What is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dentistry procedure that removes stains from tooth enamel. Clock Tower Dental uses professional strength teeth whitening gel that isn’t available to the general public as part of a Zoom whitening procedure. Zoom is one of the best-known teeth whitening treatments worldwide because it works so well.
The whitening gel is a form of hydrogen peroxide that contains agents like fluoride and other ingredients to reduce tooth sensitivity. The result is a more comfortable and effective treatment. An in-office teeth whitening treatment can brighten your teeth by several shades in as quickly as one hour.
Why Can Teeth Stain?
There are numerous reasons why teeth can stain. Natural teeth can be a wide range of colors, from white to yellow, gray, or even orange or mauve.
Some people have naturally darker teeth due to genetics.
Other reasons for teeth staining can include:
- Lifestyle factors such as smoking or consuming highly colored foods and beverages. These can penetrate and stain your tooth enamel.
- Aging can cause discoloration due to enamel erosion. Over time, your tooth enamel gets thinner because of repeated exposure to acids. The thinner enamel exposes the dentin underneath, which contains the natural color of your teeth.
- Some medications cause discoloration, especially tetracycline.
- Trauma can cause tooth discoloration if it affects the dental pulp.
- Dental fluorosis, where teeth are exposed to excess fluoride while developing, can result in brown stains.
Benefits of Teeth Whitening
Professional teeth whitening can provide several benefits, which include:
- Results are quick.
- Treatment is non-invasive and pain-free.
- Teeth whitening is customizable to meet your goals.
- Whiter teeth can help boost self-confidence and self-esteem.
- Treatment is affordable and you can top up the results safely later.
Who Is Suitable for Teeth Whitening?
You must have teeth that are strong, healthy, and that don’t have any failing fillings or cavities. You also need healthy gums.
For those considering porcelain veneers, gum contouring, or crown lengthening, teeth whitening is often performed beforehand to create a harmonious, balanced smile.
Who May Be Less Suitable for Teeth Whitening?
Children
We don’t recommend teeth whitening for children. Children can have thinner tooth enamel than adults, making them more sensitive to treatments like teeth whitening.
Pregnant women
There has been little research into tooth whitening during pregnancy, and while it may be okay, it’s better to wait until the baby is born.
Internally stained teeth
While most teeth respond well to bleaching, treatment can be less effective if the stains are internal. We may recommend a different treatment to whiten the tooth in this case. This could be bleaching the tooth internally or covering it with a porcelain veneer.
Dental restorations
Any existing dental restorations, including crowns, bridges, veneers, dental implants, and composite resin fillings, will not become whiter during treatment. In this case, you would need to either replace the restorations afterward or risk having an unevenly colored smile.
It’s worth remembering that restorations do need replacing occasionally. They can begin to crumble or leak and it could be that any you have are nearing the end of their natural life. In this case, replacing them can be useful since it will ensure your dental health is protected.
The good news is that modern dental restorations look amazing, thanks to the introduction of advanced ceramic materials. These ceramics are strong, durable, and beautiful.
Understanding the Teeth Whitening Process
There are two ways you can whiten your teeth. The first is an in-office Zoom whitening treatment. The second is to whiten your teeth with a custom home whitening kit.
In Office Zoom Teeth Whitening
The procedure of having your teeth whitened in the office is extremely straightforward. After your initial dental exam, the process is as follows.
- Your teeth are cleaned professionally, as removing plaque and tartar buildup helps achieve optimal results.
- We ensure your gums and lips are protected before painting your teeth with professional strength teeth whitening gel.
- The gel is activated with a special light. Activating the gel helps it penetrate your tooth enamel more quickly, removing deep-seated stains.
- The gel is removed, and we may reapply it and repeat the process several times to gain optimal results.
An in-office teeth whitening treatment will usually take around an hour. By the time you leave, your teeth will already look significantly brighter. They can continue to whiten for several days afterward until your teeth settle down.
Custom Teeth Whitening Kits: When to Choose This Option
A custom home whitening kit can be useful for anyone with sensitive teeth as it allows you to brighten your teeth more slowly and offers greater control over the process.
Sometimes, our patients will use both methods, first whitening their teeth in our dental office and then continuing the process at home with a custom whitening kit.
We can supply custom teeth whitening kits, where you have a specially made mouth tray, and we supply carbamide peroxide whitening gel. Carbamide peroxide is a form of hydrogen peroxide that is safe for home use, and we can adjust its strength to suit your needs.
You simply fill and wear the trays, as shown by our dentist, for several hours daily or overnight. Treatment can continue for approximately two weeks to gain optimal results.
Caring for Your Teeth after Whitening
After you whiten your teeth, we will give you detailed instructions on how to care for them. Below are a few tips to follow.
Tooth Sensitivity
Our professional strength whitening gels are designed to reduce tooth sensitivity. However, you may still experience some mild sensitivity after an in-office treatment. During whitening, the protective pellicle covering the teeth is removed, and it takes several days to re-form. Until it re-forms, your teeth may be a bit more sensitive when consuming anything hot or cold, so avoiding these items is best.
Diet Choices
Initially, because your tooth enamel is slightly softer, it is best to avoid darker or highly colored foods and beverages like tea, coffee, and tomato-based pasta. Immediately consuming these foods risks staining your tooth enamel. Instead, choose whiter foods for the first few days afterward until your tooth enamel begins to re-harden.
Prolonging the Results
Over time, your teeth will gradually darken and stain again, but you can make the results last longer by following the advice below.
- Schedule regular hygiene appointments so we can remove plaque and tartar buildup and polish your teeth gently, helping to get rid of some surface stains.
- Practice good daily oral care, as getting rid of food and plaque will ensure your smile remains brighter and healthier.
- Follow our advice on how frequently to top up the results. Using teeth whitening products too frequently can over-bleach and damage tooth enamel, making it look lifeless and dull.
How Much Will Zoom Whitening Cost?
Zoom whitening is our most affordable cosmetic dentistry treatment. It provides excellent results, giving you a gleaming, beautiful smile while ensuring your teeth remain strong and healthy.
Have You Been Searching for the Best Teeth Whitening Treatment?
Schedule your consultation with Clock Tower Dental. We can soon determine if treatment is suitable for you and can help you whiten safely and quickly.