Many patients feel dissatisfied with the appearance of their smile. Tooth stains can be embarrassing and can make you look older than you are. They can come from drinking staining beverages like cola, tea, coffee, and red wine, smoking, or the aging process.
Teeth whitening is a safe and effective dental procedure that removes stains and gives patients a brighter, healthier smile. The dentist applies a whitening agent like hydrogen peroxide to the enamel, allowing the solution to work for a short time. After treatment, the dentist rinses the teeth thoroughly.
Sunshine Dentistry offers Philips ZOOM!® whitening both in the office and at home. ZOOM!® whitening in the dentist’s office can produce impressive results, making teeth eight shades whiter in just one visit.
How Philips ZOOM!® Whitening Works
In-office ZOOM!® whitening is a dual-action system that produces stunning results with a special hydrogen peroxide gel and blue LED light.
First, the hygienist covers the patient’s gums and lips to protect them from the whitening gel. The gel is potent and could irritate delicate tissues. After the mouth receives protection, the dentist applies the solution.
After application, the dentist shines the LED light on the peroxide gel, oxidizing the gel and breaking up tooth stains. The process takes 45 minutes, separated into 15-minute sessions.
After the third session, the dentist applies a fluoride gel to reduce tooth sensitivity and help the enamel.
Patients may have some tooth sensitivity after treatment. Before whitening, people with already sensitive teeth may not want to receive ZOOM!® whitening.
At-Home ZOOM!® Whitening
For touch-up treatments, you can use a special kit for home use. The kit contains teeth-whitening trays filled with a whitening solution that does not require a special LED light.
Considerations for Teeth Whitening
Dental supervision is best when whitening your teeth. If you whiten too often, you could permanently damage your enamel.
As mentioned above, if you have sensitive teeth, you should whiten them with caution. Talk to your dentist about whether teeth whitening is appropriate in your situation.
If you have crowns, bridges, implants, and other permanent dental work, be aware that the whitening solution does not work on these appliances. To match the rest of your smile, you must whiten to the shade of your dental work.
Maintaining Your Beautiful Smile
Teeth whitening is not permanent, and the dentist’s goal is to preserve it for as long as possible. It would be best to avoid staining beverages like red wine, coffee, and cola after your teeth whitening.
Call Sunshine Dentistry
To project a healthy, vibrant image and feel proud of your smile again, call Sunshine Dentistry about ZOOM!® teeth whitening. Our expert dentists and hygienists know how to refresh your smile and outlook on life.
Call our Cape May Court House, NJ office at 609-465-5415 to ask about teeth whitening and how we can revive your bright smile.