillings keep their original shade. If you have a restoration on a front tooth, we will discuss how to keep your smile even, which may mean replacing that restoration after whitening.
Should I have a cleaning first?
Yes, if you are due for one. A cleaning removes plaque and tartar so the gel reaches every surface evenly. It also lets a dentist check for cavities or gum inflammation that should be treated before whitening.
Myths and facts
Myth: Once you whiten, the results last forever.
Fact: Teeth pick up new stains over time from food, drink and tobacco. Good habits and occasional touch-ups keep the result, often for a year or more between refreshes.
Myth: Store-bought kits work just as well.
Fact: Over-the-counter strips and pens use weaker gel and cannot protect your gums or reach every surface evenly. They can lighten teeth a little. A supervised in-office session uses stronger gel safely and gives a more even, more noticeable result.
Have a question about teeth whitening? Our team will explain your options after an examination.
Our dentists
The dentists who provide this care
-
Dr. Margarita Kaus
Education and training
New York University, Doctor of Dental Surgery; Northwell Health (Residency)
Read more about Dr. Margarita Kaus -
Dr. Isaak Rubinov
Education and training
New York University, Doctor of Dental Surgery; Kings County Hospital Center, Residency in General Practice
Read more about Dr. Isaak Rubinov -
Dr. Jonathan Zaika
Education and training
New York University College of Dentistry, Doctor of Dental Surgery
Read more about Dr. Jonathan Zaika -
Dr. Stanley Faynblut
Education and training
Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine, Doctor of Dental Surgery (Summa Cum Laude); NYC Health + Hospitals/South Brooklyn Health, General Practice Residency
Read more about Dr. Stanley Faynblut
Visit us
Talk with us about teeth whitening.
Book online or call the office. A booking request is confirmed by our front desk; our team will contact you to confirm the time.
Get in touch
Have questions or need directions? We are here to help. Reach out or visit our office.
- Merrick, Long Island
- 235 Sunrise Highway
Merrick, NY 11566 - Hours
- Monday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday – Thursday
- 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Friday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday – Sunday
- Closed
- Phone
- (516) 855-6855