Note: Before using any whitening procedure, ADHA recommends that you
first be evaluated by an oral health care professional to determine which
application and program are best for you.
Zoom!™ Whitening System
The Zoom
Whitening System is a revolutionary tooth whitening
procedure. It's safe effective and fast, very fast. In just over
an hour, your teeth will be dramatically whiter. Zoom! Whitening
is ideal for anyone looking for immediate results. The convenience
of Zoom! in comparison to days of wearing trays and gradual whitening
makes it the perfect choice for the busy individual.
The Zoom! Whitening
procedure is simple and painless. It begins with a short preparation
to isolate your lips and gums. The Zoom! clinician then applies
the proprietary Zoom! Whitening Gel, which is activated by a
specially designed light. Teeth typically become at least six to
ten shades whiter, sometimes more. A five-minute fluoride treatment
competes the procedure. You'll be amazed with the results. In most
cases, teeth get even whiter the first few days after the procedure.
How does Zoom work?
The Zoom! light activated gel was developed after years of research
by Discus Dental, the leaders in professional take-home tooth whitening.
The gel is a scientifically formulated, pH balanced Hydrogen Peroxide
that, when activated by the Zoom! light, gently penetrates the teeth
to remove deep stains and discoloration. With proper care and an occasional
touch-up at home, your whiter smile will sparkle for years.
Why do my teeth have stains and discolorations?
Most stains are caused by age, tobacco, coffee, or tea. Other types
of stains can be caused by antibiotics, such as tetracycline; or too
much fluoride.
What treatments are used for stained teeth?
Ask your oral health care professional about tooth-whitening options.
They include a number of over-the-counter whitening systems, whitening
toothpastes, and the latest high-tech option--laser tooth whitening.
For maximum whitening, experts agree that peroxide is usually the way
to go.
Supervised bleaching procedures that are done in-office and at-home
have become among the most popular treatment options. In some cases,
the procedure is performed entirely in the office, using a light or heat
source to speed up the bleaching process. In other cases, an oral health
care professional gets the procedure started during an office visit and
then gives you what you need to complete it at home. Still another popular
procedure is one that you complete entirely at home.
At-home procedures, sometimes called nightguard vital bleaching, consist
of placing a bleaching solution, usually a peroxide mixture, in a tray
(nightguard) that has been custom fitted for your mouth by an oral health
care professional. The bleaching solutions may vary in potency and may
be worn for an hour, or throughout the night. Your oral health care professional
can advise you on the appropriate type of application and the length
of time needed to whiten your teeth, based on the severity of tooth discoloration
and your specific needs.
How effective are bleaching systems?
Bleaching is effective in lightning most stains caused by age, tobacco,
coffee, and tea. Based on clinical studies, 96 percent of patients
with these kinds of stains experience some lightning effect. Other
types of stains, such as those produced by tetracycline use or
fluorosis (too much fluoride), respond to bleaching less reliably.
And one cosmetic dentist points out that bleaching systems are not
fully predictable. If you have a tooth-color filling when your teeth
are bleached, the filling will stay yellow—dental restorations
do not change color when tooth whitener is applied.
Are there any side effects to tooth whitening?
In some studies, patients have experienced uncomfortable short-term
side effects when having teeth bleached. Hydrogen peroxide can increase
temperature sensitivity in the teeth, particularly at higher concentrations,
and nightguards often cause gum irritation.
And overzealous use of over-the-counter home bleaching products can
wear away tooth enamel, especially with solutions that contain acid.
Therefore, bleaching is a procedure best done under the care of an oral
health care professional.
Still, the general health risks of bleaching systems are minimal as
far as your body is concerned. Applications are controlled so that you
don't swallow hydrogen peroxide.
What's Available for tooth whitening?
While research continues into all types of bleaching systems, tooth
bleaching is sure to continue to grow in popularity. Here's a selection
of what's currently available.
At-home bleaching kits—the most popular whitening option.
Mouth trays are usually made in one office visit, and your oral health
care professional will provide a whitening brand suitable to your
needs. Some trays are worn for an hour, others through the night.
Kits range in price from $300 to $500.
Bonding—a composite resin that is molded onto the teeth to
change their color and to reshape them. The resin material can
stain and chip over time. Bonding can usually be done in one office
visit for $300-$700 per tooth.
Porcelain veneers— these shell-like facings can be bonded
onto stained teeth. They are used to reshape and/or lengthen teeth
as well as to whiten. Veneers require at least two office visits
and cost $700 to $1,200 per tooth.
Whitening Toothpastes— While some whitening toothpastes effectively
keep the teeth cleaner and, therefore, looking whiter, some are
more abrasive than others. The stronger toothpastes rely on abrasion
to remove external stains as opposed to actually changing the color
of teeth. The key is to study a product's ingredients, look at your
teeth to see if it changes their color, and consult your oral health
care professional for customized advice.your dentist for advice.
