Why are teeth getting darker?
The teeth darken physiologically as time goes by.
The pigmentation is caused by the use of coffee, tea, tobacco and certain foods.
Aging also makes teeth less bright as the enamel gets thinner and the dentin becomes darker.
How is teeth whitening done?
Teeth whitening improves teeth colour. It can be done in the office, at home or it may begin with office appointments and be completed at home with the use of custom made trays.
What is the procedure for in-home whitening?
The dentist will examine the teeth and your gums to find out if they are healthy or not. Old fillings may need replacement while dental decay and gingivitis need to be treated.
The dentist will take impressions of your teeth; fabricate casts of your dentition and custom made trays that fit perfectly over your teeth. These trays are thin and soft, offer you comfort during teeth whitening procedure and are loaded with the whitening substance your dentist will provide you with.
You will wear the whitening tray for several hours every day or night. Many people achieve the amount of whitening they want within a week or two. However, you may need to wear the tray for longer.
What is Zoom tooth whitening?
Zoom! is a bleaching process that lightens the discoloration of enamel and dentin in less than an hour.
The procedure begins with a preparation period, followed by 45 minutes of bleaching.
The Zoom! light activated whitening gel's active ingredient is Hydrogen Peroxide. As the Hydrogen Peroxide is broken down, oxygen enters the enamel and dentin, bleaching colored substances while the structure of the tooth is unchanged.
The Zoom! light, aids in activating the hydrogen peroxide and helps it penetrate the surface of the tooth. A study has shown that use of the Zoom! lamp increases the effectiveness of the Zoom! gel by 26% or more, giving an average improvement of up to eight shades.
During the procedure, patients may comfortably watch television or listen to music. Individuals with a strong gag reflex or anxiety may have difficulty undergoing the entire procedure.
Is there any danger for my teeth?
Whitening is unlikely to cause serious side effects, although some people's teeth may become more sensitive for a short while. You may get mild gum irritation as well. The structure of teeth remains the same and does not suffer any harm.
Porcelain veneers, crowns and bridges as well as your white fillings do not change colour with the special whitening substances.
How long does the result last?
Research shows that the result of teeth whitening lasts usually for years. The teeth can darken faster if they are overexposed to coffee or tobacco.
Nevertheless your teeth will remain whiter than they were before the beginning of treatment.
Take a look at teeth whitening cases that have been treated in our office.