What Is Teeth Whitening
What Is Discoloration
Types Of Whitening
Home, Professional
In-Office, Professional
Who May Benefit From Teeth Whitening
During The Process
Is The Process Safe
Products And Methods
Over-The-Counter
What Is Teeth Whitening?
It's a bleaching process that lightens discolorations and removes stains from the enamel and dentin of the teeth.
Before After
What Is Tooth Discoloration?
There are many causes, and there is a distinction between
internal and
external stains.
- Internal Stains: aging, trauma, tetracycline (while teeth are forming), excessive fluoride (while teeth are forming), nerve degeneration
- External Stains: coffee, tea, tobacco, some juices (grape, apple) - over years these can also get into the enamel crystals and become internal stains
Types Of Whitening
- home, professional
- in-office, professional
- over-the-counter
Home, Professional
Professional home bleaching is very effective and has long lasting results. It most often utilizes custom mouth trays and viscous bleaching gels. Typically the gel is a carbamide peroxide (10-30%), but can be a hydrogen peroxide (7.5-9.5%).
In-Office, Professional
In-office professional whitening is the fastest method. To have long-lasting results it must include home bleaching as a follow-up (which I recommend and include with each in-office procedure). Current in-office whitening typically uses bleaching gels that are light activated. The two most common in-office systems are Zoom and BrightSmile.
Who May Benefit From Teeth Whitening?
Almost everyone. However there are some cases where the treatment may be less effective. The most difficult situations to whiten are those teeth with tetracycline staining. Also, and this is important, teeth whiten; however, crowns (caps), fillings, and veneers do not. If you are planning any crowns, fillings and/or veneers as part of your overall treatment, you may want to whiten your teeth first.
During The Process
Sometimes the biting edges and the sides of the teeth whiten more quickly than the rest of the teeth. This occurs because your enamel is thicker in these areas and responds faster to the whitening process. As you continue to use the whitening gel, the rest of your teeth will catch up and the color will even out.
Is The Process Safe?
Yes, extensive 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. Tooth whitening product is not recommended for children under 13 years of age and pregnant or lactating women.
The whitening process does not damage enamel or weaken a tooth. For some people, teeth become more sensitive during the process, but this always goes away when you stop the whitening process. The bleaching gel can be quite irritating if it gets on the gums.
Evaluation (before whitening)
- no cavities (examination and x-rays required)
- all fillings, crowns, etc. sealed tightly
- not recommended during pregnancy or nursing
- 13 years or older
Note
- fillings, veneers, crowns, bonding (i.e. restorative materials) will not whiten
- teeth may become more sensitive during whitening - reversible when stopped
Products And Methods
I use two methods, both with the same result, but different length of time to achieve results:
- in-office whitening (ZoomT), and
- home bleaching
I always recommend and include home bleaching with in-office whitening.
The home professional whitening I prefer utilizes concentrated 30% carbamide peroxide Life-LikeT whitening gel in custom mouth trays (custom whitening trays are critical to making the process effective). 30-minute* treatments for 10-14 days typically complete the process; however, the final result is something you determine.
* 30% carbamide peroxide gel is the most concentrated gel available for home use. At this concentration the maximum wear time is 30 minutes. If desired, two 30-minute sessions can be used with a minimum 4 hour interval between sessions (no more than 2 sessions per day).
Home professional bleaching requires two short office visits:
- Find out what you want to accomplish and evaluate your teeth (color, shape, etc.), make the molds of your teeth for the custom whitening tray
- Try-in and deliver the custom whitening tray, answer your questions, and review instructions
NOTE: Some professional home bleaching products still have directions for night time or extended (2 or more hours) wear, but current research shows that effective whitening does not occur after the first hour. What will occur with longer wear is an increase in sensitivity.
Over-The-Counter
Whitening toothpastes and related over-the-counter products are for external stains. Until recently professional whitening has been the only way to actually make the teeth themselves whiter. Crest WhiteStrips and Colgate Simply White can whiten teeth slowly, AND require reapplication at least every 6 months. Professional whitening is far more effective for darker colored teeth, easier to use, and faster.
Other whitening systems don't compare to the Zoom! Chairside Whitening System. Nothing whitens better or faster.
Take a first step to feeling good, looking great. You owe it to yourself! 
What is Zoom2 Tooth Whitening?
If you're looking for a fast way to dramatically whiten your teeth, Zoom2 Chair side Whitening System may be the answer for you.
In just 45 minutes, this safe and effective system can give you the instant results you've been wanting - an average of eight shades! A specially designed light activates the Zoom! Whitening Gel to gently break down stains on your teeth to put the sparkle back in your smile! Also with the new Zoom2 system, our patients experience up to 67% less sensitivity than with the previous Zoom! system.
Zoom2 Whitening is very safe while under the supervision of a trained dentist, like Dr. Ambert . It is one of the safest procedures in cosmetic dentistry. However, we do not recommend this procedure for pregnant women or children under age 13.
You will be given some post-whitening care instructions after your procedure. It is important to maintain a good oral hygiene regimen post-whitening to preserve your bright, white smile. We also recommend occasional touch-ups with the Zoom! Take-Home Gel. Your smile will always be brighter than it was before the procedure, but by following these simple instructions, you can retain your results for a long time!
Although the Zoom2 System can help almost anyone, it may not be as effective in every case. Dr. Ambert can determine if tooth whitening is a possible option for your case.
What is Zoom! Tooth Whitening?
Zoom! is a bleaching process that lightens discoloration of enamel and dentin.
What causes tooth discoloration?
There are many causes. The most common include aging and consumption of staining substances such as coffee, tea, colas, tobacco, red wine, etc. During tooth formation, consumption of tetracycline, certain antibiotics or excessive fluoride may also cause tooth discoloration.
Do many people whiten their teeth?
More people than you might imagine. A bright sparkling smile can make a big difference for everyone. The Zoom! Chair side Whitening System makes it easier and faster than ever before.
Is whitening safe?
Yes. Extensive research and clinical studies indicate that whitening 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. To keep your teeth looking their best, we recommend flossing, brushing twice daily, regular dental cleanings and occasional touch-ups with Zoom! Take-Home gel. These are professional formula products designed specifically to keep your teeth their brightest. They are available only through your dental professional.
How does the Zoom! in-office system work?
The Zoom! light activated whitening gel's active ingredient is Hydrogen Peroxide. As the Hydrogen Peroxide is broken down, oxygen enters the enamel and dentin, bleaching colored substances while the structure of the tooth is unchanged. The Zoom! light aids in activating the hydrogen peroxide and helps it penetrate the surface of the tooth. A study has shown that use of the Zoom! lamp increases the effectiveness of the Zoom! gel by 33% or more, giving an average improvement of eight shades.
Quick Facts about ZOOM 2
Faster, More Comfortable & More Effective
- 33% FASTER - An average of 8 shades in just 45 minutes.
- 67% Less Sensitivity - Zoom2 patients experience 67% less sensitivity than those treated with the original Zoom! system - a system heralded for its low sensitivity characteristics.
- EASIER - The new zoom2 advanced optical guidance system ensures quick, precise patient set-up for optimal results.
ZOOM2 CHAIR SIDE WHITENING LAMP
- 33% reduced chair time - 45 minute treatment
- Streamlined design
- Locking casters
- Comfortable for patient - low heat
HOW ZO0M2 LIGHT ACTIVATION TECHNOLOGY WORKS
- The property Zoom2 gel works due to the "photo-fenton"
reaction of peroxide H2O2 and iron Fe3
- The peroxide reacts with the iron to produce hydroxyl radicals -
"stain terminators"
- A light reaction cyclically renews the iron so it can continue to
produce hydroxyl radicals - more effectively whitening teeth
