Whitening

Take Home Whitening

Busy or on the go? With take-home whitening trays you can improve the quality of your smile anytime, anywhere. These durable trays are molded from your teeth to ensure maximum comfort. Simply wear these trays for a few hours each day, and progressively your teeth will brighten. Once your teeth are your desired level of color, just wear your trays every now and then to maintain your healthy new smile. As a person ages the adult teeth often become darker due to changes in the mineral structure of the tooth, as the enamel becomes less porous. Factors that decrease whitening include smoking and the ingestion of dark colored liquids like coffee, tea and red wine. Certain antibiotic medications (like tetracycline) can also cause teeth stains or a reduction in the brilliance of the enamel.

Zoom In-Office Whitening

Zoom is a bleaching process widely used throughout the country and around the world to lighten discoloration of enamel and dentin. The Zoom in-office teeth whitening procedure uses the Zoom Advanced Power Chairside Lamp. The complete procedure takes an hour, but a regular teeth cleaning is recommended prior to the actual Zoom teeth whitening session. The procedure begins with a short preparation to cover the lips and gums, leaving the teeth exposed. The dentist or dental assistant then applies the Zoom hydrogen peroxide whitening gel, which works together with the Zoom light to penetrate the teeth and break up the stains and discoloration. The gel remains in place for 15 minutes while the light is activated. During this time, you can relax, watch TV or listen to music. The gel is applied for three to four 15-minute sessions of light activation, for a total treatment time of 60 minutes. You will be given a Zoom home-use touch-up kit that includes custom-fitted whitening trays for aftercare.

As with other teeth whitening products, Zoom whitening is not recommended for children under 13 years of age, or for pregnant or lactating women. Also, it is important to remember that teeth whitening treatment may not be as effective for some people as it is for others.

Please call us at 815.623.2193 to discuss your whitening options!