Teeth Whitening

Having a beautiful smile may be even easier than you think. Many people achieve the look they have been dreaming of with our simple “whitening” procedure.

What are the details of teeth whitening?

If you prefer teeth that are immediately whiter right now or you would rather whiten your teeth over a few nights while you sleep, Dr. Crowther has your answer with Zoom! The Zoom! In-Office Whitening System uses proprietary technology to whiten your teeth an average of eight shades* in a little over an hour while you relax at your dentist’s office. It’s ideal for anyone who wants immediate results. The Zoom! Take-Home Whitening System uses a revolutionary patent-pending gel to whiten your teeth an average of six shades in three nights.

Strips or paint-on gels are a waste of time. Get your teeth whiter in a fraction of the time with Zoom!

What is Zoom! Tooth Whitening?

Zoom! is a bleaching process that lightens discoloration of enamel and dentin.

What Can Cause Tooth Discoloration?

There are many causes. The most common include aging and consumption of staining substances such as coffee, tea or tobacco. During tooth formation, consumption of tetracycline, certain antibiotics, or excessive fluoride may also cause tooth discoloration.

Who May Benefit From Tooth Whitening?

Just about anyone can benefit from tooth whitening. However, treatment may not be as effective or some as it is for others. Upon an oral exam, Dr. Crowther can determine if you are a candidate for this procedure, including a shade assessment.

* And you may go even lighter with additional applications. Start on Friday and by Monday you’ll have a whole new smile.

Is Tooth Whitening Safe?

Yes, research and clinical studies indicate that whitening teeth under the supervision of a dentist is safe. In fact, many dentists consider whitening the safest cosmetic dental procedure available. As with any tooth whitening product, Zoom! is not recommended for children under 13 years of age and pregnant or lactating women.

How Long Do The Results Last?

By following some simple post whitening care instructions, your teeth will always be lighter than they were before. We recommend flossing, brushing twice daily with Zoom! Whitening Toothpaste, and touch-ups with Zoom! THome gel. These are professional formula products designed specifically to keep your teeth their brightest. They are available through our office.

What Is The Difference Between Over-The-Counter Tooth Whiteners & Zoom!

Consulting Dr. Crowther is always the first step to whitening your teeth safely. Over-the-counter tooth whitening strips, brush-on gels and toothpastes take weeks or months to whiten your teeth just a few shades. Zoom! is clinically proven to whiten your teeth eight shades in one hour or six shades in just one weekend.

How Does The Zoom! In-Office System Work?

The Zoom! light-activated whitening gel’s active ingredient is hydrogen peroxide. As hydrogen peroxide is broken down, oxygen enters the enamel and dentin, bleaching any colored substance while keeping the structure of the tooth unchanged. The Zoom! light aids in activating the hydrogen peroxide and helps it penetrate the surface of the tooth.

Is The Zoom! In-Office Procedure Painful?

No. During the procedure, patients can actually watch television or listen to music. Many fall asleep.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Some people experience temporary increased tooth sensitivity to cold during treatment. These symptoms disappear within one to three days after interruption or completion of the treatment.

How Long Is The Procedure?

The entire procedure takes just over one hour. The procedure begins with a preparation period followed by one hour of bleaching. A five-minute fluoride treatment completes the procedure. We recommend a cleaning prior to the actual Zoom! Whitening session.

How Long Does Zoom! Take-Home Whitening Take?

The Zoom! Take-Home gel is designed to be worn between four and eight hours per application. Dr. Crowther will advise you on how long you should wear each application. A recent study showed that you can achieve an average improvement of six shades after just three nights of use. Dr. Crowther will help you determine how many applications are right for you.

How Is The Zoom! Take-Home System Different From The Zoom! In-Office System? 

The main difference between the two systems is that you use the Zoom! Take-Home System in the convenience of your own home over a few nights. The Zoom! In-Office System is performed entirely in the office.

Bleaching

Having a beautiful smile may be even easier than you think. Many people achieve the look they’ve been dreaming of with our simple “bleaching” procedure.
 
It’s safe, quick, and inexpensive. Just let us know at any appointment if you would like to begin bleaching. You can lighten only your upper teeth or both the upper and lower, depending on how much of each shows when you talk and smile.

In only a day or two your custom bleach splints will be ready for you. We provide you with a special bleaching agent that you put into the clear, nearly invisible splints. With only a few hours of wear per day, our special bleaching agent bubbles stains right out of your enamel in a very short time without altering tooth structure or existing dental work in any way. When your teeth reach the brightness you want, only occasional treatment is needed to maintain your new smile. We’ll want to take “after” photos at your next appointment.

Dental bleaching can be used to correct many tooth discolorations. These discolorations may have been caused by staining, aging, or chemical damage to teeth. Using the latest in bleaching technology, we can offer a safe method for creating a beautiful, “brilliant” smile. In cases of extreme tooth discoloration, crowns, or veneers may be the only choice. However, because of the low cost of bleaching treatments, bleaching is nearly always worth a try.

How Is It Done?

An impression is taken to make a specialized “mouthguard” or “stent” to hold the bleach against the teeth. The material is used each night for about three to four hours for a week or two, after which significant whitening will occur. In some cases, the change is nothing short of brilliant. For confidence in appearance, bleaching technology offers improvements in yellowing, aging, or stained teeth. For very severely stained teeth, crowns, or veneers may be more appropriate.

Considerations

Over-the-counter bleaching agents are available at drug stores and pharmacies; however, since these products can harm the gums and teeth, it’s better to use products that our practice recommends.