What causes surface stains on my teeth?

• Plaque buildup
• Tobacco
• Coffee and tea
• Wine

These stains occur on the outside surface of the tooth and are called extrinsic stains. Extrinsic stains can be removed most effectively by a profesional dental cleaning and polishing.

What causes stain beneath the surface of my teeth?

• Aging
  
• Certain foods and beverages such as coffee, tea, colas, red wine etc
  
• Tobacco
  
• The use of certain antibiotics during tooth development, tetracycline and also excessive fluoride
  
• Defects within the teeth

Can I whiten stains beneath the surface of my teeth?
Intrinsic stains can be whitened by professional bleaching lights trays or concealed by veneers over the affected tooth.

Tooth whitening is a well-established procedure in cosmetic dentistry. Hydrogen Peroxide has been safely used for many years in the treatment of gums and other oral soft tissue.
The whitening process is effective on most discolored teeth. Darker stains, such as those caused by antibiotics, are more difficult to whiten. The degree of whiteness will vary from patient to patient, depending on the structure of the teeth.

In our office we offer the Zoom! Whitening System
Do you want to Zoom!?

We have two whitening systems:

• The Zoom! Chairside Whitening System
• The Zoom! Take-Home Whitening System

The Zoom! In-Office Whitening System will make your teeth dramatically whiter in less than an hour. Is ideal for anyone looking for immediate results. The procedure is simple. It begins with a short preparation to cover your lips and gums, leaving only your teeth exposed. The Zoom! clinician then applies the proprietary Zoom! Whitening Gel, which was designed to be used with a specially designed light. The Zoom! light and gel work together to gently penetrate your teeth, breaking up stains and discoloration. With proper care your smile will sparkle for years. The convenience of Zoom! in comparison to days of wearing trays or strips, makes it the perfect choice for the busy individual.

The Zoom!Take-Home Whitening System gives you the power to Zoom! anywhere. So that you can Zoom! at your convenience, your dentist will take an impression of your teeth and use it to make a set of comfortable, custom fitted trays. You’ll syringe the Zoom! take-home gel into your trays and wear them for four to eight hours, either during the day or at night while you sleep. Most people see satisfying results within three applications, but your Zoom! Weekender Kit contains additional syringes if you want to whiten further or use for future touch-ups. This advanced patent-pending gel whitens teeth an average of six shades in three nights.

Zoom! Take-Home Gel uses a patent-pending activation matrix to whiten your teeth in just three days. This special formula increases the effectiveness of the active ingredient in the gel by helping control its release and aiding its penetration into your teeth. As a result, whitening that takes weeks with other products only takes a few days with Zoom!

A sparkling new smile can be yours. Take your first step to feeling good, looking great and making a memorable impression every time you smile. You owe it to yourself!

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Zoom! tooth whitening?
A: Zoom! is a bleaching process that lightens discoloration of enamel and dentin.

Q: Who may benefit from tooth whitening?
A: Almost anyone. However, treatment may not be as effective for some as it is for others. Your dental professional can determine if you are a viable candidate for this procedure through a thorough oral exam, including a shade assessment.

Q: Do many people whiten their teeth?
A: More people than you might imagine. A bright sparkling smile can make a big difference for everyone. The Zoom! Chairside Whitening System makes it easier and faster than ever before.

Q: Is whitening safe?
A: 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. As with any tooth whitening product, Zoom! is not recommended for children under 13 years of age and pregnant or lactating women.

Q: How long do the results last?
A: 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, and occasional touch-ups with Zoom! Weekender or Nite White gel. These are professional formula products designed specifically to keep your teeth their brightest. They are available only through your dental professional.

Q: How does the Zoom! In-office system work?
A: 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 26% or more, giving an average improvement of eight shades.

Q: What does a patient experience during the Zoom! In-Office Procedure?
A: During the procedure, patients may comfortably watch television or listen to music. Individuals with a strong gag reflex or anxiety may have difficulty undergoing the entire procedure.

Q: How is exposure to the Zoom! light controlled?
A: The Zoom! procedure requires that all soft tissue in and around the mouth be protected. The clinician is required to monitor the procedure to insure any exposed skin or tissue is isolated and protected. Protective eyewear is required during the procedure.
Light sensitive individuals, including those undergoing PUVA therapy (Psoralen+UV Radiation) or other photochemotherapy, or patients with melanoma, should not undergo the Zoom! in-office procedure. Also, patients taking any light sensitive drugs or substances, whether over the counter, prescription or homeopathic, should consult their primary care physician prior to the procedure. Anyone who is not eligible for Zoom! Chairside Whitening for these reasons may be an excellent candidate for Zoom! Take-Home.

Q: How long does Zoom! Chairside Whitening take?
A: The complete procedure takes less than an hour. The procedure begins with a preparation period followed as little as by 45 minutes of bleaching. (A cleaning is recommended prior to the actual Zoom! whitening session.)

Q: Are there any side effects on Zoom! Chairside Whitening?
A: Sensitivity during the treatment may occur with some patients. The Zoom! light generates minimal heat which is the usual source of discomfort. On rare occasions, minor tingling sensations are experienced immediately after the procedure, but always dissipate.

Q: How long does Zoom! Take-Home Whitening take?
A: The Zoom! Take-Home gel is designed to be worn between four and eight hours per application. Your dental professional will advise you on how long you should wear each application. Most people prefer to wear it overnight while they sleep, but you can also wear it during the day if that works better for you. A recent study showed that you can achieve an average improvement of six shades’ after just three applications. However, individual results may vary. Your dental professional will help you determine how many applications are right for you.

Q: Are there any side effects on Zoom! Take-Home Whitening?
A: Some people experience temporary increased tooth sensitivity to cold during treatment. These symptoms usually disappear within 1-3 days after interruption or completion of the treatment.

Make an appointment today!