A whiter, brighter smile is beautiful-it can make you feel better about yourself and also creates a memorable impression. Teeth whitening enhance a beautiful smile. The two common bleaching methods offered at Healthy Smiles of Georgia are:
- In Office: Chair Side Tooth Whitening
- At Home: Tooth Whitening with Trays
The Zoom – professional chair side tooth whitening uses a proprietary and proven technology to whiten your teeth in less than an hour. Zoom product is safe, easy, effective, and immediate. The active ingredient in the whitening gel-Hydrogen Peroxide is activated by a blue visible light source releasing oxygen. This enters the enamel and removes the surface staining materials that have caused tooth discoloration. The teeth appear whiter while the structure of the teeth is preserved. In addition to the chair-side whitening, we provide you with an optional complete At-Home whitening kit which includes custom bleaching trays, bleaching gel and complete instruction guide.
At Home tooth whitening process involves making a set of impressions at the start of the appointment for fabrication of custom trays. The bleaching trays are made of clear and almost invisible soft material.Typically, the bleaching trays with the gel is worn for approximately 2 hours and noticeable changes will be evident after the first application without any alteration in tooth structure.
Professional tooth whitening is a very common cosmetic procedure to correct many tooth discolorations caused by staining, aging or chemical damage to the tooth. Using an advanced bleaching technology, we can create a bright and brilliant smile in a safe and supervised environment.
Frequently asked questions about tooth whitening:
What causes tooth discoloration?
There are many causes. The most common include aging and consumption of staining substances like coffee, tea, tobacco, cola, red wine etc. During the process of tooth formation, consumption of tetracycline, certain antibiotics or excessive fluoride may also cause tooth discoloration.
Should I have my teeth cleaned before the whitening?
It is highly recommended to have your teeth cleaned prior to whitening by removing any stains, plaque and calculus present to achieve the maximum desirable results. In some cases, the bacterial colonies attached to the tooth may neutralize the whitening gel causing it to be ineffective.
Is tooth whitening a safe procedure?
Yes. Several clinical studies and research indicates that tooth whitening under the supervision of a dentist is very safe. Most dentists consider whitening the safest cosmetic procedure available. Just about anyone can benefit from tooth whitening. Upon completing an oral exam, our office can determine if you are a candidate for tooth whitening. This procedure is not recommended for children under 14 years of age and pregnant or lactating women.
How long does the results last?
By following some simple after care instructions, your teeth will appear much lighter than they were before. We recommend good home care by flossing, brushing and rinsing with mouth wash at least twice a day. Occasionally, an enhancement with the At-Home system may be needed for improved results. These professional product formulas are available through our office.
Are there any side-effects?
Most patients report little or no sensitivity. However, some patients may experience increased sensitivity for a temporary period. These symptoms disappear within 2-3 days after completion of the treatment. Basic over the counter analgesics like Tylenol or Advil and use of desensitizing tooth paste before and after the procedure relieves the discomfort. Patients are encouraged to contact our office to answer any questions or concerns.
Is there a difference between over-the-counter whiteners and Professional whiteners?
Yes. Over-the-counter tooth whitening products like gels, strips or toothpastes takes weeks or months to whiten your teeth a few shades and some may not even whiten. Several people become discouraged because they did not get the desired results after spending too much money. Moreover, most of the over-the counter splints or trays are not designed like the custom fabricated trays to precisely fit over the teeth and also protect the gums. Sometimes, the damage caused can be painful and irreversible. Consulting our office is the best step to whiten your teeth in a safe and effective manner.
