Zoom Whitening

The Zoom whitening procedure is very simple and very effective. It begins with a short preparation to isolate your lips and gums. The Zoom whitening gel is then applied to your teeth and a special light is used to enhance the action of the whitening gel. The entire procedure takes just over one hour. You’ll notice results in as little as 45 minutes, and your smile will be up to eight shades whiter.

What is in-office teeth whitening?

In-office teeth whitening, also known as chairside whitening, is a procedure that uses a strong whitening gel to brighten teeth. The peroxide-based gel is applied to the teeth and a special light is used to activate the bleaching agent in the gel. This intense form of whitening your teeth can achieve results in a single visit, making it a popular cosmetic dental treatment for busy individuals. However, it is also the most expensive approach and may cause tooth sensitivity in some cases. Your dentist may avoid this treatment for patients who have sensitive teeth and gums.

In addition to brightening your smile, professional teeth whitening can also improve the overall health of your mouth by giving it a fresh appearance. Stains can make your smile look old or unhealthy and can make you feel self-conscious about smiling. A brighter smile can boost your self-esteem and confidence and make your overall oral health better.

After you’ve finished reading this guide, check out these related articles to learn more about cosmetic dentistry treatments:

- [What is professional teeth whitening?]( [What are the benefits of a professional teeth whitening treatment?]( [How often should you get your teeth professionally whitened?]( whitened)

- [Why do people get their teeth professionally whitened?]( Benefits of professional teeth whitening

Professional whitening is more powerful than using store bought whitening kits or strips. Your dentist has access to stronger whitening solutions and will be able to better guide you with how much to use and how to use these products safely.

Teeth whitening can make your teeth several shades lighter, but it’s important to remember that results vary among patients.

In most cases, you can expect teeth to be brighter for two or more years following a professional in-office treatment. While at-home whitening trays can gradually whiten teeth, they might not lighten them quite as dramatically as a professional treatment.

In addition to brightening your smile, having your teeth professionally whitened may mean less tooth sensitivity and fewer side effects when compared with over-the-counter products. This is because they are less likely to contain harsh chemicals that can actually damage the enamel of your teeth.

Keep in mind that these suggestions are guidelines only. The best method of care will depend on your dental health needs and personal concerns. Talk to your dentist about the best options for your particular situation.

“The toothbrush was invented over 100 years ago and we still use the same design today! A toothbrush consists of bristles attached to a stick-like handle with a head on one end. The bristled end is used to scrub the teeth, while the handle is often designated to the hand that holds the brush.”

- From DentalPost.net - Medically Reviewed

Disadvantages of professional teeth whitening

Teeth whitening provided by a dentist has advantages, but there are disadvantages as well.

Some people experience increased sensitivity in the teeth that received treatment. This can be remedied by wearing a protective gel over the treated teeth and using toothpaste for sensitive teeth, but some people experience significant discomfort for several weeks after treatment.

The dentist can discuss with you whether there are any alternatives that may be better for you. For example, if you want to whiten your teeth but are not happy with the potential side effects of traditional bleaching treatments, you may opt for veneers instead. Veneers offer a quick way to make your smile brighter while also protecting delicate tooth enamel from damage. Schedule a consultation to discuss which type of cosmetic dentistry is right for you!

Dr. Smith is a general and cosmetic dentist who provides a range of preventive, restorative and cosmetic services to improve the health and beauty of his patients’ smiles. To schedule a consultation, call Smith Family Dentistry in Greenville at 864-844-2212 or fill out our online contact form today!