TEETH WHITENING
ZOOM! Teeth Whitening is here!
Dr. Kesler, DDS has recently started providing his patients with the ZOOM! whitening system. Take a first step in feeling good and looking great with brighter, whiter teeth in less than an hour. Zoom! is safe, effective and very fast, and performed only by a dental professional.
How can you brighten your smile?
Your wedding is coming up and you want your smile to be its brightest. Or maybe you have an important speaking engagement. Whatever the reason, tooth bleaching isn’t just for the movie stars, and it isn’t just for one day. Many people have had their teeth bleached, and probably millions more are thinking about it. The desire for a brighter smile with whiter teeth is very strong, and tooth bleaching safely lightens the color of the teeth, lasting for up to five years. The most effective and safest method of tooth bleaching is dentist-supervised.
Is bleaching for you?
Generally, bleaching is successful in at least 90 percent of patients, though it may not be an option for everyone. Consider tooth bleaching if your teeth are darkened from age, coffee, tea or smoking. Teeth darkened with the color of yellow, brown or orange respond better to lightening. Other types of gray stains caused by fluorosis, smoking, or tetracycline, are lightened, but results are not as dramatic. If you have very sensitive teeth, periodontal disease, or teeth with worn enamel, your dentist may discourage bleaching.
What’s involved?
First, the dentist will determine whether you are a candidate for tooth bleaching and what type of bleaching system would provide the best results. If you’re in a hurry for whiter teeth, you may decide to have your teeth lightened immediately. Your dentist will use an in-office bleaching system. The dentist-supervised at-home bleaching is more economical and provides the same results as an in-office laser whitening system. At the next appointment the dentist or hygienist will make impressions of your teeth to fabricate a mouth guard appliance for you. The mouth guard is custom made for your mouth and is lightweight so that it can be worn comfortably while you are awake or sleeping. The mouth guard is so thin that you should even be able to talk and work while wearing your mouth guard. Along with the mouth guard, you’ll receive the bleaching materials. You’ll be given instructions on how to wear the mouth guard. Some bleaching systems recommend bleaching your teeth from two to four hours a day. Generally this type of system requires two weeks to complete, and works best on patients with sensitive teeth.
How long does it last?
Lightness should last from one to five years, depending on your personal habits such as smoking and drinking coffee and tea. At this point you may choose to get a touch up. This procedure may not be as costly because you can probably still use the same mouth guard. The retreatment time also is much shorter than the original treatment time.
Is it safe? Any side effects?
Several studies, during the past five years, have proven bleaching to be safe and effective. The American Dental Association has granted its seal of approval to some tooth bleaching products. Some patients may experience slight gum irritation or tooth sensitivity, which will resolve when the treatment ends.