Teeth Whitening: Enhance Your Smile Safely and Effectively
What is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening, or bleaching, is a simple, safe, and non-invasive method to change the color of your natural tooth enamel. It is an ideal way to enhance the beauty of your smile and has become the number one aesthetic concern for many people.
Popular Methods
The most popular approach to teeth whitening is using a home teeth-whitening system. This method can dramatically whiten teeth for most people. It’s important to note that teeth whitening only works on natural tooth enamel. Therefore, any old white fillings, crowns, or other restorations may need to be replaced to match the newly bleached teeth.
Maintenance and Longevity
Teeth whitening is not permanent. Touch-ups may be needed every few years, and more frequently if you consume coffee, tea, wine, or if you smoke. Regular maintenance will help keep your smile bright and beautiful.
Reasons for Teeth Whitening
- Fluorosis: Excessive fluoridation during tooth development.
- Normal Wear: Natural wear and tear of the outer tooth layer.
- Medication Stains: Staining caused by medications such as tetracycline.
- Discoloration: Yellow or brown stains on the teeth.
What does teeth whitening involve?
1. ZOOM! In office whitening
Zoom! In-Office Whitening gives dramatically noticeable results that go far beyond other whitening products, in just an hour. This treatment whitens teeth by 8-10 shades. Drugstore whitening strips whiten by 3-4 shades over a period of weeks, and whitening toothpastes will whiten by only 1-2 shades over months.
Zoom! Whitening uses a special light to activate a gentle bleaching gel applied to your teeth. It’s safe, effective and long-lasting.
Talk to us today to learn more about Zoom! or click here to go the Zoom! website.
2. Take home trays
This type of teeth whitening usually requires two visits:
-Impressions (molds) will be made of your teeth to make custom soft plastic trays after we decide that this is appropriate for you.
-On the second visit, you will try on the trays for proper fit, and adjustments will be made if necessary. The trays are worn with special whitening gel solution inside either twice a day for 30 minutes or overnight for a couple of weeks depending on the degree of staining and desired level of whitening. It is normal to experience tooth sensitivity during the time you are whitening your teeth, but it will subside shortly after you have stopped bleaching. You will receive care instructions for your teeth and trays, and be encouraged to visit us regularly to help maintain a beautiful, healthy, white smile.
For more facts about Teeth Whitening visit our Frequently Asked Dental Questions page.