 What
is tooth whitening?
Tooth
whitening is actually a bleaching process that
lightens discolorations of the enamel and dentin to a
healthy, natural color.
What causes
tooth discoloration?
There
several reasons why teeth discolor:
 -Consuming coffee, tea and colas
-Tobacco
use
-Trauma-
accidents
-Old
silver or gold restorations
-Aging-
the dentin underneath the enamel of the tooth
gradually dark with age
-Antibiotics- some antibiotics may darken developing
teeth in children
Is Tooth Whitening Safe?
Research
and clinical studies indicate that whitening teeth under
the supervision of a dentist is safe for teeth and gums.
Who will benefit from tooth whitening?
Almost
everyone! Dr. Harrison will evaluate your teeth and
smile to determine whether you are a candidate for
whitening. Since there are several whitening procedures,
we must determine which will be the right procedure for
you.
 There are
several different whitening procedures, let us explain them
to you:
ZOOM
2
Whitening – is a one day, one visit whitening procedure.
The ZOOM 2 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 2 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 2 lamp increases the effectiveness of the ZOOM
2 gel by 33% or more, giving an average improvement of eight
shades.
-Day White-Discuss Dental Whitening gel is placed in a
thin bleaching tray that fits over your teeth that you
wear one to two times a day. As that active ingredient
in the gel, Carbamide Peroxide, is broken down, oxygen
enters the enamel and dentin and bleaches the colored
substances. The structure of the tooth is not changed:
only the tooth color is made lighter.
Nite
White- Discuss Dental Whitening gel is placed in a thin
bleaching tray that fits over your teeth that you wear at night
while you sleep. As that active ingredient in the gel, Carbamide
Peroxide, is broken down, oxygen enters the enamel and dentin
and bleaches the colored substances. The structure of the tooth
is not changed: only the tooth color is made lighter.
When will I see results?
With the
ZOOM 2 bleaching system, you will see the
results immediately and will leave with a whiter, brighter
smile.
With the
DayWhite or NiteWhite, you will see the results the
first treatment, but the full treatment takes 2 to 6
weeks. This depends on the original shade of your
teeth and how often it is applied.
Are there any side effects?
Some patients experience temporary
heightened tooth sensitivity to cold during the
treatment, but the symptoms are only temporary and
disappear within a few days.
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