Tooth Whitening
Having a beautiful smile is easier than ever thanks to our in-office
or at-home whitening procedures.
In-office vs. at-home tooth whitening procedures.
Tooth whitening corrects brown, yellow and spotted tooth staining, commonly a result of consuming coffee, tea, soft drinks, or tobacco. A near-permanent solution for a dull smile, whitening can restore brightness and bring your smile back to life.
With a quick oral exam, Dr. Taylor can determine if you’re a candidate for tooth whitening and discuss which procedure is best for you - our in-office “Zoom! Whitening System”" or at-home dental bleaching. Additionally, she can perform a shade assessment to give a preview of your potential results.
In-Office “Zoom! Whitening System”.
The Zoom! In-Office Whitening System uses the most powerful bleaching agent to whiten your teeth in four fifteen minute sessions. It’s ideal for anyone who wants immediate results.
The Zoom! light-activated whitening gel’s active ingredient is hydrogen peroxide. As it’s broken down, oxygen enters the enamel and dentin, bleaching any discolored substance while keeping the structure of the tooth unchanged. The Zoom! light aids in activating the hydrogen peroxide and helps it penetrate the surface of the tooth.
The entire procedure takes just over one hour, beginning with a preparation period followed by one hour of bleaching. A five-minute fluoride treatment completes the procedure (we recommend a cleaning prior to the actual Zoom! Whitening session). The Zoom! procedure is entirely painless and during the process, patients can watch television or listen to music. Many actually fall asleep.
Some people experience temporary increased tooth sensitivity to cold during and after treatment. These symptoms disappear within 1-3 days.
By following some simple post-whitening care instructions, your teeth will remain lighter than they were before. We recommend flossing, and brushing twice daily with a whitening toothpaste. Also, avoiding consumption of coffee, tea, soft drinks, and tobacco will keep your smile whiter for longer. Whitening Toothpaste and Zoom! take-home gel are professional formula products designed specifically to keep your teeth their brightest. They are available through our office.
At-home dental bleaching.
At-home dental bleaching can be used to correct tooth discoloration. Discolorations can be caused by staining, aging, or chemical damage to teeth. Using the latest in bleaching technology, we can offer a safe method for creating a beautiful “brilliant” smile. In cases of extreme tooth discoloration, crowns or veneers may be the only choice, but because of the low cost of bleaching treatments, bleaching is nearly always worth a solid try.
At Gulf Islands Dentistry, our at-home dental bleaching procedure is safe, quick, and inexpensive.
First, we’ll take an impression of your upper and lower teeth. In just a day or two your custom bleach splints will be ready for you to pick up. We provide you with a special bleaching agent that you put into the clear splints.
With only a few hours of wear per day, the bleaching agent removes stains from the enamel without altering tooth structure or existing dental work. When your teeth reach the desired brightness, only occasional treatment is needed to maintain your new smile. We’ll want to take “after” photos at your next appointment.