Tooth whitening (or bleaching) is a simple, non-invasive dental treatment used to change the color of natural tooth enamel and is an ideal way to enhance the beauty of your smile.

Because having whiter teeth has now become the number one aesthetic concern of most patients, there are a number of ways to whiten teeth.  The most popular method is Zoom! an in office tooth whitening procedure designed to lighten the color of your teeth using a combination of hydrogen peroxide gel and a specially designed ultraviolet lamp. 

During the procedure, the whitening gel will be applied to your teeth and your teeth are exposed to the Zoom! light for three (3), 15-minute sessions.  During the entire treatment, a plastic retractor will be placed in your mouth to help keep it open and your soft tissues(ie., lips,gums,cheeks and tongue) are covered to ensure they are not exposed to either gel or light.  Lip balm (SPF rating:30+) may be applied as needed and an ultraviolet filter is used to cover your eyes.  After the treatment is completed, the retractor, and all gel and tissue coverings are removed from the mouth.  We record your before and after treatment shades to check the progerss of your treatment. 

Included in this procedure we will make you bleaching trays for you to take home with you to touch up your Zoom! process as needed.  The touch up process is done in the privacy of your own home at your discretion.  Everyone has different home habits and if you are a heavy smoker or coffee and tea drinker, your need to touch up may be more frequent than a person who does not have these individual habits.  Since tooth whitening only works on natural tooth enamel, it is important to evaluate replacement of any old fillings, crowns, etc.  Replacement of any restorations will be done after bleaching so they will match the newly bleached teeth.

Tooth whitening is not permanent.  A touch-up maybe needed every several months or years, and more often if you smoke, drink coffee, tea, or wine.

Reasons for tooth whitening:

• Fluorosis (excessive fluoridation during tooth development)
• Normal wear of outer tooth layer
• Stained teeth due to medications (tetracycline, etc.)
• Yellow, brown stained teeth

What does tooth whitening involve?

This Zoom! type of tooth whitening usually requires one visit. At the first appointment, in addition to the Zoom! process, we will take impressions (molds) of your teeth to fabricate custom, clear plastic, trays for you.

You will try on the trays for proper fit, and adjustments will be made if necessary.  The trays are worn when you feel your teeth are beginnning to return to a stained color, with the  special whitening solution that was given to you at your Zoom! appointment.  This gel and tray method to retouch can be used either twice a day for 30 minutes to an hour for a  few days depending on the degree of staining and desired level of whitening.  It is normal to experience tooth sensitivity during the time you are whitening your teeth, but it will subside shortly after you have stopped bleaching.

You will receive care instructions for your teeth and trays, and be encouraged to visit your dentist regularly to help maintain a beautiful, healthy, white smile.