At Staten Island Pediatric Dentistry we understand that a bright smile is more than just an accessory - it’s a part of how kids, teens, and adults feel about themselves every single day. Smiling with confidence can change the way someone walks into a room, how they appear in photos, and even how they carry themselves at school, sports events, or family gatherings.
That’s why we are proud to bring the GLO Whitening System to our patients. This award-winning technology is designed to make teeth whitening faster, safer, and more comfortable than ever before. With professional oversight in our office, parents can feel confident that their children are receiving whitening care that puts oral health first, while also giving them the boost of confidence they deserve.
What makes a smile lose its brightness?
Discoloration can happen at any age. For kids and teens, the causes may be different than what adults experience. Soft drinks, sports drinks, flavored waters, and fruit juices can stain enamel over time. Teens who wear braces may notice uneven coloring once brackets are removed. Even healthy foods like berries or tomato sauces can cause staining. For adults, coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco products are common culprits.
The good news is that professional whitening can address all of these causes, brightening enamel safely and effectively without weakening your teeth.
The science behind GLO Whitening
GLO uses a closed-system mouthpiece that combines warming heat and LED light to activate the professional-strength hydrogen peroxide gel. This dual-action process speeds up stain removal while keeping the gel where it belongs - sealed against the teeth instead of spreading onto gums or lips.
This technology has been clinically proven to:
- Deliver visibly whiter teeth in a single in-office session
- Minimize tooth sensitivity compared to other systems
- Protect enamel while removing surface and deep stains
Because the system is patented and only available through dental professionals, patients benefit from higher effectiveness and safety than store-bought strips or trays.
Why professional whitening matters
Many parents ask why they shouldn’t just pick up a whitening kit from the pharmacy. The difference is simple: control, safety, and results.
Over-the-counter products use weaker formulas to avoid misuse, and because they aren’t custom-fitted, the gel often moves around, irritating gums or leaving uneven results. They also require much longer wear times and many repeated applications.
At Staten Island Pediatric Dentistry, whitening treatments are supervised by trained dental professionals. We evaluate each patient’s enamel health, gum condition, and age before recommending treatment. This ensures that whitening is both effective and safe for long-term oral health.
Safe whitening for teens
One of the most common questions we hear is: “Is teeth whitening safe for my teenager?”
The answer is yes - once permanent teeth have fully come in, whitening under professional guidance is considered safe. We never recommend whitening for baby teeth, but for adolescents who are self-conscious about stains or uneven coloring, GLO can be a life-changing confidence boost.
Proms, graduations, and sports banquets are common times when teens want to look their best. Parents often notice that whitening helps their children smile bigger in photos and carry themselves with greater self-esteem.
Whitening for adults
Parents aren’t left out. Many moms and dads who bring their children for appointments decide to refresh their own smile while they’re here. Years of coffee, tea, or wine can leave enamel looking dull. GLO provides a quick, comfortable solution that works with busy schedules.
In-office whitening sessions take about an hour, and patients often notice results immediately. For those who want to maintain their new brightness, take-home GLO kits are also available.
Comparing in-office vs at-home whitening
- In-office GLO Whitening: Best for fast, dramatic results. Ideal before weddings, graduations, school pictures, or milestone events. One session delivers multiple shades of improvement.
- At-home GLO Whitening: Designed for touch-ups and maintenance. The same heat-light technology is available in a smaller kit, so patients can extend their results between dental visits.
Together, the two approaches make whitening flexible, convenient, and easy to keep up with.
How long do results last?
The longevity of whitening results depends on habits. Patients who avoid dark beverages and practice strong oral hygiene can enjoy brighter smiles for six months to a year or more. Those who frequently drink coffee, soda, or sports drinks may need touch-ups sooner.
Our team will provide personalized recommendations to help each patient get the most out of their whitening.
The emotional impact of a brighter smile
The benefits of whitening extend beyond appearances. Studies show that people who feel good about their smiles are more likely to project confidence, perform better in interviews, and feel comfortable in social settings. For kids and teens, this can mean smiling more freely in yearbook photos or feeling proud during big life moments. For adults, it can bring back the brightness of youth and the joy of smiling without hesitation.
At Staten Island Pediatric Dentistry, we’ve seen firsthand how patients of all ages leave the office with not just whiter teeth, but also bigger smiles and improved self-esteem.
Common questions from parents
Will whitening make teeth more sensitive? GLO is designed to reduce sensitivity. While some patients may feel mild tingling, the heat-and-light activation process helps minimize discomfort.
Does whitening damage enamel? No. Professional whitening, when supervised by a dentist, is safe for enamel. Our team ensures that patients are good candidates before starting treatment.
Can whitening be done after braces? Yes, and in fact it is one of the most common times patients request whitening. It helps even out any discoloration left behind after orthodontic treatment.
How old should my child be for whitening? We typically recommend waiting until all permanent teeth have come in. For most children, this is around their mid-teens.
Why Staten Island Pediatric Dentistry for whitening?
Staten Island Pediatric Dentistry has been a trusted name and leader in dental care for over 50 years. Families choose us not just for our experience, but because we combine advanced technology with a compassionate, family-focused approach. By offering GLO Whitening, we give our patients access to the most modern and safe whitening option available, backed by our decades of pediatric and family dental expertise.
Next steps
If you’ve been thinking about whitening for yourself, your teen, or your family, there’s no better time to explore it. Our team is here to answer all your questions, evaluate candidacy, and guide you through the process.
Call us today at (718) 761-7316 to schedule your whitening consultation or learn more at <