Everybody wants white teeth. The problem is: our teeth are ever subject to a host of factors that cause tooth discoloration. When your teeth start showing signs of stains and yellowish tint, perhaps it is time to schedule an appointment with a professional Greenville dentist who can provide you with some options for teeth whitening. One such treatment is called Zoom In-Office Whitening.
An article from Consumer Guide to Dentistry details what happens during a Zoom Whitening procedure:
The complete procedure takes less than an hour, but a regular teeth cleaning is recommended prior to the actual Zoom teeth whitening session. The procedure begins with a short preparation to cover the lips and gums, leaving the teeth exposed. The dentist or dental assistant then applies the Zoom hydrogen peroxide whitening gel, which works together with the Zoom light to penetrate the teeth and break up the stains and discoloration. The gel remains in place for 15 minutes while the light is activated. During this time, you can relax, watch TV or listen to music.
Tooth discoloration is divided into three main categories:
- Intrinsic discoloration which occurs when the inner structure of the tooth darkens or gets a yellow tint.
- Extrinsic discoloration which occurs when the tooth’s enamel is stained by colored food and drinks like tea, coffee and wine.
- Age-related discoloration is the combination of both extrinsic and intrinsic factors that naturally causes teeth to be discolored over time as the enamel gets thinner.
The best course of action for any of these categories of discoloration is to visit a skilled Greenville, SC dentist from practices like Falls Park Dentistry for regular cleaning and teeth whitening to maintain good dental health. Before getting a procedure like Zoom Whitening, however, your dentist must conduct an examination of your teeth and gums to determine if whitening is right for you.
Be sure to discuss your lifestyle habits with your dentist before undergoing the procedure to avoid complications. Remember that heat radiated from the Zoom Advanced Power Chairside Lamp will cause a patient to experience a minor tingling sensation, which will eventually wear off after some time.
After the procedure, the dentist will give you a Zoom home-use touch-up kit which can prolong the effects of the whitening procedure. Meantime, you should try to limit your consumption of foods and drinks that can stain your teeth like cola, red wine and coffee.
(Source: Zoom Whitening: See the Light and Unleash Your White, Consumer Guide to Dentistry)