Teeth Whitening
Teeth Whitening is a cosmetic procedure that lightens teeth and helps to remove stains and discoloration. In office teeth whitening offers the benefits of significant teeth color change in the shortest period of time. This process involves the use of a high-concentration peroxide gel, applied to the teeth with gums and mouth protected from application. The gel remains on the teeth for several 15 to 20 minute intervals that add up to about an hour.
Yellow or stained teeth are a common problem most Americans will develop at some point in their lives but can remedy with proper treatment. Our teeth contain enamel, a porcelain-like surface that started out sparkling white. Tooth enamel is designed to protect the teeth from the effects of chewing, gnashing, trauma and acid attacks caused by sugar. Over time, our enamel starts to hold stains within its pores and becomes more transparent and permits the yellow color of dentin, the tooth’s core material, to show through.
Causes of Teeth Staining
Food and diet are the most common culprits of teeth discoloration, but there are a number of causes that can incite discolored teeth. Below is a list of the top causes of teeth stains and discoloration:
- Medicine
- Excessive Fluoride
- Genetics and Aging
- Dental Damage
- Dark Drinks
- Colorful Foods
- Bad Oral Hygiene
Food and diet are the most common culprits of teeth discoloration, but there are a number of causes that can incite discolored teeth. Below is a list of the top causes of teeth stains and discoloration:
- Medicine
- Excessive Fluoride
- Genetics and Aging
- Dental Damage
- Dark Drinks
- Colorful Foods
- Bad Oral Hygiene
Get Ready to Zoom
Zoom Teeth Whitening also known as Phillips Zoom or Zoom WhiteSpeed, is an in-office teeth-whitening procedure that uses LED lights combined with hydrogen peroxide to whiten your teeth up to eight shades!
The complete procedure takes about one hour. Once the lips and gums are safely covered, a patented Zoom hydrogen peroxide whitening gel is applied. Zoom incorporates a special light that penetrates the teeth to break up stains and discoloration. During the process the patient is free to relax, watch TV, or listen to music.
Teeth typically become at least six to ten shades whiter, sometimes more. A five-minute fluoride treatment completes the procedure. In most cases, teeth get even whiter the first few days after the procedure.
How long the results last depend on your diet. Drinking coffee, red wine, soda, and other liquids can stain the teeth quicker.
Using whitening trays after the procedure can help maintain results.
Long term side effects are considered rare. Sensitivity after the procedure is possible, but it should subside relatively quickly. It’s possible for some of the peroxide material to leak underneath the barriers during the procedure and cause minor burns on the gums. Those should also heal quickly.
You’ll be amazed with the results!!