Teeth Whitening or Bleaching: Achieve a Radiant Smile

Teeth Whitening or Bleaching

Teeth whitening is requested by patients or sometimes recommended by the dentist for a cosmetic enhancement of the smile. For an in-office whitening or “bleaching” procedure, a patient is usually scheduled for about two hours. We, at Advanced Dental Care, use Phillips Zoom! Whitening procedure-  https://www.usa.philips.com/c-m-pe/teeth-whitening system for the in-office bleaching procedure, which has shown exceptional results each time. Along with the in-office procedure, clear bleach trays are also fabricated for the patient to take home, along with some bleaching gel,  to maintain the shade achieved.

Some important things to consider before Zoom whitening are :

1. Composite fillings on the front teeth will not bleach effectively as much as enamel does. In those situations, those fillings may need replacements after the procedure.
2. Porcelain crowns or veneers also do not change color with the whitening gel or Zoom procedure. If veneers or crowns on the front teeth are being considered, then Zoom whitening should be done BEFORE the veneers or crowns are done. Or the existing veneers or crowns will need replacement afterward.
3. Existing gum disease should be addressed BEFORE Zoom whitening as the gums can bleed and be extremely sensitive if the Zoom gel and light are applied on inflamed gums and cause immense discomfort.
4. The dentists should have access to the most current x-rays of the teeth which are going to be involved in the Zoom whitening process, to rule out any underlying conditions which may get exaggerated with the bleaching process.
5. Sensitive teeth with recession, erosion, and cavities should be addressed BEFORE the bleaching process to prevent excessive post-operative sensitivity.
6. Allergies to the bleaching material. Zoom gel is 25% hydrogen peroxide, whereas the take-home bleaching gels are usually 22% carbamide peroxide.
7. Insurance does not typically cover Zoom whitening or any bleaching services since it is considered a cosmetic procedure.

The zoom whitening process is not a permanent “color change”. It is a long-term temporary enhancement of the color of the teeth, which can be easily maintained with custom bleaching trays at home. Most people do not have to redo their Zoom whitening process for almost a year or two, especially If they have been keeping up with their regular cleaning and hygiene appointments, good home care regimen, and using their bleach trays for touch-ups whenever necessary. One of the most important factors that affect color change is food and beverages which can cause staining and pigmentation, resulting in loss of the “bleach” effect of the teeth much faster.

Call us at 253-473-2166 for a free consultation to evaluate your teeth for a potential Zoom whitening appointment!