whitening / zoom : )
It lightens teeth by removing stains caught in microscopic holes WITHIN enamel. Though it may not be an option for everyone, whitening is succesful in nearly 90% of cases.
Consider whitening treatment
if your teeth are darkened from age, coffee, tea or smoking as teeth darkened
with the color of yellow, brown or orange respond better to lightening. Gray
stains caused by fluorosis, smoking or tetracycline are lightened, but results
are not as dramatic. Every case is different. Typically, a multiple-shade
improvement is noticed on a dentist's shade guide. If you have very sensitive
teeth, or teeth with worn enamel, then we may discourage whitening. Existing
restorations such as crowns and fillings DO
NOT change color.
YOU CONTROL THE WHITENESS OF YOUR TEETH by stopping the procedure at any
time. Many patients do not want their teeth too white. You can stop when you
like the color of your teeth as they are lightened in small increments.
Lightness should last from one to three years, depending on your personal habits such as smoking, drinking coffee and tea. At this point you may choose to get a touch up and you can use the same custom trays.
Several studies, during the
past ten years, have proven whitening to be safe and effective. Patients do
experience gum irritation and teeth sensitivity, which does resolve in a day or
two after treatment.
A brief outline of the procedure :
2nd appt : In-Office Zoom treatment for 45 min (2 hr appt.) (after 2 to 4 weeks of using the 'at-home' kit).