We all like to have bright, white teeth. Keeping teeth clean isn’t always easy, though. The foods we eat, the drinks we consume, and even the medications we take can lead to discoloration or staining as we get older. Fortunately, there are excellent options for getting that brighter smile back.
There are many whitening toothpastes and kits to use at home. Also, dentists can provide various whitening procedures in a dental office. With so many choices, it is essential to take time to choose the right option for you.\
Zoom Teeth Whitening
While there are other whitening systems, our cosmetic dentist frequently recommends the Zoom Whitening process for mild to moderate staining. The Zoom Whitening treatment performed in our dental practice; the procedure only takes around one hour. Typically, patients can expect to achieve a tooth color that is 6-8 shades lighter after the process. Of course, results may vary between individuals.
As with any teeth whitening system, we recommend having your teeth professionally cleaned by our dental hygienist around two weeks before the whitening procedure. Brushing your teeth is great for keeping teeth as clean as possible daily, but a dental hygienist can clean very thoroughly.
How Does Zoom Whitening Work?
Zoom Whitening is a bleaching process that lightens discoloration of enamel and dentin. Stains from coffee, red wine, medications, and smoking are not always easy to remove at home. The in-office Zoom Whitening process uses the Zoom Advanced Power Chairside Lamp, which the manufacturers say can advance the bleaching process to stimulate the 25% hydrogen peroxide whitening.
When the hydrogen peroxide is breaking down, it releases oxygen, which enters the enamel and dentin. The oxygen bleaches the enamel and dentin without affecting the structure of the tooth. The treatment is very safe, effective, and your dentist can complete it in about one hour.
Zoom Whitening Procedure
The first step is consultation and planning. Your dentist will examine the overall health of your teeth. They will ask you about your oral hygiene routine and your lifestyle, to ensure teeth whitening will be the most suitable option for you. If you already have crowns or veneers, then these will not respond to whitening.
Similarly, if you plan to have any dental work done in the future, this is an excellent time to tell your dentist. They will advise how the upcoming dental procedure and the whitening treatment will affect your smile. It may be that other treatments are more advisable.
You can ask your dentist any questions about the treatment and hear what the process entails. At the end of this consultation, your dentist will give you time to come to a decision. Should you wish to proceed with the teeth whitening treatment, then the next step will be the procedure itself.
The Zoom Procedure
Before coming to the practice for your Zoom Whitening treatment, we recommend having your teeth cleaned by our dental hygienist, usually about two weeks beforehand. They will remove some of the hard to clean stains that can accumulate over time. Your dentist will be able to maximize the effectiveness of the procedure if your teeth are as clean as possible.
On the day of treatment, your dentist will gently insert a mouth brace to keep your mouth open while minimizing discomfort. Your dentist will cover your lips and gums with a prepared covering, so only your teeth remain exposed. They will then apply the Zoom Whitening gel on to the surface of your teeth. Now, they will shine the Zoom lamp on to the gel.
The light will help the active ingredient, the hydrogen peroxide gel, to break down. As this occurs, the hydrogen peroxide will release oxygen. The oxygen will gently penetrate the tooth enamel and dentin, lightly breaking up stains and discoloration.
Your dentist will repeat the process 2-3 times, each period lasting 15 minutes. The total treatment time will be approximately one hour. After the dentist has completed the session, they will apply a fluoride gel paste, which reduces any discomfort from sensitivity. Sensitive teeth that are not shielded by a build-up of stains may be more open to the elements and any food or drink consumed, particularly if they have high sugar content.
Keeping the Color Bright
Now that you have a bright, natural new smile, the next step is aftercare. Your dentist will discuss this with you and advise on a thorough daily cleaning regime. Tooth Brushing and flossing are essential and will help you to protect your new beautiful smile.
Many teeth whitening products are commercially available. We advise strong caution before whitening your teeth at home, without first asking your dentist for professional advice.
A whitening agent, even applied for only 30 minutes, may whiten your teeth too much, creating a false and unnatural look. A home whitening kit may contain chemicals that can irritate your gums.
At Scott J Owens DDS Cosmetic and Family Dentistry, we can supply you with our specialized products. Our kits are industrial strength, custom-fitted, and come with formulations to reduce discomfort if you have sensitive teeth.
How Long Do Results Last
After a treatment, you can expect the results to last for between 12 and 24 months. However, this time frame comes with a big note of caution. Your teeth will be whiter for a more extended time if they are looked after and kept clean.
Cleaning your teeth after each meal, flossing regularly, and avoiding staining drinks such as red wine and coffee should help them stay bright. If you smoke, only brush once a day and drink a lot of coffee, then you should expect the timeframe to be lower.
Our Zoom Whitening treatment is quick, convenient and will leave your teeth looking, on average, around 6-8 shades lighter. Home whitening products from our dental practice can help you maintain excellent results and keep a bright, white smile for longer.
However, some patients may prefer to purchase a home whitening kit. While some teeth whitening products can produce excellent results can also provide excellent results and may be convenient for those living some distance from our practice.
Home Whitening Kits
Scott J Owens DDS Cosmetic and Family Dentistry can supply you with a home whitening kit. Some patients may prefer the convenience of not having to attend an appointment each time they would like to whiten their teeth.
For patient safety and to receive professional advice, we recommend having a consultation with your dentist before purchasing a take-home kit. Patients may have existing dental issues they are unaware of, or a whitening kit may not be the most suitable option for their treatment. In such cases, our dentist will advise on another course of action, and of course, discuss repairing any existing decay, disease, or damage.
What Are the Considerations?
Your dentist will ask your expectations for the home whitening treatment. It may be you want the fastest result possible, or maybe you have sensitive teeth and require a more gentle bleaching product. If you have recently had dental work carried out, such as a crown fitted, the whitening kit will not affect it.
Your dentist will explain the crown could be left darker than the newly whitened teeth. The aim of whitening is usually to enhance the appearance of a patient’s teeth; having one that is darker than the rest is unlikely to improve your smile.
When a patient opts for a home teeth whitening kit instead of an in-practice chair session, convenience can often be a factor. However, an in-chair procedure is carried out by a highly-trained professional. They can help to manage any discomfort that the solutions may cause.
A dentist will also be able to achieve the right shade of white. A home whitening kit is a useful option, but the patient is responsible for their use of the equipment, and patients can make mistakes.
Final Thoughts
At Scott J Owens DDS Cosmetic and Family Dentistry, we provide a quick, safe, and effective teeth whitening treatment. Following a detailed consultation and treatment planning meeting, your dentist will arrange an appointment for the procedure. Within an hour of the dentist beginning the process, your smile can be, on average, 6-8 times whiter.
If you prefer, we offer home teeth whitening kits.
Before deciding on an option, please call Scott J Owens DDS Cosmetic and Family Dentistry at 248-716-8623 to arrange a consultation with your dentist. Our professional advice can help you make the correct decision.
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