Having a beautiful smile may be even easier than you think. Many people achieve the look they’ve been dreaming of with our simple “bleaching” procedure. All the techniques that our office uses do not harm your teeth permanently. There are many methods we use in the office. The quickest and best results come from in office bleaching that takes about two hours of your time. You have heard the brand names of Britesmile and Zoom and both companies have been utilized by us. We apply a gel to the teeth and a high intensity light source is placed over the teeth for 3–4 20 minute sessions at one sitting. The results are usually excellent with a normal result of 5–9 shade improvement.
Another method we utilize is take home bleach trays that are custom made for you and a gel is applied by you every night for about 8 nights. The results are very good but have a higher amount of tooth sensitivity while it is being done. It only takes a day or two to make your custom bleach splints and deliver them to you. We provide you with a special bleaching agent that you put into the clear, nearly invisible splints. With usually an overnight application, our special bleaching agent bubbles stains right out of your enamel in a very short time without altering tooth structure or existing dental work in any way. When your teeth reach the brightness you want, only occasional treatment is needed to maintain your new smile. The sensitivity on all methods is transitory and goes away very quickly.
The last option is utilized bleaching strips (Crest White Strips for example). We have found that the results are not great for initial bleaching but are wonderful for maintaining after in office or at home tray bleaching is completed. We offer this product in a high strength version that is not available to consumers at retail stores.
Dental bleaching can be used to correct many tooth discolorations. These discolorations may have been caused by staining, aging, or chemical damage to teeth. Using the latest in bleaching technology, we can offer a safe method for creating a beautiful, “brilliant” smile. In cases of extreme tooth discoloration, crowns, or veneers may be the only choice. However, because of the low cost of bleaching treatments, bleaching is nearly always worth a try and is usually utilized when one is doing front veneers or crown work because nothing will change the color of porcelain. Always best to match the new crowns or veneers to the lightest shade possible.
Key Benefits
- Can help lighten brown, yellow, and mottled tooth staining.
- Works on people of all ages.
- Is a great long term solution for a “dull” smile, restoring brightness, and bringing a smile alive.
- Procedure can be repeated every few years without harming the teeth.
- Works the best on yellow teeth.
Considerations
Over-the-counter bleaching agents are available at drug stores and pharmacies; however, since these products are not custom made, they can harm the teeth or gums. It is better to use products that our practice recommends for safety and efficiency. Also, the concentration of these drug store products is very low so the end result is not nearly as good as in office bleaching or home trays.
ZOOM Bleaching
If you prefer teeth that are immediately whiter right now, then the solution is to bleach in one visit in the office. Our system uses proprietary technology to whiten your teeth an average of eight shades* in about two hours while you relax in our office. It’s ideal for anyone who wants immediate results.
What is In Office Tooth Whitening?
It is a bleaching process that lightens discoloration of enamel.
What Can Cause Tooth Discoloration?
There are many causes. The most common include aging and consumption of staining substances such as coffee, tea or tobacco. During tooth formation, consumption of tetracycline, certain antibiotics, or excessive fluoride may also cause tooth discoloration.
Who May Benefit From Tooth Whitening?
Just about anyone can benefit from tooth whitening. However, treatment may not be as effective or some as it is for others. Upon an oral exam, we can determine if you are a candidate for this procedure, including a shade assessment.
Is Tooth Whitening Safe?
Yes, research and clinical studies indicate that whitening teeth under the supervision of a dentist is safe. In fact, many dentists consider whitening the safest cosmetic dental procedure available. As with any tooth whitening product, it is not recommended for children under 13 years of age. Usually this is because the teeth are not fully developed and the teeth are much more sensitive.
How Long Do The Results Last?
By following some simple post whitening care instructions, your teeth will always be lighter than they were before. We recommend flossing, brushing twice daily with normal toothpaste. Some of the over the counter whitening tooth pastes can make the teeth more sensitive
What Is the Difference Between Over-The-Counter Tooth Whiteners & ZOOM?
Consulting us is always the first step to whitening your teeth safely. Over-the-counter tooth whitening strips, brush-on gels and toothpastes take weeks or months to whiten your teeth just a few shades. In office whitening usually lightens around 8 shades in less than 2 hours. This is impossible to achieve with over the counter products.
How Does the In-Office System Work?
The ZOOM light-activated whitening gel’s active ingredient is hydrogen peroxide. As hydrogen peroxide is broken down, oxygen enters the enamel and dentin, bleaching any colored substance while keeping the structure of the tooth unchanged. The light aids in activating the hydrogen peroxide and helps it penetrate the surface of the tooth.
Is the In-Office Procedure Painful?
No. During the procedure, patients can actually watch television or listen to music. Many fall asleep. Occasionally, we have had people that have had a little bit of sensitivity while it is being done but this has been very few people of the hundreds and hundreds we have done over the years.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Some people experience temporary increased tooth sensitivity to cold during treatment. These symptoms disappear within 12 hours after completion of the treatment.
