A beautiful smile can transform a face, stripping years from someone’s appearance and enhancing his or her attractiveness. Aging can cause teeth to yellow but so can substances like wine, coffee, or tobacco can accumulate on and stain the enamel of your teeth. Luckily, teeth whitening procedures exist that allow a dental professional to reverse the effects of aging in teeth. At Beach Dental, we are pleased to offer the ZOOM in-office whitening system as an option for our patients.
Whitening Options
There are several tooth whitening options available, differentiated by cost and how quickly they work. The three primary options when considering tooth whitening are by applying a bleaching agent onto a custom made bleaching tray, having the teeth bleached while in a professional provider office, or purchasing an over the counter bleaching system to apply at home.
Take Home System
Take-home systems allow the bleaching products to be applied evenly over the tooth’s surface because the bleaching tray, supplied by the dentist or orthodontist, is custom-made to align with your teeth. Patients can apply them during the day or overnight and it generally takes 2-6 weeks to see results.
Over the Counter
Over the counter products are used similarly to the take-home, but the results are less reliable because the provided strips or trays do not fit as precisely as a custom made bleaching tray. They may be a good option for people to maintain their professional whitening results.
In-Office Bleaching
In-office bleaching typically utilizes more highly concentrated bleach agents than the take-home methods and gives results that can be seen immediately after treatment. They are a good choice for people desiring rapid whitening as the previous options may take weeks for results to be visible. The Zoom in-office tooth whitening procedure uses the Zoom Advanced Power Chairside Lamp to activate the 25 percent hydrogen peroxide whitening. As the hydrogen peroxide is broken down, oxygen enters the enamel and dentin to bleach the stained substances, leaving the structure of the tooth unchanged. At Beach Dental, the ZOOM! Process lasts approximately one hour. Immediately afterwards, a sensitivity-reducing fluoride paste-gel is applied to the teeth.
What to Expect
Side effects involving tooth whitening are typically mild and temporary. Some of the more common problems are gum irritation or sensitivity in the tooth. Poorly fitting whitening trays, or not using the product for the recommended duration may lead to irritation. Patients can reduce sensitivity by using a fluoride toothpaste, placing fluoride gel in the tray prior to whitening, or spacing out whitening treatments. Some take-home products are designed to reduce sensitivity, though they may be less potent and yield results more slowly. You will be asked to avoid staining substances such as tea, coffee, red wine and tobacco after the process is completed.
Choosing the Right Whitening Option
When deciding on a whitening treatment, it’s important to consider your specific goals, timeline, and budget. If you’re looking for fast, noticeable results, in-office whitening might be the best option for you. It provides immediate, dramatic whitening and is perfect for those with an upcoming special event. For those who prefer a more gradual approach, take-home systems offer an affordable and convenient solution. Over-the-counter products can work for basic maintenance or mild stains but are typically less effective than professional treatments. Discussing your options with your dentist can help you choose the best method for achieving your desired results.
Teeth Whitening for Sensitive Teeth
If you have sensitive teeth, you may be concerned about potential discomfort during whitening treatments. The good news is that there are options designed specifically for people with tooth sensitivity. Both take-home kits and in-office treatments can be customized to reduce sensitivity. Your dentist may recommend using a lower concentration of bleach or applying a desensitizing agent before or after the procedure to ensure your comfort. With the right approach, you can still achieve a whiter smile without compromising your dental comfort.
Long-Term Benefits of Whitening Treatments
Whitening treatments do more than just improve the aesthetic of your smile; they can also boost your confidence and self-esteem. A bright, white smile is often associated with youth and health, making it an attractive feature for social and professional interactions. Many patients report feeling more confident and willing to smile more freely after undergoing whitening procedures. By investing in your smile, you’re not only enhancing your appearance but also your overall well-being, as a positive self-image can lead to improved mental and emotional health.
Whitening the teeth is a simple and effective way to dramatically enhance a smile. Beach Dental knows that having your best smile is more than just having great oral health. Providing the option to have a whitening treatment is just one way our team of dentists treats your whole smile. Contact us to schedule your whitening appointment today!
