Why Should I Have Professional Teeth Whitening?
The fact is, even if you take the best possible care of your teeth with good brushing and flossing habits, the teeth will likely take on some level of discoloration due to a number of factors. These factors include:
- The natural aging process
- Years of drinking certain types of beverages or eating certain foods, such as coffee, wine, and berries
- The use of tobacco
Professional teeth whitening utilizes advanced technologies to significantly lighten the shade of your teeth. Our teeth whitening treatments are designed to be safe, effective, and long-lasting.
Benefits of Zoom!® Teeth Whitening
Zoom!® teeth whitening has the ability to lighten stained teeth up to eight shades or more for most patients. This professional teeth whitening treatment generally:
- Removes stains from the outer layer of teeth
- Penetrates the deep layer of enamel, wherein most noticeable discoloration is typically located
- Uses bleaching agents that are stronger than over-the-counter products for a dramatic outcome
- Produces effective, long-lasting results
Ultimately, the Zoom!® teeth whitening process is a non-invasive way to make a dazzling smile easily attainable in approximately one hour.
Candidates for Zoom® Teeth Whitening
Dr. Beckwith will give you a comprehensive exam before teeth whitening treatment to determine if you are a good candidate for this procedure. Good candidates for Zoom® teeth whitening typically include patients who have visible yellowing of the teeth and those who have healthy teeth and gums. Patients who have teeth restorations such as crowns or bridges, as well as those with gum disease, exposed tooth roots, and cavities may not be the best candidates for teeth whitening. In these cases, our dentist can talk with you about alternative options that may help you meet your needs.
The Teeth Whitening Experience
During teeth whitening treatment, one of our experienced dental assistants, supervised by Dr. Beckwith, will apply a special gel onto the surface of your teeth. Then, a low-intensity light will be shone over the teeth to allow oxygen into the dentin and enamel, ultimately creating a bleaching effect. The procedure is typically performed in three twenty-minute sessions, followed by a check-up one week later.
After your in-office treatment, you will be given a series of take-home whitening trays. These trays are included in the total cost of your teeth whitening treatment. The best results from teeth whitening often occur with regular use of the at-home trays after your treatment here in the office. The combination of our in-office teeth whitening treatment and your own teeth whitening maintenance at home can provide you with exceptional long-lasting results.
Professional vs. At-Home Teeth Whitening
There are many over-the-counter whitening products advertised to lighten the shade of teeth. Unfortunately, many mouthwashes, toothpastes, and gels only clean the surface of teeth without reaching the stained deeper layers of enamel, as they do not contain bleaching agents such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. While these products often use a “whitening” label, their lack of bleach does not allow them to actively brighten teeth.
Whitestrips are commonly used as an at-home whitening treatment and generally do contain bleaching solutions. However, their effectiveness is limited because of factors such as the short shelf-life of their oxygenating agents (the bleaching elements) and improper strip application. Often, many bleaching agents in whitestrips lose their effectiveness before the package is even opened. Additionally, whitestrips generally take one month of nightly application to see a noticeable change.
Professional whitening typically addresses the shortcomings presented by at-home treatments. Using Zoom!® teeth whitening technology, professional-grade bleaching gel effectively penetrates deeper layers of enamel that house much of the discoloration residing in teeth. One office visit is generally all it takes to notice a dramatic difference in shade, and custom at-home whitening trays can be used to maintain—or even further enhance—one’s results. Overall, professional teeth whitening treatments like Zoom!® are of a superior quality than those found in stores.
Managing Sensitivity in Teeth
Cornerstone Dental strives to provide the most comfortable oral care for patients with a variety of needs. Many teeth whitening candidates are worried about the potential effects that whitening gel can have on sensitive teeth. Fortunately, with Dr. Beckwith’s consult, tooth sensitivities can be managed while attaining a whiter, brighter smile. Steps you can take to decrease sensitivity during whitening treatment include:
- Using fluoride toothpaste or rinses designed to reduce sensitivity, such as Sensodyne® toothpaste, two weeks prior to treatment
- Requesting a bleaching gel with a lower peroxide level
- Shortening the time you wear at-home whitening trays
- Cutting down the frequency you wear at-home whitening trays (e.g. every other day)
- Using a soft-bristled toothbrush
Dr. Beckwith and our team can customize your Zoom!® whitening treatment to accommodate your sensitivity. One of our top priorities is providing patients with the most comfortable care possible, so do not hesitate to disclose any concerns you may have at the time of your consultation.
Preserving Results
After treatment, the desired level of whiteness can be preserved in two ways. First, regularly treating teeth with the at-home whitening trays provided by Dr. Beckwith—in combination with in-office touch-up visits, as needed—generally allows patients to maintain optimal whitening results.
Second, routine oral hygiene care like brushing, flossing, and professional teeth cleanings can help minimize staining and discoloration. Teeth naturally become darker with exposure to certain foods and drinks (such as berries, coffee, red wine, etc.), so decreasing consumption of these high-staining items can also help extend the results of treatment.
Contact Cornerstone Dental for More Information
If you would like more information on how professional teeth whitening at our practice can help you meet your goals, please contact Cornerstone Dental today. We will be happy to answer your questions.
A brighter, whiter smile is often a key factor in making a great impression on others, particularly when you partake in important business meetings, social gatherings, and other functions. It can also help you to feel better about your appearance and more confident in your daily interactions. With Zoom® professional teeth whitening treatment, you can improve the appearance of your teeth and significantly reduce signs of yellowing and staining. At Cornerstone Dental, we take great pride in offering professional teeth whitening treatments that are designed to effectively lighten your teeth with long-lasting results. While teeth whitening from our practice is typically a quick, in-office procedure, quality and attention to detail is never sacrificed. Our cosmetic dentist, Dr. John D. Beckwith, is a member of some of the most distinguished and respected dental organizations in the world, and has been a practicing dentist for more than 30 years. The goal of Dr. Beckwith and our entire team here at Cornerstone Dental is to provide you with natural-looking results, a comfortable experience, and the absolute best in care.